Find your perfect college degree
It doesn’t matter if the story is fiction or true to life; everyone has one to tell. If you’re a current writer or have finished a bachelor’s degree in a related field, perhaps taking a master’s degree in creative writing can help you brush up on your writing and English skills more. These are enough to prepare you to effectively tell your stories on paper, screen, or stage.
In addition to broadcasting, internet, entertainment, traditional media, academia, and publishing, creative writing professionals can find rewarding careers in numerous other areas as well.
A Master of Creative Writing program is offered at universities and academic institutions around the world for students with work experience in a wide range of fields or recent graduates who wish to increase their qualifications.
The Master of Fine Arts degree focuses on developing your craft to the highest level. It is possible to improve your professional and creative writing skills by practicing and getting your work evaluated by professors and fellow graduate students.
Quick audio summary:
The Lowdown
Graduate Creative Writing programs can hone many soft and technical skills. Master of Creative Writing program students study writing techniques, master writers, and their works to develop key knowledge and skills in their field. They also study practical, creative thinking methodologies.
Depending on the program you choose, whether online, in-person or a mix of both, it is likely that there will be other classes in addition to the writing workshops. Other relevant skills can be learned, including marketing, editing, and teaching.
While the creative writing MFA program is an excellent addition to the CV, it is best to prepare a portfolio, written works, and drafts when applying for your dream writing job.
Methodology
It is essential to consider the Master of Fine Arts program of study, student outcomes, and costs before deciding. It would help to match your priorities and academic and career goals when choosing the right master’s degree in creative writing program.
Most of these Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programs are terminal degrees in the Fine Arts. The flexibility of each program, the faculty, the strength of the courses, the cost, and the program’s reputation were considered upon coming up with the rank.
The Creative Writing MFA programs on our list were chosen based on these criteria:
- Comes with regional accreditation, demonstrating compliance with the ruling academic standards for master’s degree programs, including in the Fine Arts discipline,
- Offers one of the three formats: in-person, online, and hybrid classes, giving Creative Writing majors enough options to pursue graduate study, including creative writing workshops when available,
- Teaches Creative Writing education courses integral to becoming an effective creative writer, primarily in developing publishable stories from multiple genres, including creative nonfiction writing and creative writing process,
- Taught by highly qualified faculty who hold their terminal degree in Creative Writing and have obtained extensive professional experience,
- Features favorable transfer credit policy and financial aid programs for qualified students
Check out our Methodology and explore our Creative Writing graduate program ranking process.
Best Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing Degrees
Miami University
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (In-Person)
The Master of Fine Arts – Creative Writing degree is offered at the Department of English at Miami University. With its workshop-based program, Miami students are from all over the U.S. and worldwide. They take classes in creative nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and multimedia writing courses.
It combines playful experimentation with ambitious explorations of literary traditions in an intensive but supportive program.
This program is made up of four workshops that focus on student writing in a practice-oriented environment.
Additionally, MFA writers take literary seminars and theoretical and practical courses. As a result of close mentorship from faculty writers, every aspect of the program is designed to prepare students to write high-quality written masterpieces.
Graduate students in Miami’s creative writing program have also succeeded in university teaching, public service, editing, and publishing careers.
What Makes This Program Unique:
Miami’s renowned rhetoric and composition program offers generous Graduate Assistantships to all MFA students admitted to the program. There may also be opportunities for non-teaching assistantships.
The second year of study involves students teaching creative writing, and two MFA writers are awarded internships in China each year.
Did You Know?
Several of their graduate students gained employment or admission to other excellent academic programs each year. During job placement meetings, faculty members read and comment on job application materials and conduct mock interviews for job seekers.
Lindenwood University
Master of Fine Arts in Writing (Hybrid)
Lindenwood University offers the opportunity to earn a Master of Fine Arts degree in Writing. This online master’s degree requires a final graduate thesis. Students can take courses on campus or online in various writing genres.
They offer small-class workshops, literature courses, and craft classes that foster individualized feedback and nurture skills, resulting in personal and career growth.
This master’s degree program offers professionals and would-be writers a wide range of courses. There are also a lot of literary events to take part in, and it comes with a writing community to belong to.
