Most of the students in the MFA program work at part-time or full-time jobs, many in fields unrelated to creative writing. First, it is important that you ascertain that you can get time off to attend the 10-day residencies in Los Angeles. Though the residencies require your full attention, some students choose to be in contact with their employment during that time.

During project periods, students find that they can easily fulfil the conditions of their Project Period Contracts if they develop good time management skills and effective work habits. The program provides flexibility and the opportunity to be self-directed. Apart from the requirement that you submit creative work to your faculty mentor each month, you are generally free to participate as much or as little as you want in online conferences. Most students spend an average of five hours per week in online activities.

If it would help you in your decision-making to speak with current students who are also employed, please contact us and we'll arrange for you to correspond with a student in the program.

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It's not at all unusual for published writers to apply to the Antioch University Los Angeles MFA in Creative Writing Program. In fact, several Antioch University students have published novels, complete collections of poetry, biographies, essays, or short fiction before entering the program. Most of these students would agree that there is always more to learn about writing and certainly a great deal to be gained from intense study of craft with other highly motivated writers. Some students have chosen to work in a different genre than the one in which they had published originally. In addition, students meet editors, agents, and publishers while in the program. They also start to build networks with one another, establishing ties that serve them well after they graduate.

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Antioch University Los Angeles graduates (and current students) are working in the field of education as teachers in elementary, middle, and high schools; community colleges; and universities. We're happy to say that all graduates who have earned a Certificate in the Pedagogy of Creative Writing have teaching positions. Antioch University graduates and current students are working as journalists, translators, literary magazine editors, directors of foundations and literary festivals, radio broadcasters, book reviewers, and columnists for magazines and newspapers. It is interesting to note that many students' field studies has led to employment opportunities. Antioch University graduates and current students have published stories, poems, translations in literary journals, and collections of poetry, as well as essays in journals and magazines. They have read their work in the usual literary venues and on the radio. Some students have received scholarships and fellowships for continuing study, and one of our students has been awarded a residency at a writer's colony.

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Please review the Admissions section of our website. Admissions decisions are communicated in March for the summer/fall semester and September for the winter/spring semester. Upon acceptance, students should be prepared to begin reading in preparation for your first residency or simply request information online.

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There are two grants available to incoming MFA students: the Antioch Opportunity Grant, and the Eloise Klein Healy Grant. Both of these grants are awarded based on merit and diversity. All MFA applicants are automatically considered for both grants: there is no seperate application procedure. If awarded, grantees will be notified individually by the MFA Program Office. Please contact the MFA Program Office for further information.

In addition to these grants, students may qualify for other financial aid options such as Antioch scholarships and federal grants and loans. Visit the Financial Aid section of our website for additional information.

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Costs and fees to attend Antioch's MFA program can be found here. Please note that once you are accepted into the program, you will be required to submit a $200 deposit to guarantee your space for the first semester. While this is a non-refundable deposit, it will be applicable toward your tuition. You will be enrolled in 12 units per semester. This is considered full-time enrollment; in the MFA program you must register for full-time study. Additionally, there is a materials fee, which covers instructional materials.

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Since the MFA is a low-residency program and much of your work is done online, it is essential that you have a computer with adequate capabilities (such as high-speed internet connectivity, etc). You should consider a laptop for use during the residency periods.

 

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