There are advantages to earning a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing degree that are difficult or time-consuming to achieve without the degree. In fact, one of the most important advantages to the M.F.A. is time time to focus on your craft, and time saved by learning about writing, writing opportunities and the writing world on your own.<br><br>Our faculty are all well-known, respected authors and sought-after for readings, anthologies and awards. Our association with Southern Illinois University Press and our long-standing tradition of hosting various literary festivals and readings make our home community an active part of the greater writing community and that means expanded opportunities for our graduate students.<br>First, the workshops. As is fairly standard in many writing programs, youll read your work and critique your peers work in a collegial environment led by our faculty.<br><br>Youll also work one-on-one with our writing faculty. And youll produce a thesis of original work, for which you will work closely with your advisor.<br><br>You should expect to work in a variety of forms in both poetry or fiction as your chosen focus. We introduce our writing students to a variety of styles and personalities, from traditional to experimental and even including new technology and non-traditional venues for publication and storytelling.<br><br>Our small program size provides an excellent student-teacher ratio, and encourages both formal and informal apprenticeship and tutorial relationships. While no academic program can promise to create writers, our M.F.A. program strives to provide committed, talented writers the guidance, instruction, support, and community that will help them produce their best work.