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15 Best Creative Writing MFA Programs in 2024

May 15, 2024

Whether you studied at a top creative writing university or are a high school dropout who will one day become a bestselling author , you may be considering an MFA in Creative Writing. But is a writing MFA genuinely worth the time and potential costs? How do you know which program will best nurture your writing? If you’re considering an MFA, this article walks you through the best full-time, low residency, and online Creative Writing MFA programs in the United States.

What are the best Creative Writing MFA programs?

Before we get into the meat and potatoes of this article, let’s start with the basics. What is an MFA, anyway?

A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) is a graduate degree that usually takes from two to three years to complete. Applications typically require a sample portfolio, usually 10-20 pages (and sometimes up to 30-40) of your best writing. Moreover, you can receive an MFA in a particular genre, such as Fiction or Poetry, or more broadly in Creative Writing. However, if you take the latter approach, you often have the opportunity to specialize in a single genre.

Wondering what actually goes on in a creative writing MFA beyond inspiring award-winning books and internet memes ? You enroll in workshops where you get feedback on your creative writing from your peers and a faculty member. You enroll in seminars where you get a foundation of theory and techniques. Then, you finish the degree with a thesis project. Thesis projects are typically a body of polished, publishable-quality creative work in your genre—fiction, nonfiction, or poetry.

Why should I get an MFA in Creative Writing?

You don’t need an MFA to be a writer. Just look at Nobel Prize winner Toni Morrison or bestselling novelist Emily St. John Mandel.

Nonetheless, there are plenty of reasons you might still want to get a creative writing MFA. The first is, unfortunately, prestige. An MFA from a top program can help you stand out in a notoriously competitive industry to be published.

The second reason: time. Many MFA programs give you protected writing time, deadlines, and maybe even a (dainty) salary.

Third, an MFA in Creative Writing is a terminal degree. This means that this degree allows you to teach writing at the university level, especially after you publish a book.

Fourth: resources. MFA programs are often staffed by brilliant, award-winning writers; offer lecture series, volunteer opportunities, and teaching positions; and run their own (usually prestigious) literary magazines. Such resources provide you with the knowledge and insight you’ll need to navigate the literary and publishing world on your own post-graduation.

But above all, the biggest reason to pursue an MFA is the community it brings you. You get to meet other writers—and share feedback, advice, and moral support—in relationships that can last for decades.

Types of Creative Writing MFA Programs

Here are the different types of programs to consider, depending on your needs:

Fully-Funded Full-Time Programs

These programs offer full-tuition scholarships and sweeten the deal by actually paying you to attend them.

  • Pros: You’re paid to write (and teach).
  • Cons: Uprooting your entire life to move somewhere possibly very cold.

Full-Time MFA Programs

These programs include attending in-person classes and paying tuition (though many offer need-based and merit scholarships).

  • Pros: Lots of top-notch non-funded programs have more assets to attract world-class faculty and guests.
  • Cons: It’s an investment that might not pay itself back.

Low-Residency MFA Programs

Low-residency programs usually meet biannually for short sessions. They also offer one-on-one support throughout the year. These MFAs are more independent, preparing you for what the writing life is actually like.

  • Pros: No major life changes required. Cons: Less time dedicated to writing and less time to build relationships.

Online MFA Programs

Held 100% online. These programs have high acceptance rates and no residency requirement. That means zero travel or moving expenses.

  • Pros: No major life changes required.
  • Cons: These MFAs have less name recognition.

The Top 15 Creative Writing MFA Programs Ranked by Category

The following programs are selected for their balance of high funding, impressive return on investment, stellar faculty, major journal publications , and impressive alums.

FULLY FUNDED MFA PROGRAMS

1) johns hopkins university , mfa in fiction/poetry.

This two-year program offers an incredibly generous funding package: $39,000 teaching fellowships each year. Not to mention, it offers that sweet, sweet health insurance, mind-boggling faculty, and the option to apply for a lecture position after graduation. Many grads publish their first book within three years (nice). No nonfiction MFA (boo).

