CCA MFA WRITING
San Francisco​

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What does a typical day look like for a CCA MFA student?

Most of our classes are held in the 12–3 PM and 4–7 PM slots. It's rare for students to be on campus more than three days a week—two is fairly typical—which allows time for writing, reading, part-time jobs, and internships. Our schedule is designed to preserve creative space while accommodating real-life commitments. Our new homeroom is a cozy space to spend time between classes, featuring a quiet study room, kitchen, and a large lounge.

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What makes Mentored Studies so special?

Mentored Studies offers students the rare opportunity to work one-on-one every semester with a faculty member on a project of their choosing. It’s an individualized course that supports deep creative growth and professional development. Students might use this time to develop their thesis, explore a new genre, revise work for submission, or design a teaching portfolio. The key is that it's student-driven and highly personalized. . .and we're the only program in the country that offers it.

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What makes it truly special is the mentorship: you’re paired with a faculty member whose interests align with yours, and together you shape the direction and goals of the term. This structure allows for sustained dialogue, rigorous feedback, and a relationship that often extends well beyond graduation.

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Do students need to choose a genre or specialization?

No, students do not need to commit to a single genre. While you may enter with a primary focus (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or hybrid forms), you're encouraged to explore across genres. Our curriculum includes workshops in multiple modes, and faculty support cross-genre experimentation. The program values fluidity and innovation in literary practice.

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Do students work during the program?

Yes, many of our students work while completing the program. The class schedule is designed to allow for outside employment, and we offer a range of Teaching Assistantships (TAs) and on-campus roles. TA-ships begin as early as the first year and are structured to provide mentorship and teaching experience without overwhelming students. These opportunities are designed to enhance—not detract from—your writing practice.

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What does the thesis project look like?

The thesis is a substantial, book-length manuscript in your chosen genre. This might be a novel, a memoir, a collection of essays, or a book of poems. Students work closely with faculty advisors and receive one-on-one mentorship through the process. The second year is especially focused on thesis development, culminating in a public reading and submission of your completed manuscript.

 

What professional development resources are offered?

We offer robust support for career development through:​

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• A dedicated class called What to Do With Your MFA, focused on turning your creative training into a sustainable career path

• Regular workshops and panels on publishing, editing, residencies, and teaching

• Readings and networking events with established authors and editors

• One-on-one career coaching sessions

• Teaching Assistantships and leadership roles

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What kinds of jobs do graduates pursue after the MFA?

Our alumni go on to a wide range of careers in and beyond the literary world. Many teach writing at colleges, high schools, or community programs; others work in publishing, editing, or literary nonprofits. Some take on roles in communications, marketing, UX writing, or content strategy. Still others build their own creative businesses or go on to residencies, fellowships, and PhD programs. The diversity of post-MFA paths is a strength of the program, and we’re committed to helping you find the one that fits you best.

 

Do most students stay in the Bay Area post-graduation?

Many do. Our program is closely tied to the Bay Area literary scene—from Litquake and local readings to partnerships with presses and nonprofits. Some students teach in California public schools using their MFA, while others remain due to the vibrant creative community. Still, we support a variety of post-grad paths, and alumni live and work around the world.

 

Are there opportunities to gain experience in editing or publishing?

Absolutely. While we don’t currently have a dedicated literary magazine, students are encouraged to launch new publications and creative projects. CCA has an excellent student-run publication called RRR, currently edited by an MFAW student. Past student projects have included zines, podcasts, and hybrid digital journals. Our professional development sessions frequently focus on editing and publishing.

 

Students can also explore offerings in adjacent programs such as Comics and Printmaking. For example, the course Press Print > Press Play gives students access to tools and frameworks for publishing a wide range of materials, from artist books to zines to podcasts.

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If you have more questions or want to chat with a current student or alum, reach out anytime.