Associate in Fine Arts Degree in Creative Writing
The Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) degree in Creative Writing is designed for the student who has selected Creative Writing as a career option and intends to transfer to a fine arts baccalaureate program (BA or BFA) in Creative Writing at a four-year institution. The AFA degree combines creative writing coursework in several genres with the study of literature. Students who complete this course of study and meet the admission requirements to their selected institution may be eligible to apply for admission with junior standing.
The AFA is designed to provide the student with a body of work through workshop courses and a Capstone Project that will assist the student in being accepted into a competitive creative writing program. The student will also work to build his or her resume and portfolio before moving into the professional arena.
The AFA is a combination of liberal arts general education courses and creative writing courses. General education requirements fulfill the creative writing student's need to develop conceptual and communication skills necessary for successful transfer and completion os a baccalaureate arts degree or a successional professional career.
The degree is earned by completing 64 credits, 40 credits of which are to include the entire Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) and 24 credits of English course requirements. To complete the AFA degree program in Creative Writing in two years, it is recommended that the student take 16 credits per semester each of the four semesters (Fall and Spring). Some courses are offered during the summer session to reduce the course load during the academic year.
Students in the AFA degree program are assigned a faculty mentor and will have required meetings with their mentor throughout the academic year.
Students should consult their intended institution for any additional admissions or general education requirements.
Required writing courses: (12cr)
Complete 12 credits from the following:
ENGW 1111 Introduction to Creative Writing
ENGW 2112 Poetry Writing
ENGW 2113 Fiction Writing
ENGW 2114 Play and Screenwriting
ENGW 2115 Creative Nonfiction Writing
ENGW 2900 Topics Courses (may be repeated with different topics)
Required literature courses: (11 cr)
ENGL 1130 Literature of Diversity
ENGL 2151 American Literature 2
One additional ENGL course at the 2000 level
Capstone Portfolio Project (1+ cr)
Students will complete an Independent Study project with their mentor their final semester, focusing on preparing a representative portfolio of work completed during their AFA program.
For course descriptions and additional program information visit the Normandale catalog online.
View common course outline information.
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Department Admin
Dean: Jeffrey Judge, Dean of Humanities
Dean's Assistant: Carmel Johnson
Dept Chair: Johan Christopherson
Mission Statement
The English Department believes the insights and skills gained through the study of writing and literature are essential to a liberal arts education, to success in the working world, and to effective communication in all career fields. This belief underlies the faculty's teaching, research and service.
The department offers a complete selection of lower division courses for a major in English and related areas such as rhetoric and composition, speech and communication, business, journalism, and other majors.
In addition, many students take English courses to develop personal skills, to enhance career opportunites, or to explore an interest in literature and writing.
