Online Master’s In Creative Writing Programs
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Creative Writing MFA Programs
A master’s in creative writing degree prepares students to pursue a career as a writer. A master of arts or master of fine arts in creative writing both offer many career opportunities. Graduates may write novels or nonfiction, or they may work in marketing, journalism, or public relations. They can also create their own blogs or write for websites.
Creative writing master’s degree applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university. Applicants may need to take the GRE and submit recommendation letters. The most important part of admission to a creative writing program requires proof of high-level writing skills through submission of a writing sample and a well-written statement of purpose.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the job growth rate for writers and authors to decline 2% between 2019-2029. Pursuing a master’s in creative writing degree may help graduates gain a competitive edge in the job search. Writers and authors earn a median annual wage of $63,200 per year.
Creative Writing Frequently Asked Questions
What can you do with a degree in creative writing?
Creative writers can write fiction or nonfiction. They might write historical biographies, novels, poetry, children’s books, and plays. Creative writers may also use their writing skills in marketing, journalism, public relations, or as social media specialists or website content creators.
What degree do you need to be a creative writer?
Creative writers do not need a formal degree to become a writer. However, many creative writers hold at least a bachelor’s degree. A master’s degree in creative writing can help develop a literary style and writing techniques.
How much do creative writing majors make?
According to the BLS, writers and authors earn a median annual salary of $63,200.
How do creative writing degrees make money?
Creative writing degree-holders can write books for a living. Or, creative writing majors make money writing for blogs or building their own blog. They write for magazines or for businesses, or they offer copywriting services. Graduates may also tap into transferable skills like editing.
What Are the Goals of a Creative Writing Degree?
A creative writing master’s degree develops fiction writers, poets, screenwriters, and more.
Learners can successfully analyze literary form, genre, structure, and style and create advanced work through workshop training. Students develop their skills through workshops and presenting their own writing to peers for commentary and discussion. Creative writing program enrollees may develop writing further through literature seminars.
Students may take classes in niche areas and focus on specialized topics such as practicum classes about literary publishing and teaching creative writing. Students benefit from workshops in their genre, literature courses, and electives or additional courses.
Most students present a final thesis or a full-length manuscript — a novel, book of poetry, selection of short stories or essays, or another type of creative project.
Why Get a Creative Writing Degree?
Aspiring writers enjoy various professional and personal benefits by pursuing a creative writing degree.
- 1
Development of the Craft
Creative writing programs allow degree-seekers to dedicate time to develop their writing skills for an extended period of time.
- 2
Mentorship Opportunities
Professors in creative writing programs can offer constructive feedback and invaluable mentorship resources.
- 3
Workshop Time
Workshops function as an important part of a creative writing degree. Workshops involve small classes where students read and critique each other’s work. Students become adept at revising and improving their writing for publication.
- 4
Learn the Industry
Many students make connections, meet authors, and learn the industry through connections provided by the school. Networking could give aspiring writers a leg up instead of trying to get published on their own.
- 5
Final Thesis
Most creative writing majors must produce a substantive piece of work ready or near-ready for publication.
What Are the Requirements for a Creative Writing Degree?
Formal admission requirements vary, though applicants should aim for a 3.0 GPA or higher. Admissions materials may include letters of recommendation, a writing sample, and a statement of purpose. Writing sample requirements may include a lengthy piece of fiction or nonfiction, several poems, or multiple pages of a script. Certain programs require applicants to submit GRE scores.
Successful completion of a master’s in creative writing generally includes 36 credit hours of graduate study. These credits consist of writing workshops, literature courses, and electives. Students usually submit a capstone project or thesis to culminate the degree.
Professional Organizations for Creative Writing Students
Writing organizations offer wonderful resources for writers. Some writers associations charge membership fees, and others allow members to join for free. Writer organizations can help professionals find a literary agent and arrange meetings with editors. They can also help writers learn new techniques and keep up with changes in the publishing industry.
National Writers Union
The National Writers Union functions as a resource for writers in all genres. It advocates for the rights of authors, especially through contract advice and grievances. For example, the organization can go through contracts with writers and will even intervene if a writer’s client does not pay for work.
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators offers membership to writers in children’s literature, magazines, film, television, and multimedia. Members can get education and support through awards, grants, programs, and events. The organization acts as a consolidated voice for children’s book writers and illustrators worldwide.
Women's National Book Association
The Women’s National Book Association brings together women and men who wish to work together and promotes recognition of women’s achievements in the book industry.
Novelists, Inc.
Novelists Inc. offers a global community to authors to learn about cutting-edge trends, acts as a resource in the competitive publishing industry, and offers professional brainstorming opportunities.
Scholarships for Creative Writing Students
Students who pursue a master’s degree in creative writing can find scholarships specific to the major. Once admitted to a particular creative writing program, students should also ask their college or university about available scholarships.
Horror Writers Association (HWA) Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Applicants must present an education plan to apply for the HWA Scholarship. However, the scholarship committee will prioritize the quality of the applicant’s work and the likelihood that the applicant will contribute to the development of the genre. The committee will also consider an applicant’s financial need.
Amount: $2,500
Aspiring Writer Scholarship
Who Can Apply: The Go On Girl! Book Club invites full-time first-year students, sophomores, or juniors at historically Black colleges or universities in the United States to apply for this scholarship. Applicants need U.S. citizenship status or permanent residency status. Candidates also need a cumulative 2.5 GPA or better and must submit a 500- to 1,000-word essay on a preselected topic.