  • Location: Baltimore, MD
  • Incoming class size: 8 students (4 per genre)
  • Admissions rate: 4-8%
  • Alumni: Chimamanda Adichie, Jeffrey Blitz, Wes Craven, Louise Erdrich, Porochista Khakpour, Phillis Levin, ZZ Packer, Tom Sleigh, Elizabeth Spires, Rosanna Warren

2) University of Texas, James Michener Center

The only MFA that offers full and equal funding for every writer. It’s three years long, offers a generous yearly stipend of $30k, and provides full tuition plus a health insurance stipend. Fiction, poetry, playwriting, and screenwriting concentrations are available. The Michener Center is also unique because you study a primary genre and a secondary genre, and also get $4,000 for the summer.

  • Location : Austin, TX
  • Incoming class size : 12 students
  • Acceptance rate: a bone-chilling less-than-1% in fiction; 2-3% in other genres
  • Alumni: Fiona McFarlane, Brian McGreevy, Karan Mahajan, Alix Ohlin, Kevin Powers, Lara Prescott, Roger Reeves, Maria Reva, Domenica Ruta, Sam Sax, Joseph Skibell, Dominic Smith

3) University of Iowa

The Iowa Writers’ Workshop is a 2-year program on a residency model for fiction and poetry. This means there are low requirements, and lots of time to write groundbreaking novels or play pool at the local bar. All students receive full funding, including tuition, a living stipend, and subsidized health insurance. The Translation MFA , co-founded by Gayatri Chakravorti Spivak, is also two years long but with more intensive coursework. The Nonfiction Writing Program is a prestigious three-year MFA program and is also intensive.

  • Incoming class size: 25 each for poetry and fiction; 10-12 for nonfiction and translation.
  • Acceptance rate: 2.7-3.7%
  • Fantastic Alumni: Raymond Carver, Flannery O’Connor, Sandra Cisneros, Joy Harjo, Garth Greenwell, Kiley Reid, Brandon Taylor, Eula Biss, Yiyun Li, Jennifer Croft

Best MFA Creative Writing Programs (Continued) 

4) university of michigan.

Anne Carson famously lives in Ann Arbor, as do the MFA students in UMichigan’s Helen Zell Writers’ Program. This is a big university town, which is less damaging to your social life. Plus, there’s lots to do when you have a $25,000 stipend, summer funding, and health care.

This is a 2-3-year program in either fiction or poetry, with an impressive reputation. They also have a demonstrated commitment to “ push back against the darkness of intolerance and injustice ” and have outreach programs in the community.

  • Location: Ann Arbor, MI
  • Incoming class size: 18 (9 in each genre)
  • Acceptance rate: 2%
  • Alumni: Brit Bennett, Vievee Francis, Airea D. Matthews, Celeste Ng, Chigozie Obioma, Jia Tolentino, Jesmyn Ward

5) Brown University

Brown offers an edgy, well-funded program in a place that only occasionally dips into arctic temperatures. All students are fully funded for 2 years, which includes tuition remission and a $32k yearly stipend. Students also get summer funding and—you guessed it—that sweet, sweet health insurance.

In the Brown Literary Arts MFA, students take only one workshop and one elective per semester. It’s also the only program in the country to feature a Digital/Cross Disciplinary Track.  Fiction and Poetry Tracks are offered as well.

  • Location: Providence, RI
  • Incoming class size: 12-13
  • Acceptance rate: “highly selective”
  • Alumni: Edwidge Danticat, Jaimy Gordon, Gayl Jones, Ben Lerner, Joanna Scott, Kevin Young, Ottessa Moshfegh

6) University of Arizona

This 3-year program with fiction, poetry, and nonfiction tracks has many attractive qualities. It’s in “ the lushest desert in the world, ” and was recently ranked #4 in creative writing programs, and #2 in Nonfiction. You can take classes in multiple genres, and in fact, are encouraged to do so. Plus, Arizona’s dry heat is good for arthritis.

This notoriously supportive program is fully funded. Moreover, teaching assistantships that provide a salary, health insurance, and tuition waiver are offered to all students. Tucson is home to a hopping literary scene, so it’s also possible to volunteer at multiple literary organizations and even do supported research at the US-Mexico Border.

