Any one here completed or considered enrolling in an MFA program for poetry? I have a friend doing one now, but have heard they are a controversial topic among writers. I’ve spoken to some who encourage it and others who are adamantly anti-MFA.
On one hand, it’s a great way to focus on writing for a few years. However, it also isn’t a very “cost-effective” degree to pursue unless it’s a funded program. Some also think it may be a creatively stifling process, as you may simply be trained to write poetry that your specific professors like.
what are your thoughts??
The institution I am attending is Southern New Hampshire University, and they offer an MFA in Creative Writing and English. However, you can opt in to have poetry as a concentration. I am enlisted to start terms for their MFA program because I want to teach Creative Writing and English in the United States.
I do not think any person who admires their educational pursuits should have to reconsider pursuing a degree solely based on other people's suggestions. If you can pay for the extra education, then why not! The experience alone is tremendously valuable. I suppose considering career options would factor in as well.
In my personal opinion, go ahead and do it! If you can financially do so. After all, it is a passion of yours.