Students are asked to submit a curriculum vitae, biographical sketch, photo, and individualized development plan at the start of Fall quarter.
MFA students should submit CVs to the MFA Graduate Coordinator in Fall quarter and whenever there are significant updates. The department may refer to the vita when identifying or nominating eligible candidates for special opportunities (such as merit-based scholarships) for which students are not allowed to self-nominate.
A CV is a summary of the student's artistic, academic and professional achievements. Students must submit CVs when applying for—
While there is no standard format, CVs often include the following information:
View sample CV at UCSD Career Services
Once the CV has been created the student should design a professional development plan to address any gaps in experience (see below).
Students are asked to submit a short bio and high-resolution photo to the MFA Graduate Coordinator at the beginning of their first quarter in the program. The department uses biographical sketches in nomination letters, letters of recommendation, requests for exception to graduate policy, on the student page on this site and for publicity pieces, such as announcements about student readings.
The bio sketch is a brief summary (~100 words) of the student's interests and accomplishments. Suggested topics are—
The photo should be a headshot, portrait orientation, 300 dpi.
It is the student's responsibility to create a plan and seek the advising and mentoring needed to execute it.
Start by thinking about where you want to be 10 years from now and the different possibilities for employment and continuing a writing life post-MFA. What are your artistic, professional and career objectives? Here are some of the things our students have done after graduation:
Once you have compiled your list of objectives, create a list of goals to focus on during the 2-3 years of your MFA program. (The entire training period needs to be considered in the IDP as goals may have to be pursued in a particular sequence.) Suggested areas include—
Next, download and complete the IDP form (.docx) and arrange to meet with your faculty advisor early in Fall quarter to discuss your CV and IDP. Your advisor can help you refine your goals, identify competencies to be developed, and suggest possible mentors.
With help from your advisor and mentors, assess your competencies and determine what training or experiences you need in order to achieve your goals. Write an action plan to address a few of these needs each year and add it to your IDP.
Continue to meet with your advisors and mentors as frequently as needed to assess your progress and revise your plan. You may need to reassess your goals as you gain more insight about your interests and strengths over the course of the program.
See also— free online and off-campus media courses offered by San Diego Continuing Education.