The Masters of Fine Arts in Writing program here at UNH was recently ranked 42nd in Poets and Writers magazine with its nonfiction program in seventh place, a rare accomplishment for a program that is just shy of four years old.
In a guide written by Seth Abramson, the meaning of the ranking is described in greater detail: “Because there are 140 full-residency MFA programs in the United States, any school whose numerical ranking is in the top 50 in any of the ranked categories – the overall rankings; rankings in the poetry, fiction, or nonfiction genres; or the rankings by funding, selectivity, and postgraduate placement – should be considered exceptional in that category.”
UNH was ranked 39th for the category of poetry and 40th place for the fiction category.
The UNH English department’s MFA program is composed of 48 credit hours in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Candidates for the program are required to write a book-length thesis to complete the program. Students with teaching assistantship are able to complete the program in three years. However, students without the assistantship can complete it in just two years.
Thirty years prior to the MFA program, UNH had a master’s program in English/Writing, but in 2003 the department recognized the need to change that program to the Master’s of Fine Arts program as it is the terminal degree in the writing field.
“Each of the 140 schools that were ranked has a unique personality,” said Associate Professor and Writing Director of the MFA program Sue Hertz. “UNH’s strength is in its size. We have a small program of 45 students in three genres, which enables students to get a lot of attention from their professors. It fosters a strong sense of community among writing students.”
Andrew Merton, chair of the English Department believes the program is headed in the right direction.
“We have made some adjustments in terms of flexibility,” Merton said. “We have encountered some difficulties with the leave of three staff members. However, I think we are in good shape. We continue to fight for our share of the pie financially, but I think we are where we should be. Given that the program is so young, it is nice to be recognized.”
The program enables students to learn not only in their personal writing sphere, but in the other genres as well through various writing workshops and interaction with other members in the program.
“We allow and encourage our students to try other genres because they all borrow from each other,” Hertz said. “Content, structure, and imagery are some examples of aspects that cover each genre. I think it’s good to have an appreciation of the other genres.”
“I feel as if the MFA at UNH was a fantastic place to study creative writing,” said alumnus Mark Gosztyla, who is now a poetry instructor at Tufts University. “I studied poetry specifically, and between Professors Simic, McBride, and Rivard, I felt like I received the best tutelage I possibly could. They are supportive beyond belief. They believe in their students and do all they can to help hone their craft.”
Mike Mangan, a full-time faculty member from the psychology department, found the MFA program to be a perfect fit, allowing him to chip away part time.
“Most of the classes are very small with a lot of workshops,” Mangan said. “You really get plenty of feedback from both your peers and faculty members.”
“There’s also a high amount of accountability for individual effort,” Mangan said. “The program is designed for those students who are focused and genuinely passionate about writing.”
“When a program does well, it is good for the university,” Hertz said. “We have three new faculty members – Ann Joslin Williams, David Rivard, and Thomas Payne – all who have been great additions to the program.”
A strength of the program is reflected in its staff members. “I think the main strength of the program is the faculty,” said Gosztyla. “In my experience, they all genuinely want the students to succeed in their writing pursuits. When I was pursuing an opportunity to write a series of true crime articles for Foster's Daily Democrat, I was encouraged and advised on the project by Sue Hertz and Meredith Hall who teach non-fiction, as well as Mekeel McBride, who teaches poetry. Without their help, I wouldn't have been able to see the project through to completion.”
Currently one of the weaknesses of the program is its financial foundation in terms of supporting incoming students to the program with scholarships or grants.
“Our one real weakness is that we don’t have a lot of financial aid to offer students,” Hertz said. “We don’t have the luxury to increase the amount of financial spending or grants to attract all the highly qualified students who may decide to go to other schools that better support them financially.”
Ken Fuld, the interim Dean of the College of Liberal Arts is an avid supporter of the program.
“We are delighted that UNH's MFA in writing program has gained such recognition in such a short period of time,” Fuld said. “It is a reflection of the high quality of our faculty in writing and the English department's ability to provide a well functioning graduate program.”
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