The state of Virginia has several educational institutions with MFA programs. These provide degrees in studio art, theatre, drama, and creative writing, among others. The following sections detail some of these universities as well as admissions requirements.
MFA Programs in Virginia
Radford University - MFA in Studio Art
Radford University's MFA in studio art offers the student a choice of several concentration areas, including drawing, graphic design, jewelry, painting, and photography. The 60-credit program features course topics such as instructional design, studio management, international art history, and critical writing in art. Core courses comprise nine hours of the program and are entirely online. The program enables aspiring artists to work closely with accomplished college and visiting international faculty.
University of Virginia - MFA in Drama
University of Virginia's MFA in drama program offers the prospective graduate a range of concentrations to choose from, including degrees in acting, costume design & technology, and lighting design. Students get to learn under the watchful eyes of a faculty of full-time professionals and visiting guest artists. The 72-credit, three-year program typically requires the student to submit a thesis or a creative project. The university also offers an MFA in creative writing.
Virginia Commonwealth University - MFA in Creative Writing
Virginia Commonwealth University's MFA in creative writing is a 48-credit, three-year program that offers poetry and fiction as the primary tracks but also focuses on nonfiction, drama and screenplays. To earn this degree, students must complete 12 credit hours of writing workshops, 6-12 hours of thesis work, 12 hours of literature courses, and electives. The university also provides MFAs in design, fine arts, and theatre.
Virginia Tech - MFA in Theatre
Virginia Tech has a wide range of degrees in its MFA in theatre program, including costume design and technology, scenography, lighting design, stage management, properties design and management, and more. Each of these 60-credit, three-year programs are practical and extensive. Further, students get to learn under the tutelage of experienced faculty. Besides the MFA in theatre, the university also offers an MFA in creative writing.
George Mason University - MFA in Creative Writing
George Mason University's MFA in creative writing is a three-year, 48-credit program with concentrations in non-fiction, fiction, and poetry. Courses cover the historical elements of each genre, from the past to more contemporary published works. To earn the degree, students in poetry are required to pass an MFA exam and students in the other two tracks must pass an MFA exam or complete a project. Besides, all students are required to provide a thesis at the end of the program. The university also offers an MFA in visual arts.
Admission Requirements
To apply for an MFA program in Virginia, candidates are typically required to submit their official educational transcripts, 2-3 letters of recommendation, cover letter, resume, and statement of career goals. Candidates for the creative writing program must submit a writing sample, which usually is a specific number of pages for poetry or fiction. Candidates for the studio arts program may have to submit a portfolio of their most recent works and drama applicants may have to appear for a personal interview. A grade point average (GPA) may or may not be required.
MFA programs in Virginia can range from 2-3 years in length and require as many as 72 credits to complete. Admission into one of these programs usually requires submission of the applicant's latest artwork or samples of their writing.