  • Location: Tucson, AZ
  • Incoming class size: usually 6
  • Acceptance rate: 1.2% (a refreshingly specific number after Brown’s evasiveness)
  • Alumni: Francisco Cantú, Jos Charles, Tony Hoagland, Nancy Mairs, Richard Russo, Richard Siken, Aisha Sabatini Sloan, David Foster Wallace

7) Arizona State University 

With concentrations in fiction and poetry, Arizona State is a three-year funded program in arthritis-friendly dry heat. It offers small class sizes, individual mentorships, and one of the most impressive faculty rosters in the game. Moreover, it encourages cross-genre study.

Funding-wise, everyone has the option to take on a teaching assistantship position, which provides a tuition waiver, health insurance, and a yearly stipend of $25k. Other opportunities for financial support exist as well.

  • Location: Tempe, AZ
  • Incoming class size: 8-10
  • Acceptance rate: 3% (sigh)
  • Alumni: Tayari Jones, Venita Blackburn, Dorothy Chan, Adrienne Celt, Dana Diehl, Matthew Gavin Frank, Caitlin Horrocks, Allegra Hyde, Hugh Martin, Bonnie Nadzam

FULL-RESIDENCY MFAS (UNFUNDED)

8) new york university.

This two-year program is in New York City, meaning it comes with close access to literary opportunities and hot dogs. NYU also has one of the most accomplished faculty lists anywhere. Students have large cohorts (more potential friends!) and have a penchant for winning top literary prizes. Concentrations in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction are available.

  • Location: New York, NY
  • Incoming class size: ~60; 20-30 students accepted for each genre
  • Acceptance rate: 6-9%
  • Alumni: Nick Flynn, Nell Freudenberger, Aracelis Girmay, Mitchell S. Jackson, Tyehimba Jess, John Keene, Raven Leilani, Robin Coste Lewis, Ada Limón, Ocean Vuong

9) Columbia University

Another 2-3 year private MFA program with drool-worthy permanent and visiting faculty. Columbia offers courses in fiction, poetry, translation, and nonfiction. Beyond the Ivy League education, Columbia offers close access to agents, and its students have a high record of bestsellers. Finally, teaching positions and fellowships are available to help offset the high tuition.

  • Incoming class size: 110
  • Acceptance rate: not publicized (boo)
  • Alumni: Alexandra Kleeman, Rachel Kushner, Claudia Rankine, Rick Moody, Sigrid Nunez, Tracy K. Smith, Emma Cline, Adam Wilson, Marie Howe, Mary Jo Bang

10) Sarah Lawrence 

Sarah Lawrence offers a concentration in speculative fiction in addition to the average fiction, poetry, and nonfiction choices. Moreover, they encourage cross-genre exploration. With intimate class sizes, this program is unique because it offers biweekly one-on-one conferences with its stunning faculty. It also has a notoriously supportive atmosphere, and many teaching and funding opportunities are available.

  • Location: Bronxville, NY
  • Incoming class size: 30-40
  • Acceptance rate: not publicized
  • Alumni: Cynthia Cruz, Melissa Febos, T Kira Madden, Alex Dimitrov, Moncho Alvarado

LOW RESIDENCY

11) bennington college.

This two-year program boasts truly stellar faculty, and meets twice a year for ten days in January and June. It’s like a biannual vacation in beautiful Vermont, plus mentorship by a famous writer. The rest of the time, you’ll be spending approximately 25 hours per week on reading and writing assignments. Students have the option to concentrate in fiction, nonfiction, or poetry. Uniquely, they can also opt for a dual-genre focus.

The tuition is $23,468 per year, with scholarships available. Additionally, Bennington offers full-immersion teaching fellowships to MFA students, which are extremely rare in low-residency programs.

  • Location: Bennington, VT
  • Acceptance rate: 53%
  • Incoming class: 25-35
  • Alumni: Larissa Pham, Andrew Reiner, Lisa Johnson Mitchell, and others

12)  Institute for American Indian Arts

This two-year program emphasizes Native American and First Nations writing. With truly amazing faculty and visiting writers, they offer a wide range of genres, including screenwriting, poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. In addition, each student is matched with a faculty mentor who works with them one-on-one throughout the semester.

