The Traditional MFA or a Rebel MFA Degree?

An introduction to the differences

If you’re new to The Rebel MFA Way, welcome! This is an essay in my “Design Your Rebel MFA Degree” series where I break down what it means to create your own Rebel MFA Degree and why you would want to. Some of these essays, like this one, are part of a new experiment of writing my nonfiction book in real time. Thanks for reading!

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When I was an undergraduate at the University of Iowa, there was nothing I wanted more than to go on to get my MFA. I had these visions of a small, intimate room with a few others students and a professor who was passionate and lively in their instruction. I dreamt of writing pieces that would lead to compliment and praises and a validation that yes, I was a serious writer.

As you know, that dream didn’t work out.

I think now, it was a blessing in disguise, because not only am I not in outrageous debt for an MFA Degree, but I truly believe I’ve learned and experienced more than I ever could have if I had gone ahead pursuing the degree.

This book is not designed to denigrate or shame the traditional MFA or those who have taken the path. Rather, this book is designed to show you that there are other options.

In a world where advice is doled out so easily, figuring out where to take your writing is overwhelming.

And sometimes, the advice given has a kernel of truth and yet — that truth is dangerous.

I have experienced the dark underbelly of this truth. I’ve been passed over for teaching gigs because I do not have an MFA degree. I’ve been barred entry to certain writing contests because I do not have an MFA. I’ve taken so many writing classes at this point that I could teach and lead them myself, and yet, those same teaching intuitions will not accept a proposal if you do not have an MFA.

All of this has led me to the heart of this book — how can we begin to break down the “status quo” to be more inclusive, more accessible, and more affordable when it comes to our writing pursuits and possibly, our writing careers?

Designing your own Rebel MFA Degree is my solution.

The best way that I’ve found to combat the systemic issues that come with traditional MFAs is to work against those constraints. So I will provide a framework through the lens of the Rebel MFA Ethos that attempts to model the solution to the problems I believe come baked into traditional MFA programs.

Ethos #1: Embracing Unconventionality

In conventional MFA programs, students must typically adhere to a prescribed set of courses and requirements. While these programs aim to provide a comprehensive education, they can be restrictive, limiting students' freedom to explore new areas or diverge from the norm. Traditional programs may require specific coursework in literature, workshops, and teaching practicums, leaving little room for personal exploration outside of their dissertation or thesis.

Traditional MFA programs are also beholden to a set of expectations, policies and laws that directly impact a students experience. This is often not the fault of the professors or instructors and yet they are beholden to the structure as a whole. This often leaves a gap between potentiality and reality — a gap that most professors and instructors are unable to fill because of their limitations.

In contrast, the Rebel MFA approach of “Embracing Unconventionality” offers flexibility and personalization, allowing learners to design their unique path of study. This ethos empowers individuals to pursue their interests, encouraging creativity and innovation outside conventional academic boundaries. It enables learners to choose their focus, whether it involves exploring niche topics, working on unconventional projects, or blending various disciplines. This flexibility can foster a more authentic and fulfilling educational experience, promoting exploration and originality.

By allowing individuals to embrace unconventionality, the Rebel MFA ethos breaks away from the rigid structures and predetermined expectations of traditional programs. It encourages a more personal and diverse approach to creative development, aligning with the broader trend of self-directed learning and lifelong education.

Ethos #2: Crafting a Unique Curriculum

While traditional MFA programs have come a long way with their curriculum development, they are still held captive by the requirements that structure the program as a whole. While these programs aim to provide a well-rounded foundation in writing and the publishing industry, they can also be limiting, requiring students to meet specific academic milestones instead of focusing on the individual’s artistic journey.

On the other hand, the Rebel MFA ethos of “crating a unique curriculum” encourages individuals to craft a curriculum that suits their artistic journey. This approach allows learners to choose from a wide range of learning experiences, including unconventional classes, mentorships with local creators, or participation in alternative communities. This flexibility empowers individuals to pursue diverse interests, fostering innovation and creativity.

With the ability to design a unique curriculum, the Rebel MFA ethos provides a more tailored educational experience. It encourages learners to explore different disciplines, collaborate with other creators, and immerse themselves in different learning environments. This adaptability supports a broader and more personalized path to creative development, allowing individuals to set their pace and direction and fosters a desire for deeper learning opportunities.

