COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Creative Writing at Texas State University is a highly focused graduate program designed to develop advanced writers through intensive practice, literary study, and professional engagement. The program offers two specialized tracks: Fiction and Poetry, allowing students to concentrate deeply in their chosen genre while refining their creative voice and technical mastery. Both options are structured to support the production of a substantial body of original literary work, culminating in a thesis that typically takes the form of a book-length manuscript of publishable quality. The curriculum integrates writing workshops, literature courses, studies in form and theory, and training in literary techniques, alongside a required minor or cognate field outside of creative writing to broaden intellectual and artistic perspectives. Students in the Fiction Option focus on narrative craft, character development, structure, and prose style, while those in the Poetry Option engage deeply with poetic forms, imagery, rhythm, and experimentation in verse. Workshop courses are genre-specific, ensuring that students receive concentrated feedback from faculty and peers working within the same literary tradition. The program also emphasizes professional development through opportunities such as participation in literary journals, including the Porter House Review, which provides hands-on experience in editing and publishing. Overall, the M.F.A. in Creative Writing combines rigorous creative practice with critical literary study, preparing graduates for careers as authors, educators, editors, and literary professionals while fostering the development of original, meaningful contributions to contemporary literature.