A literary journal produced by this program, The Lindenwood Review, also invites students to serve as editorial assistants.
What Makes This Program Unique:
MFA students develop their writing skills, expand their analytical abilities, and gain literary knowledge through their MFA studies. Graduates of the MFA can teach writing at the university level. Many graduates go on to work in writing, editing, publishing, and teaching.
Did You Know?
Lindenwood University Press publishes the Lindenwood Review every year. A requirement of the MFA in Writing program is to serve as an editorial assistant for an academic journal. The publication contains creative prose in fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry.
Oregon State University
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (In-Person)
Oregon State University’s MFA in Creative Writing program should be taken in Corvallis. Since the 1950s, when William Kittredge was a student here, this institution has been renowned for producing and teaching creative writing. The past is impressive, but the present is even more special.
The Creative Writing program at OSU has never been more robust or more successful than it is now. They have a nationally competitive pool of fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction applicants.
They also have full funding for all their students through financial aid options, assistantships, tuition waivers, and more financial aid assistance.
What Makes This Program Unique:
In addition to complete tuition remission, every student admitted to the MFA program will receive an annual stipend of approximately $12,800 to cover living expenses.
Did You Know?
- Bernard Malamud studied in the English Department and won the National Book Award.
- Students who apply to Oregon State for a provost fellowship are automatically considered for the program, which covers all tuition and provides a $22,000 stipend for living expenses during the first year.
- In their second year, all Provost Fellows receive a standard GTA contract.
- As part of their tuition remission package, graduate students can also receive 89% coverage of their health insurance costs.
National University
Master of Fine Arts – Creative Writing (Online)
For those aiming to become published authors, the structure of online MFA in Creative Writing programs can help them finish their manuscripts and open doors to publication.
However, writers often struggle not with generating creative ideas or artistic ambition but with the tight schedules of in-person formats of other master’s degrees in creative writing degrees.
Fortunately, the National University has designed an online MFA Creative Writing program, and they are the first to offer a completely online program without residencies.
What Makes This Program Unique:
An online master’s degree in creative writing from National University has consistently been ranked among the best.
Unlike many online MFA programs, it recognized that working adults who wanted to become published writers didn’t need to spend thousands of dollars annually on residencies, so this master’s degree can be taken entirely online.
Did You Know?
This master’s degree in creative writing program is specifically designed for adults who are working and want to complete and publish a novel, poem, script, or creative nonfiction piece. You can start the MFA online program anytime and graduate in less than two years with a completed manuscript or screenplay.
Emerson College
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (In-Person)
Emerson’s Creative Writing (MFA) program focuses on writing practices and its literary roots and is one of the oldest programs of its kind. This program is one of the points of pride at Emerson College. They understand that writing is an integral part of your life.
Because of this, they offer an MFA in Creative Writing, which focuses both on the practice and foundations of writing. You can explore writing as an art form as well as a profession, choosing from literary fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.
What Makes This Program Unique:
The world-class city of Boston offers aspiring writers everything they need to hone their craft and refine their talents. You can teach, edit, intern, or showcase your own work through this master’s degree in creative writing.
By participating in the Writing Studies Program, you will be able to mentor, teach, and train undergraduate students at Emerson College.
Did You Know?
Some of their Alumni have established successful writing careers, publishing poetry, fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, and more. Furthermore, among their MFA faculty are some of the best in writing and publishing, and they have two award-winning literary journals.
Ashland University
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (Hybrid)
Ashland’s MFA in Creative Writing program comprises three intensive summer residency programs, three semesters of creative writing and critical reading online, and a semester for thesis preparation online. This hybrid learning structure is best for anyone.
It is recommended that students begin the program during the summer, but you may start in the spring if you prefer.
Before residential MFA in creative writing programs existed, mentorships guided the development of many accomplished writers. Faculty mentors work with no more than five students per class.
Because of this, our students can participate in our program remotely while still gaining access to our mentors. These are what await you when enrolled in this master’s program:
- Mentorship-based summer residencies over two weeks
- The use of Blackboard and video conferencing for all online classes
- Mentorship from experienced writers on an ongoing basis
What Makes This Program Unique:
This MFA in creative writing program can help you write and publish whatever manuscript you want, whether fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction. There are no limits to the genres you want to explore and pursue.