Ethos #3: Adjusting Perspectives [or adopting a “Rebel Logic” mindset]

Traditional MFA programs tend to follow standard and predictable approaches when it comes to the work of a writer. Within the program itself, workshops and 1-1 intensives keep writers insulated but outside of the program, they push literary agents, prestigious award contests and traditional publishing avenues. These pathways often have significant gatekeeping, with specific criteria for success, creating barriers for emerging writers and marginalized voices

The Rebel MFA ethos, in contrast, encourages a "Rebel Logic" mindset, advocating for unconventional paths to share work. This approach allows creators to bypass traditional gatekeepers and reach readers through innovative means. It opens the door to diverse experiences, such as self-organized reading groups, online platforms, community events, and collaborations with other creatives. By adopting this mindset, creators can explore new ways to connect with their audience, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic literary landscape.

This ethos aligns with a broader movement toward decentralized and democratized publishing, where writers can engage with readers in non-traditional ways. By adjusting perspectives and adopting a "Rebel Logic" mindset, the Rebel MFA ethos promotes a more flexible and adaptive approach to creative development, encouraging creators to challenge conventional structures and explore new possibilities.

Ethos #4: Critiquing the Establishment

In traditional MFA programs, the path to becoming a recognized writer often involves gatekeeping, with admission criteria that may favor certain backgrounds or literary styles. These programs often have specific expectations regarding what constitutes “serious” writing, which can marginalize unconventional or emerging voices. Additionally, the publishing industry has a history of setting the boundaries of book deals, where access to publication is controlled by a select few, reinforcing traditional metrics for success.

The Rebel MFA ethos “Critiquing the Establishment,” advocates for questioning these established systems, encouraging individuals to push against restrictive norms and challenge conventional wisdom. This approach supports the idea that creative development should be open and inclusive, allowing for diverse voices and innovative ideas. By critiquing the establishment, the Rebel MFA Degree promotes a more democratized and accessible approach to writing and creative development, rejecting the rigid definitions of traditional MFA programs or the path forward that suggests traditional publishing and literary fiction are the only “serious” way forward.

Instead of adhering to conventional standards, this ethos encourages learners to create their unique path, embracing alternative modes of learning and creative expression. It fosters a culture of questioning and experimentation, allowing individuals to redefine what it means to be a “serious” writer and to find success on their terms. This ethos can be a catalyst for change, encouraging broader representation and inclusivity in the creative arts.

Ethos #5: Approaching Writing Holistically

Traditional MFA programs are results-oriented, with a strong focus on achieving success through publication, recognition or further academic reward. They may encourage students to pursue traditional avenues for their work, such as literary journals and book deals. While this can be beneficial for career development, it can also create a competitive environment that prioritizes external validation over personal growth. When students are pushed to take their education beyond into further academic work, it also creates a set of expectations and competition, often prioritizing rising higher in the “ranks” over furthered creative endeavors.

The Rebel MFA ethos, "Approaching Writing Holistically," promotes a comprehensive view of writing that values the process over the product and recognizes the intrinsic benefits of creative expression.

The Rebel MFA ethos advocates for a view of writing that emphasizes its role in healing, personal growth, and self-discovery. This approach encourages writers to explore their creativity without the pressure of achieving external success. It allows them to focus on the process of writing, engaging in self-expression, and exploring themes that matter to them without the constraints of traditional expectations.

By valuing the process over the product, the Rebel MFA ethos fosters a more inclusive and supportive environment. It encourages writers to find their unique voice and use writing as a tool for healing and introspection. This perspective can be liberating for those who may feel constrained by conventional metrics of success and empowers writers to pursue their passion without the burden of societal pressure. It aligns with broader trends in contemporary writing, which embrace the therapeutic and transformative aspects of creative expression.

Ethos #6: Advocating for Creative Freedom

It’s well known that Traditional MFA programs emphasize specific literary forms or adhere to established artistic norms, which can limit experimentation and unconventional ideas. While many traditional MFA programs are now beginning to embrace “genre” fiction, there are still many constraints that limit students' ability to explore innovative or non-traditional creative avenues.

In contrast, the Rebel MFA ethos encourages individuals to take risks, experiment, and explore unconventional ideas. This ethos promotes a culture of creative freedom, allowing writers to push boundaries and break away from traditional constraints. By advocating for experimentation and risk-taking, the Rebel MFA fosters an environment where creativity can flourish without the limitations imposed by conventional structures.

