University of Southern California Masters in Professional Writing

Reviewer's Name:

L.A. Writer

Review Date

March 17, 2009

Year of Graduation:

2007

Review Title:

Only as good as you are.

Full Review of the Program:

It's getting better now as USC is paying greater attention to the program. The faculty is excellent overall with accomplished writers teaching in every area in which the program focuses.

I have yet to find anyone who was happy with the thesis advising they got. I spoke to my adviser ONCE, got a ton of notes, submitted revisions, never heard back about them, then pretty much submitted my novel. Next thing I know, there's a degree in the mail.

It's true -- whoever you get will spend minimal time with you, offer vague words of encouragement/advice, then you're pretty much on your own. So, if you're already a talented writer, the program's degree gives you USC catchet, but if you think the program will give your serious time and attention for the thousands you're spending on your education, then you've got another thing coming.

Still, it's the only well established MFA style program in a major university in Los Angeles. UCLA does't offer an MFA in Creative Writing, though I'd wager their Certificate Course in Extension Writing Program is qualitatively as good as MPW. As far as catchet and connections, though, the program is pretty solid.

Advice to Prospective Students:

Great if you want to establish yourself in L.A.. There are internships at studios, publications, AMPAS, etc.

Also, the program is making concerted efforts to step up its local and national profile, they just hired an excellent new program director, so lots of interesting classes are always being introduced, excellent faculty. I do hope they change their advising standards, and I think they will.