Did You Know?
When you graduate from Ashland’s MFA program, you will have created and revised an original piece of work and written a thesis to be used as the basis for a book-length piece.
Arizona State University
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (In-Person)
The MFA in Creative Writing degree at Arizona State University prioritizes learners over anyone or anything else. ASU maintains the centuries-old apprenticeship model through small classes, workshops, and practicums.
Among the faculty are internationally recognized poets and fiction writers with more than 80 books in their names.
- In this program, 48 study hours are required, including six hours of research and three hours for the culminating experience. Expect a combination of literature courses and writing courses.
- The program encourages students to study across genres, not limited to their comfort zone.
- No GRE is required for application.
What Makes This Program Unique:
Listed among the top 20 MFA programs in the country by the U.S., its energetic intellectual atmosphere allows poets and fiction writers to share their love of writing.
Did You Know?
Alumni of the program have won various awards, such as the Iowa Short Fiction Award, the May Swenson Poetry Award, the Pen Southwest Book Award, and the Prairie Schooner Book Prize.
Chatham University
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (Hybrid)
The MFA in Creative Writing at Chatham is designed to prepare students for careers in writing or related fields, such as editing, publishing, or web content development. Through interaction with prestigious faculty and other writing students, students can improve their writing and become experienced literary critics.
- This master’s degree in creative writing requires a total of 42 credit hours.
- The program does not require a thesis, so ENG698 and the genre-specific thesis seminar are not required.
What Makes This Program Unique:
Rachel Carson, a popular author who graduated from Chatham in 1929, inspired Chatham’s Creative Writing program. The program teaches students that writing is ultimately a public act with the power to affect positive change.
Did You Know?
Chatham consistently ranks high as an MFA program in the US. In 2016, it was recognized as one of the country’s most innovative.
Harvard University
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (Hybrid)
The Master of Liberal Arts in Creative Writing and Literature degree at Harvard is aimed at creative writers interested in writing fiction, nonfiction, and drama. You can take creative writing and literature courses depending on your learning goals. Thesis topics related to poetry are not available for their poetry courses.
- This master’s degree program requires 12 courses or 48 credits.
- Students need to go to the campus for 1 to 3 weeks.
- It is possible to do a thesis or a capstone project.
- Harvard Extension School admissions are heavily influenced by the results of two courses you complete before applying.
What Makes This Program Unique:
- You will master all the key elements of a narrative craft.
- Students can acquire the ability to write in multiple genres.
- Students can write and analyze literature to better understand these texts as writers and scholars.
Did You Know?
Poetry-related thesis topics are not offered in this program, despite the fact that they offer a few poetry courses.
Fairfield University
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (Hybrid)
Fairfield University’s The MFA in Creative Writing takes two years and includes specializations in literary health, publishing and editing, social justice, and spiritual writing.
- For graduation, 60 credits are required.
- Students need four semesters of independent study in their chosen craft
- A thesis is required.
- Students should also prepare for a final public presentation.
What Makes This Program Unique:
The students attend two nine-day residencies each year. During spring and fall semesters, residents complete a five-month independent study program with a faculty mentor.
Did You Know?
This master’s degree in creative writing is perfect for writers who want to become published writers. Master’s degree students can transfer credits.
Old Dominion University
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (In-Person)
The MFA in Creative Writing program at Old Dominion began in 1994 with only twelve students enrolled. With its talented faculty of seven creative writing faculty members, the program remains successful and effective.
Today, a class would typically have about 30 students. Creative writing students take courses in British, American, and world literature. These courses are taken through rhetoric, literary theories, and film studies.
- This master’s degree is in a 54-hour format.
- Besides becoming writers, students also become proficient in literary studies.
What Makes This Program Unique:
Several opportunities for the MFA Reading Series are hosted by Old Dominion University. It gives graduate students participating in the Writers-in-Community Program the opportunity to facilitate writing workshops on various topics in their local community.
Did You Know?
Students can work one-on-one with nationally recognized poets and writers through the Writer-in-Residence Program.