Amount: $2,000
William C. Johnson Distinguished Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Applicants need a high GPA, experience as a Sigma Tau Delta officer at Northern Illinois University, and a strong critical essay. Candidates must provide proof of registration as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student or plan to enroll as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student during the next academic year.
Amount: Up to $6,000
Affordable Master’s in Creative Writing Programs 2022
See Our Rankings MethodologyUniversity of Washington-Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Degree-seekers can enroll in online and in-person programs from University of Washington-Seattle Campus. In addition to studying in person, learners can pursue the school's graduate degrees online. One option includes an MFA in creative writing.
Enrollees complete rigorous coursework and can access faculty and career advising. The online program features flexible enrollment options, which are ideal for busy learners. Full-time master's degree-seekers typically require 1-2 years to complete their program.
Students at the accredited institution can qualify for federal grants and loans. To pay for school, 24% of the enrollees take out loans. In addition, 57% of students receive some form of financial aid to cover degree costs.
University of Washington-Seattle Campus Facts:
Total Programs: 687
Number of Online Programs: 12
Online Master's Programs: 273
Number of Online Students: 3,931
Price Per Credit: $896
Religious Affiliation: Non-Affiliated
Transfer Credits Toward Degree: No
- In-State$10,370
- Out-of-state$37,071
- In-State$18,198
- Out-of-state$32,439
- Retention Rate95%
- Acceptance Rate52%
- Students Enrolled47,576
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment8%
- AccreditationYes
University of South Florida-Main Campus
- Tampa, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
With a main campus in Tampa, University of South Florida-Main Campus delivers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields. Learners with personal or professional responsibilities often enroll in the school's online master's programs.
Degree-seekers interested in creative writing can enroll in the college's online master of fine arts in creative writing program. The degree prepares learners to pursue positions in the field or advance their current career. Support services including faculty mentorship and career counseling prepare degree candidates succeed academically and professionally.
The school supports online enrollees through affordable tuition rates and institutional funding. Students with financial need can submit the FAFSA to qualify for federal grants, scholarships, and loans. Learners who need additional funding can secure private scholarships and institutional fellowships.
University of South Florida-Main Campus at a Glance:
Fee Per Credit: $907
Students Receiving Aid: 93%
Students Receiving Loans: 35%
Total Master's Programs: 103
Total Online Master's Programs: 103
Allows Transfer Credits: No
- In-State$4,559
- Out-of-state$15,473
- In-State$8,350
- Out-of-state$19,048
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate48%
- Students Enrolled44,246
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
California State University, Fresno
- Fresno, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Distance learners at California State University, Fresno can pursue a variety of respected degrees, including a master of fine arts in creative writing. The public institution educates 7,611 distance students along with on-campus degree-seekers. Working professionals who enroll in online programs can complete academic requirements around their schedule.
Master's candidates develop field-specific knowledge and skills that apply to many professional roles. In addition to completing major courses, students customize the master's curriculum by choosing electives. Learners in the online program develop specialized industry skills and knowledge. Master's graduates often secure high-paying leadership roles in the field. The institution offers career services to help students and alumni succeed in the workforce.
Master's-level learners can access support services such as career advising and financial aid counseling. Graduate students at the accredited institution can take out federal loans to cover costs. Learners often apply for scholarships and fellowships to reduce the financial burden of earning a master's degree. The institution's average cost per credit is unknown.
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$16,680
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate58%
- Students Enrolled24,298
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment31%
- AccreditationYes
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Florida International University's academic offerings include high-quality online undergraduate and graduate programs. Students can pursue 67 online programs from the public institution, along with in-person academic offerings in Miami. Graduate degree-seekers can enroll in the MFA in creative writing program. Busy students balancing academics with personal obligations often benefit from the online program's flexible scheduling and enrollment options.
The graduate-level curriculum features specialized classes and foundational core coursework. Students prepare for specialized careers and gain theoretical and practical knowledge during experiential learning opportunities. While most master's degree-seekers graduate in 1-2 years, part-time enrollment may extend degree-completion time. Admissions advisors provide prospective applicants with details about application deadlines and requirements.
Students can access affordable tuition rates and institutional funding, which can reduce out-of-pocket expenses. In-state enrollees pay an average tuition rate of $8,912, while out-of-state learners pay $21,393. Enrollees with financial need can fund their education through federal grants and loans. At the school, 90% of students fund their education through financial aid.
- In-State$4,721
- Out-of-state$16,529
- In-State$8,912
- Out-of-state$21,393
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate58%
- Students Enrolled58,711
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Edinburg, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Situated in Edinburg, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers undergraduate and graduate programs in virtual and in-person formats. Learners attending the school can study on campus or in an online format. The master of fine arts in creative writing is one of the best online degrees.
The master's program combines rigorous, graduate-level courses with strong faculty and career advising. Designed with working professionals in mind, the program offers flexible enrollment options. Master's degree-seekers typically graduate with their degree in 1-2 years.
At the accredited institution, graduate students qualify for federal aid programs and other forms of financial aid. To fund their education, 36% of enrollees take out loans. Learners can also pay for school using various forms of financial aid, which 90% of the institution's learners obtain.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Numbers:
Total Programs: 130
Number of Online Programs: 19
Online Master's Programs: 55
Number of Online Students: 14,840
Average Cost Per Credit: Not Known
Religious Affiliation: Non-Affiliated
Transfer Credits Counted: No
- In-State$6,664
- Out-of-state$16,792
- In-State$5,959
- Out-of-state$13,555
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled29,113
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment51%
- AccreditationYes
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