Programs

The School of Critical Studies offers three graduate programs in writing, all leading to the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree. Prospective students are invited to apply to one of the following:

MFA Writing Program

MA in Aesthetics and Politics

Center for Integrated Media

MFA Interschool Degree

Coursework for all MFA writing students consists primarily of seminars, writing workshops and project classes. Students in the Integrated Media Program in Writing are further required to take Integrated Media (IM) classes every semester, while those in the Interschool Program in Writing must complete a separate curriculum within another CalArts school.

Writing students also take advantage of numerous elective courses. In addition to its graduate writing programs, the School of Critical Studies provides the general education component for all Bachelor of Fine Art (BFA) programs in the schools of Art, Dance, Film/Video, Music and Theater. Altogether, the School of Critical Studies offers more than 120 courses each semester, covering topics that range from cultural studies and aesthetic theory to interactive performance and new media. Moreover, writing students may take classes offered through other schools at CalArts.

To graduate, MFA writing students must meet all program and course requirements, successfully complete a thesis project and pass two faculty reviews of their overall artistic progress.

Course Catalog