University of Washington
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (Hybrid)
The MFA in Creative Writing is a part of the English Department at the University of Washington. Coursework includes courses in literary periods and types, critical theory, and writing workshops for prose and poetry.
The degree must be completed within six quarters of full-time study. To qualify for the MFA degree, completion within that time period is required.
- There are only ten to twelve students admitted each year to the program.
- Due to this master’s program’s relatively small size, students and faculty develop close relationships.
- During the first year, students participate in workshops and literary seminars, and in the second year, they work intensively on a creative manuscript and critical essay.
What Makes This Program Unique:
Master’s degree in Creative Writing students is supported by Teaching Assistantships, Fellowships, and long-term partnerships with Amazon Literary Partnership.
Did You Know?
The school’s location comes with a vibrant arts and literary scene and life.
Texas Tech University
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (In-Person)
The MFA in Creative Writing degree covers core English courses and Creative Writing coursework. In contrast to a more traditional studio MFA, the Master of Arts in Creative Writing program offers literary studies as well as writing workshops.
Through the program, you will gain a deeper understanding of literature’s broader historical and critical context, which will inform your own writing. They offer workshops and seminars for our creative writing students and doctoral students.
- This master’s program can be finished in two years of study
- 36 credits need to be completed in this program.
What Makes This Program Unique:
The degree requirements are completed either through the completion of a creative portfolio or, in exceptional cases, through the completion of a creative thesis. A foreign language reading proficiency is also required.
Did You Know?
This onsite M.A. program automatically considers you for funding when you apply. To attract incoming students, a competitive teaching position is available with a guaranteed $14K per-year stipend and partial tuition and fee waivers. It is also possible to receive funding for summer teaching.
Bennington College
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (Hybrid)
The MFA in Creative Writing degree is available at Bennington College for future authors and writers. The country has no better low-residency program than this two-year, rigorous program. You devote as much time to reading as you do to writing and analyzing literature.
At regular intervals throughout the course, students present original work-fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for critique to their faculty members.
Students’ tutorial development is the core of the Seminars, as it is of Bennington College’s other drama, dance, music, visual art, humanities, language, and science programs.
This program requires 64 credits, but a total of 80 credits is necessary for the dual-genre option.
What Makes This Program Unique:
Through their Dual-Genre Degree, many students work across two genres, either fiction or nonfiction.
Did You Know?
Mentorship is offered at a 1:1 ratio between faculty and students in this master’s program. Among your faculty members is a distinguished writer and teacher who works closely with you.
Wilkes University
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (Hybrid)
The MFA in Creative Writing at Wilkes allows you to become part of a community of more than 600 writers from around the world. Wilkes University emphasizes writing as a profession, as a craft, and as a community.
Aspiring writers benefit significantly from industry feedback. It is for this reason that agents, editors, publishers, and producers read and evaluate each creative thesis.
- Term requirements vary from 9 to 12 credits, with 12 credits required for the final MFA term.
- Develop a writing plan, schedule, and practice that supports your creative process and encourages discipline.
- Engage your audience by exploring genres, experimenting with writing conventions, and mastering the presentation of your work.
What Makes This Program Unique:
Find out how to share your completed manuscript with editors, publishers, and producers, as well as how to pitch your project to them. They will train you on how to do these.
Did You Know?
Professional agents, editors, directors, or producers review each student’s thesis, providing valuable feedback, advice, and insights about publishing and production.
Job Outlook for Graduates of Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
If you’re considering an online master’s degree in creative writing, you probably love to write. It is possible that you dream of becoming a published poet or a highly acclaimed novelist. This degree prepares graduates for careers in such fields. It’s also possible to do other types of writing jobs.
For instance, creative writers can also create screenplay and television scripts. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment in the writing and publishing industry to grow by 5% by 2033.
Additionally, captivating writing is essential in marketing and advertising. Creating compelling copy that leads to sales is the responsibility of writers. Copywriting jobs have been in demand in recent years. In fact, copywriting jobs would have an average annual salary of $63,000, according to PayScale.
As an advertising professional, you’re more likely to create copywriting content for social media and website posts. Blog posts, for example, may be part of a marketing role.