Students attend two eight-day residencies each year, in January and July, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. At $12,000 in tuition a year, it boasts being “ one of the most affordable MFA programs in the country .”

  • Location: Santa Fe, NM
  • Incoming class size : 21
  • Alumni: Tommy Orange, Dara Yen Elerath, Kathryn Wilder

13) Vermont College of Fine Arts

VCFA is the only graduate school on this list that focuses exclusively on the fine arts. Their MFA in Writing offers concentrations in fiction, poetry, and nonfiction; they also offer an MFA in Literary Translation and one of the few MFAs in Writing for Children and Young Adults . Students meet twice a year for nine days, in January and July, either in-person or online. Here, they receive one-on-one mentorship that continues for the rest of the semester. You can also do many travel residencies in exciting (and warm) places like Cozumel.

VCFA boasts amazing faculty and visiting writers, with individualized study options and plenty of one-on-one time. Tuition for the full two-year program is approximately $54k.

  • Location : Various; 2024/25 residencies are in Colorado and California
  • Incoming class size: 18-25
  • Acceptance rate: 63%
  • Alumnx: Lauren Markham, Mary-Kim Arnold, Cassie Beasley, Kate Beasley, Julie Berry, Bridget Birdsall, Gwenda Bond, Pablo Cartaya

ONLINE MFAS

14) university of texas at el paso.

UTEP is considered the best online MFA program, and features award-winning faculty from across the globe. Accordingly, this program is geared toward serious writers who want to pursue teaching and/or publishing. Intensive workshops allow submissions in Spanish and/or English, and genres include poetry and fiction.

No residencies are required, but an optional opportunity to connect in person is available every year. This three-year program costs about $25-30k total, depending on whether you are an in-state or out-of-state resident.

  • Location: El Paso, TX
  • Acceptance rate: “highly competitive”
  • Alumni: Watch alumni testimonies here

15) Bay Path University

This 2-year online, no-residency program is dedicated entirely to nonfiction. Featuring a supportive, diverse community, Bay Path offers small class sizes, close mentorship, and an optional yearly field trip to Ireland.

There are many tracks, including publishing, narrative medicine, and teaching creative writing. Moreover, core courses include memoir, narrative journalism, food/travel writing, and the personal essay. Tuition is approximately $31,000 for the entire program, with scholarships available.

  • Location: Longmeadow, MA
  • Incoming class size: 20
  • Alumni: Read alumni testimonies here

Best MFA Creative Writing Programs — Final Thoughts

Whether you’re aiming for a fully funded, low residency, or completely online MFA program, there are plenty of incredible options available—all of which will sharpen your craft while immersing you in the vibrant literary arts community.

Hoping to prepare for your MFA in advance? You might consider checking out the following:

  • Best English Programs
  • Best Colleges for Creative Writing
  • Writing Summer Programs
  • Best Writing Competitions for High School Students

Inspired to start writing? Get your pencil ready:

  • 100 Creative Writing Prompts 
  • 1 00 Tone Words to Express Mood in Your Writing
  • 60 Senior Project Ideas
  • Common App Essay Prompts

Best MFA Creative Writing Programs – References:

  • https://www.pw.org/mfa
  • The Creative Writing MFA Handbook: A Guide for Prospective Graduate Students , by Tom Kealey (A&C Black 2005)
  • Graduate School Admissions

Julia Conrad

With a Bachelor of Arts in English and Italian from Wesleyan University as well as MFAs in both Nonfiction Writing and Literary Translation from the University of Iowa, Julia is an experienced writer, editor, educator, and a former Fulbright Fellow. Julia’s work has been featured in  The Millions ,  Asymptote , and  The Massachusetts Review , among other publications. To read more of her work, visit  www.juliaconrad.net

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Emerson MFA Creative Writing

By erinajinzx March 10, 2018 in Decisions, Decisions

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Decaf

Hi, everyone, hope you are doing well.

I was accepted to Emerson's creative writing program on March 8th with a $32500 fellowship. I have tried to research this school but found the info is minimal out there (there is no blog post--like the MFA years posts--about the program or current students' thoughts about it). I was wondering if anyone knows this program well and could thus fill me in on it. So far, it seems like this is not a super competitive program and not too hard to get into, and the size of the applicant pool just seems like a mystery to me... I would love to hear everyone's thoughts. Many thanks! 

