A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing is a creative-oriented master’s degree that usually will require you to study for two to three years after you earn your bachelor’s degree. An MFA with a focus on creative writing celebrates writing as the art that it is, and its ability to make a major difference in the world in which we live.
A typical MFA program is a highly rigorous writing study program with a strong emphasis on the creative process of writing. In many programs, you will have the opportunity to work with award-winning writers who work closely with you to support you, and to teach you how to develop your unique writing voice. You will develop a high quality writing portfolio that likely will include fiction, nonfiction or poetry, all of which will reflect your unique voice and style of expression in the written word.
Most MFA creative writing programs feature regular classes, workshops, panels and readings. You will engage in a literary conversation with your professors and fellow students that will help you to develop a professional writing voice and form of expression that you can use to earn a good living in many fields.
3+ Online No GRE Options for Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
University of Texas – El Paso
Campus: Online
Type: Non Profit
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Per Credit Hour: $411 in state; $831 out of state
GRE Required: No
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On Campus Requirements: No
Programs: Master of Fine Arts Residency Program
School Site: Tuition | Financial Aid
Wichita State University
Campus: Wichita
Type: Non Profit
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Per Credit Hour: $253 in state; $637 out of state
GRE Required: No
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On Campus Requirements: Yes
School Site: Tuition| Financial Aid
Boise State University
Campus: Boise
Type: Non Profit
Accreditation: Western Association of Colleges and Schools
Per Credit Hour: $324 in state; $435 out of state
GRE Required: No
Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
On Campus Requirements: Yes
School Site: Tuition| Financial Aid
Northwestern University
Campus: Chicago
Type: Non Profit
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Per Credit Hour: $3005 per course
GRE Required:No
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On Campus Requirements: Yes
Programs: Master of Arts in Creative Writing
School Site: Tuition | Financial Aid
Arcadia University
Campus: Online
Type: Non Profit
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Per Credit Hour: $720
GRE Required: No
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On Campus Requirements: No, but at least one abroad residency program is required
Programs: Master’s degree in English;
School Site: Tuition | Financial Aid
Basic Description of a Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
Earning a Master’s of Fine Arts in Creative Writing allows you to both develop your unique voice as a writer, and to prepare you for a career of work in the publishing world, and possibly in teaching and editing.
In an MFA program, as a fiction/non fiction writer or poet, you will learn how to advance your command of the writing craft, through daily exposure to literature from the perspective of a professional writer. You also will be provided with a high degree of supportive and constructive critiques and mentoring.
As part of the requirements to earn most MFA degrees, you will need to complete many drafts and revisions of your writing, which eventually results in a hefty manuscript of original work in your chosen genre of writing. You also will spend a good amount of time reading and commenting on the major works that have shaped that genre of writing, and participate in at least one or two writing workshops per semester with your fellow students. Some online programs require you to visit the campus once or twice a year to participate in such workshops.
Where Can Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing Candidates Find Work After They Graduate?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that overall, the growth rate for writing jobs by 2020 is 6%, which is slower than average. However, online publications are always growing in number, and this is driving demand for writers who have experience online and in multimedia. Some writers with MFAs are able to find good work in the PR departments of large companies and non profit organizations. Others often find work as freelancers for newspapers, magazines and journals.
BLS states that the median salary for all writers and authors is $55,420 per year.
Another possible career path for the creative writing MFA holder is that of editor. BLS states that the median salary for editors overall is $51,000 per year. Also, technical writing is another career path with strong potential. Technical writers earn a median salary of $63,200 per year. This field is expected to grow in jobs by 17% by 2020. Much of the growth in the field is driven by the rapid growth of scientific and technical products, and also by the dynamic growth of Web product support services. The growth of technology and electronics – including both hardware and software – means that there is a greater need for people who can communicate information clearly to users.
Some MFA holders desire to eventually become college instructors or professors. The median salary for all postsecondary teachers is $62,000 per year. Overall, this field is expected to grow by 17% by 2020. Note that the rate of growth for public universities will vary by state, depending on the budget for that region.
Some MFA holders also eventually move into various journalism careers, where the median salary is $36,000.
Indeed.com reports that the average salary for MFA in creative writing holders is $51,000.
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