If you want to enter the field of communications and media, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, you can expect to earn $66,320 per year. It is not uncommon for writers to do a variety of jobs. There are some writers who pursue careers in journalism.
Producing content for magazines and newspapers may also require creative writing skills and education. No matter what job occupation you’d like to pursue, a master’s degree in creative writing can definitely increase your chances of getting hired.
Occupations for Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
A Master’s in Creative Writing is a solid step for you to start paving a career in the writing industry. You can sharpen your practical skills while deepening your knowledge of writing and literature through such programs.
You may find it useful to review various job opportunities with your qualifications if you are currently enrolled or recently graduated from a master’s program in creative writing. You can consider the following jobs upon finishing this higher education degree.
Journalist
A journalist researches, gathers information, draws conclusions, and writes reports for various news and media outlets. You will tackle many topics, whether you write for a newspaper, magazine, or TV news script.
Social Media Manager
The role of social media managers in an organization is to manage engagement with the target audience.
Social media management is a key step in growing brands and reaching more markets online in this digital age. The purpose of social media professionals is typically to plan, create, execute, and manage social media content strategy to achieve organizational goals.
Depending on an organization’s goals, social media managers can increase website traffic, improve brand awareness, increase customer loyalty, and convert more leads. They also interact with audience members depending on their exact role.
Copywriter
Advertisers and marketers worldwide typically hire copywriters. For publication in digital, broadcast, and print media, these professionals write clear, coherent, and engaging texts as per client specifications. Almost every company needs to have a copywriter on their marketing team.
It is common for copywriters to conduct keyword research, analyze data, and ensure that content is SEO-focused.
English Professor
Teachers teach students at various grade levels and ensure academic success. A creative writing degree can help you become an English professor. A teacher’s responsibilities include planning lessons, instructing students, evaluating them, and monitoring their progress.
Teachers may specialize in one content area, such as English, writing, mathematics, or science, according to their qualifications and school needs.
Freelance Writer
There are many platforms for freelance writers to create content, such as websites, social media, magazines, and news outlets. While professionals in this field don’t really need to earn a master’s to get started, a graduate degree gives access to the most meaningful and best-paying projects.
Writers who work for a freelance publication often take on multiple writing and researching tasks simultaneously as self-employed individuals. The job requires them to generate ideas, pitch those ideas, write compelling texts, proofread their work, and submit it for publication.
Professional Proofreader
Professional proofreaders are in charge of reviewing manuscripts and texts. Their work includes checking texts for spelling, grammar, typos, punctuation, and other errors. They ensure quality content.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do Creative Writers do?
Creative writers will be trained to write wide-ranging pieces such as novels, short stories, blog posts, scripts, short poems, and articles.
Some of the genres that creative writers compose are biographies, fiction, nonfiction, essays, and articles. There are many mediums for them to use to produce quality output.
What’s the typical Creative Writing program application process for an incoming MFA student?
The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Creative Writing application includes four components. However, this will depend on the school that you’re applying for.
Typically, admission staff would require you to prepare a resume, a creative writing sample, a statement of purpose, and a letter of recommendation. It’s important to research other requirements of the school or program you’re applying for.
Is an MFA in Creative Writing difficult?
MFA programs are extremely competitive, with only a small percentage of applicants getting into their chosen programs. A successful application requires considerable planning, research, focus, and effort.
How long does a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing take?
According to the school and focus area chosen by the student, this will vary. It often takes two or three years to complete this degree.
As part of this program, students will learn how to read critically, experiment with different types of stories and languages, hone their craft, use their imagination, learn about the publishing industry, and receive feedback on the styles and types of writing they are interested in.
Summary Points
- There is never a shortage of opportunities for professionals who completed a Creative Writing degree program at the graduate level, with organizations and companies worldwide looking to hire graduates from reputable schools.
- While creative writing graduates may not always need to be in grad school, the most lucrative career opportunities in this field are often offered to graduates of the best Creative Writing programs or schools,
- Developing critical thinking skills and other soft skills can lead to success when you enter the writing industry. As you hone your writing craft, students complete a graduate assistantship, if available, to help them gain valuable experience to become successful writers.
- Professional writing is a true talent!
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