What's the word on joint MFA/PhD in English literature programs?

[B-612]

Hi, everyone!
 

I've heard that getting accepted into joint programs is difficult and that a lot of universities frown on it. I'm not entirely sure why. To me, the two seem fairly compatible. I think a sound education in literature (i.e. literary theory) and intensive research would supplement one's writing skills. I also think it's easier for people who write themselves to understand literature. That doesn't seem too "out there" to me. 

 

Are there any respectable universities that offer joint programs (and don't just do so in name, i.e. the University of Iowa's doctoral program paired with the Writers' Workshop)? I ask this as a person who's always wanted to be a (creative) writer but who also enjoys research and feels his home is on a university campus. I hope my passions aren't mutually exclusive. I know a lot of people say, "You don't need an MFA to be a writer" but I'd love the structure and the feedback.

 

On a side note: I am a Master of Divinity and religion is another one of my passions. I thought I'd pursue ordained ministry but after thoughtful discernment realized literature is the way I want to minister--and far more open to everyone. I think concerns about the economy and job market deterred me from pursuing a career in English more fully but at this point, I'd rather burn out trying to do what I love than doing what I thought others deemed practical. If anyone knows of good religion/literature programs (maybe some C.S. Lewis scholars, hmm?   ) I'd be stoked to hear about them. 

 

Many thanks!

[kayrabbit]

Cornell offers a joint MFA/PhD but only in fiction and poetry. I planned to apply in creative nonfiction, but found that they do not accept creative nonfiction students. The University of Notre Dame also allows students to complete a PhD and MFA simultaneously, but it's not so much a joint program. You must apply to each program separately and if you are accepted to both, you can start the PhD and complete the MFA at some point during your studies (at least, that's what someone with the department told me).

[Metaellipses]

Brown has something called the "Open Graduate Program" that's available to their PhD students. It allows you to obtain a funded Masters degree in pretty much any field as long as you can argue that it is relevant to your main degree. You complete it at the same time as your PhD and it just tacks on a year to your funding. I don't see why you wouldn't be able to make an argument for a MFA (or an MA in Religion for that matter) as either would have a pretty strong connection to your literary interests. The MFA would be awarded by their "Literary Arts" program in case you want to look it up.

Edited April 11, 2013 by Metaellipses

[asleepawake]

The word is: Cornell.

There are some schools that offer than MA/MFA. 

 

 

I've heard that getting accepted into joint programs is difficult and that a lot of universities frown on it. I'm not entirely sure why. To me, the two seem fairly compatible. I think a sound education in literature (i.e. literary theory) and intensive research would supplement one's writing skills. I also think it's easier for people who write themselves to understand literature. That doesn't seem too "out there" to me. 

 

It's not. My understanding is that virtually all of the PhD in Creative Writing programs require traditional research in literature as well. You don't end up with two degrees, though.

[B-612]

The word is: Cornell.

There are some schools that offer than MA/MFA. 

 

 

 

It's not. My understanding is that virtually all of the PhD in Creative Writing programs require traditional research in literature as well. You don't end up with two degrees, though.

I hadn't really thought about applying to a creative writing PhD program. I was thinking more along the lines of an actual English literature research PhD. I'd love to do a PhD with a creative dissertation, but what would be the job prospects after getting out of that kind of program? Would I be at a disadvantage? Such good info.

[B-612]

Brown has something called the "Open Graduate Program" that's available to their PhD students. It allows you to obtain a funded Masters degree in pretty much any field as long as you can argue that it is relevant to your main degree. You complete it at the same time as your PhD and it just tacks on a year to your funding. I don't see why you wouldn't be able to make an argument for a MFA (or an MA in Religion for that matter) as either would have a pretty strong connection to your literary interests. The MFA would be awarded by their "Literary Arts" program in case you want to look it up.

That sounds, for lack of a better phrase, wicked awesome. I'm definitely going to put some research into Brown.

[asleepawake]

I hadn't really thought about applying to a creative writing PhD program. I was thinking more along the lines of an actual English literature research PhD. I'd love to do a PhD with a creative dissertation, but what would be the job prospects after getting out of that kind of program? Would I be at a disadvantage? Such good info.

 

I don't think you would be at a disadvantage, per se, but you would apply primary for creative writing jobs, I assume.