Prior Learning Assessment: Master of Fine Arts

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) applicants will be considered for a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) under the following circumstances:

• They have a three-year undergraduate degree more than five years old;
• They have a four-year undergraduate degree more than five years old and whose GPA is below the minimum acceptable level (B); or
• They do not possess an undergraduate degree.

The MFA Admissions Committee will determine if an applicant meets the standard admission criteria during the admission evaluation stage, or if a PLA is required. If additional supporting documents are required, the admissions team will be in contact with the applicant directly.

PLA candidates should explain, in their personal statement, their motivation for seeking entrance to the program and expand upon why they think their life and work experience and/or related formal education and courses merit adjudication.

Creative Nonfiction

PLA candidates are required to provide a significant body of published or produced work, in formats including magazines, newspapers, online, screenplays, radio and other broadcast media, documentaries, books, journals, etc. and/or a substantial related work experience in a writing or publishing-related business enterprise; evidence of diplomas or other accredited and relevant study programs; attendance at workshops, seminars or other professional development programs; membership in one or more relevant professional organizations (CAJ, EAC, CNFC, TWUC, regional writers’ organizations, peer writing groups, etc.); delivery of speeches, presentations or other public addresses relevant to the program. PLA candidates should provide evidence of any writing-related diplomas or credentials awarded will also be considered by the admission committee.

Fiction

To be considered for PLA, applicants are required to provide a significant body of published or produced work, in formats including magazines, newspapers, online, screenplays, radio and other broadcast media, documentaries, books, journals, etc. and/or a substantial related work experience in a writing or publishing-related business enterprise; evidence of diplomas or other accredited and relevant study programs; attendance at workshops, seminars or other professional development programs; membership in one or more relevant professional organizations (EAC,TWUC, regional writers’ organizations, peer writing groups, etc.); delivery of speeches, presentations or other public addresses relevant to the program. Evidence of any writing-related diplomas or credentials awarded will also be considered by the admission committee.