Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing MFA Curriculum Requirements

Emerson College’s Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing graduate program consists of a 36-credit curriculum. Housed in the School of Arts and Interdisciplinary Studies, the program is 100% online. This online format is convenient and flexible, allowing you to learn from anywhere in the world according to your own schedule. There are no residency requirements.

Sample Curriculum Map

Our Popular Fiction Publishing and Writing MFA can be completed full-time in two-and-a-half years, or part-time in three to five years. This sample curriculum map is designed to give you an idea of your course load as a full-time student over two-and-a-half years. For full course information, review our course catalog.

Full-time Sample Curriculum Map (September–May)

Fall Semester 1 (8 credits)

  • Core Course: PF 610 Writing Workshop in Popular Fiction
  • Publishing Course: PF 630 Introduction to the Publishing Process of Writers

Spring Semester 1 (8 credits)

  • Core Course: PF 612 Young Adult Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing Workshop
  • Literature Course: PF615 Why So Popular? A Study of the Appeals of Popular Fiction Genres

Summer Semester 1 (4 credits)

  • Core Course: PF 612 Romance Writing Workshop

Fall Semester 2 (8 credits)

  • Core Course: PF 612 Who Knows What When: Creating Suspense in Any Genre
  • Literature Course: PF 616 Mental Health and Illness in Science Fiction and Fantasy

Spring Semester 2 (8 credits)

  • Publishing Course: PF 631 Personal Marketing
  • Master’s Thesis