How Long Does It Take to Get an MFA in CRW?

Q: I enjoyed your book, ALL OR NOTHING, especially the gambling scenes in the Indian Casinos in Miami. I was very excited reading those thrilling scenes and it made me realize that gambling is the same no matter where you live. I lived in New Jersey back in the 80s and those scenes brought back a lot of Atlantic City memories for me. I have a granddaughter in high school who is a good writer and she has spoken about wanting to be a novelist. I notice that you have an MFA. About how much does it cost to get an MFA and about how long does it take?

A: Thanks for reading the book. About the MFA, well, the cost and time will all depend on what school she gets into. My friend Lisa Shaw has allowed me to borrow a list she recently compiled of the credit requirements of about three dozen MFA programs.

MFA Credit Requirements: A Sampling

36-40 Credit Hours

Bowling Green S. U.
Brooklyn College
New School
North Carolina State
Notre Dame University
Queens College (CUNY)
University of Georgia
University of Maryland
University of Southern California
University of Wisconsin (Madison)
University of Wyoming

42-48 Credit Hours

Arizona State
Boise State
Florida International University
Naropa
Oregon State
Syracuse
University of Miami
University of Baltimore
University of Florida
University of Iowa
University of Massachusetts
University of Pennsylvania
University of South Florida

50-60 Credit Hours

American University
Columbia University
Indiana University
Virginia Tech
Iowa State
San Francisco State
University of Idaho
University of Nevada Las Vegas

You know what? This list is a good idea. I am going to be updating and adding to this list periodically, so come back and check it from time to time--I am personally interested in the other state of Florida schools like UCF, FAU, FSU and so on, but eventually I hope to compile a list of all North American MFA programs.

Thanks for the question. You've given me a mission.

Preston