This ethos aligns with a broader movement toward creative freedom in the arts, where artists are encouraged to express themselves authentically and pursue unique visions. By embracing this approach, the Rebel MFA supports a more inclusive and dynamic creative community, encouraging writers to explore new forms of expression and find a more expansive way to bring their creations to life.

Ethos #6: Cultivating a Network of Rebels

Traditional MFA programs typically offer networking opportunities through faculty connections, alumni associations, and organized events. While these networks can be beneficial, they may reinforce conventional approaches to creative development, limiting the exploration of alternative paths. The focus on established networks can sometimes create a sense of exclusivity, with less emphasis on fostering grassroots communities of creators.

The Rebel MFA ethos, "Cultivating a Network of Rebels," emphasizes building a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for creative rebellion. This approach contrasts with the environment in traditional MFA programs, where networking is often shaped by academic hierarchies and established structures.

This ethos aligns with the growing trend of grassroots communities and decentralized networks, where individuals come together based on shared interests and values. By fostering a network of rebels, the Rebel MFA creates an environment where creators can freely exchange ideas, support each other's endeavors, and explore non-traditional approaches to writing and creativity.

The cultivation of a network of rebels also emphasizes the importance of mentorship and guidance from those who have forged their own paths. This network provides a diverse range of perspectives and experiences, offering a broader understanding of creative development beyond conventional boundaries. It encourages collaboration and mutual support, creating a dynamic and inclusive community for creatives.

Ethos #7: Flexibility Over Rigidity

Traditional MFA programs are notoriously slow to adapt to the changing times. The inherent rigidity because of the lack of changes, as well as the established structures prohibits students from approaching their education in a more flexible, accessible way.

The Rebel MFA ethos, "Flexibility Over Rigidity," focuses on the idea that creative development should be adaptable, allowing individuals to design their unique path without being confined to rigid structures or predetermined criteria.

This flexibility allows individuals to choose the learning experiences, workshops, and mentors that best align with their goals and interests. The absence of set criteria or specific classes gives learners complete control over their educational journey, promoting creativity and adaptability.

This approach aligns with the growing trend of self-directed learning, where individuals take charge of their education and craft a path that suits their unique needs. By embracing flexibility over rigidity, the Rebel MFA ethos encourages innovation and supports a more diverse range of creative development pathways. It also allows learners to adapt to changing circumstances, explore new interests, and pursue unconventional ideas without the constraints of traditional academic structures.

Why you MIGHT want to get a Traditional MFA

I know, I just spent the last few pages telling you all the reasons why you probably shouldn’t get a traditional MFA but I wanted to bookend that discussion with a caveat. I have been in the writing world long enough to know that there are always exceptions. Always. And I have studied with and beside many great writers who have gotten their MFAs. I think there is a place for MFAs in our world. This book is not designed to say that MFA programs should be destroyed. I just want writers to know there are other paths to a creative education.

So, here are a few caveat statements to why you might want to get a Traditional MFA:

• If you have the financial means and lifestyle to accommodate it

• If you thrive in structured and product-oriented environments

• If you know without a shadow of doubt what path you want to be on as a writer, and that path includes literary fiction, agents, and traditional publishing opportunities

• If you know that you want to build a career in the academic world

• If you have a specific mentor or writer that you have an opportunity to study under within a program

• If you feel like you need the permission of an MFA program to write and follow your dream (spoiler alert though: you don’t actually need this).

The point I’m trying to make in this section is that you probably already know the answer to the question: should I pursue a traditional MFA or design my own. In your heart, you have the answer. Listen to it. Sit with the feelings that arise and make an informed decision. When you do that with honest intention, you can’t go wrong, no matter which decision you choose.

A Pep Talk Before We Continue On

All this talk about ethos, and flexibility, and structures gets me a little blurry eyed, how about you?

I know it can seem overwhelming, even slightly chaotic to have so much freedom when it comes to such an important part of your life. We are creature of habit, after all. But I can promise you that it is not all that complicated.

As we move through the process of designing a creative education, you’ll find that there is structure, it’s just more flexible and fluid than what you might be used to. Trust that you have exactly what you need already within you to make the right next decision for the creative path you’re setting off on.

The truth is — we all start off as the fool on this journey. We stumble, we fall, we make mistakes, we learn, we try again. This is life. And art imitates life.

Please do your best to trust me when I say: You got this.

Your creative education is all yours for the taking.

So let’s get to it, shall we?