The course of study leading to the M.F.A. degree is very flexible. The candidate must satisfactorily complete four semesters of graduate work, totaling at least 48 semester hours. Up to 18 semester hours of graduate credit may be transferred, but this does not change the residence requirement. Roughly half of the candidate's work during residence will be in actual writing courses in the program, while the rest of the work can include graduate courses in other departments or programs.

The Master of Fine Arts Examination
In each student's last semester of work, he or she is required to take a written exam which may be prepared at home. 

Thesis
In each student's last semester, he or she is required to submit as a thesis a fiction or poetry manuscript of substantial length.