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Share on other sites, gallifreygirl.

Based on my research, Emerson accepts like 40-45 out of an applicant pool of 100-200. I'm not sure if that fellowship is on top of a tuition waiver? Tuition is about $30k/year there so if you have to pay tuition out of the fellowship, that doesn't leave much to try to live on (and Boston is not cheap).

As for reputation, I've only heard good things about Emerson; they have a specialization in Publishing and Popular Fiction, which bodes well if you ever want to write something other than straight literary fiction, and their grads seem to have a pretty good track record of publishing work.

Hope this helps. Good luck writing!

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Why I Pursued a Popular Fiction MFA instead of an MS in Psychology

If you’re looking for a career in writing or publishing with a focus on genre fiction, Emerson’s Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing MFA may be for you. Today we’re interviewing Savannah Montoya, a current student in the program. She’ll share … Continued

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Emerson College’s Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing MFA

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MFA Program

Writing: Katie Williams, Margot Douaihy, Kirsten Imani Kasai, Jon Papernick, Jessica Treadway Literature: William Orem, Roy Kamada, Mary Kovaleski Byrnes, Adele Lee Publishing: Lisa Diercks, Gian Lombardo, John Rodzvilla

The program offers partial funding. Some students receive fellowships, and all applications are automatically reviewed for funding. The program offers the  Presidential Fellowship and Merit-Based Scholarships .

Students can apply to the program’s Transformational Leaders Fellowship which includes a stipend, scholarship, leadership training and a mentorship program.

The Online MFA in Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing Program hosts an online webinar series for students with writers and publishers of popular fiction to enable students to discuss their craft and foster connections with the writing and publishing community.

The priority decision is November 1, rolling admissions accepted through November 15 for spring admission. The priority decision is March 1, rolling admissions accepted through June 1 for fall admission. The priority decision is February 1, rolling admissions accepted through May 1 for summer admission.

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Writing and Publishing MFA

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COMMENTS

  1. Graduate Creative Writing (MFA)

    Writing for Film and Television (MFA-Low Residency) Publishing and Writing (MA) Boston. 120 Boylston Street. Boston, MA 02116. 617-824-8500. Los Angeles. The Netherlands. Notice of Non-Discrimination: Emerson College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex (under Title IX), pregnancy, sexual ...

  2. Admission, Creative Writing MFA, Emerson College

    Rm555, 120 Boylston Street Boston, MA 02116. [email protected] 617-824-3114. Graduate Admission. Program Support: Creative Writing, Popular Fiction, Publishing and Writing. Schedule a call with Muzhgan.

  3. My experience applying to 15 of the best Creative Writing MFA ...

    In late 2019 I applied to around 15 of the best Creative Writing MFA's in the United States. All of these programs have less than a 3% acceptance rate--the most competitive among them less than 1% (yes, they received over 1000 applicants and accepted less than 10).

  4. Graduate Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing (MFA

    Writing for Film and Television (MFA) Publishing and Writing (MA) Boston. 120 Boylston Street. Boston, MA 02116. 617-824-8500. Los Angeles. The Netherlands. Notice of Non-Discrimination: Emerson College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex (under Title IX), pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender ...

  5. Day in the Life of a Creative Writing MFA Student

    From there, my day pretty much revolves around classes. My first semester at Emerson, I took a course called Teaching College Composition. Emerson's MFA in Crea tive Writing and MA in Publishing & Writing programs both offer grad students the opportunity to gain training and experience in teaching writing as instructors for the Writing Studies Program - from noon to 1:45.

  6. 25 Best Online Creative Writing MFAs for 2021

    Emerson College offers two of Boston's best online MFA creative writing programs with its MFA in Writing for Film and Television or its Master of Fine Arts in Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing. The best online creative writing MFA degree program in popular fiction writing/publishing is available entirely online (with the completion of 36 ...

  7. Apply Now, Creative Writing MFA, Emerson College

    Creating an account is the first step in starting your application. Once your account is configured, you can log into your admissions portal and begin uploading your application materials. If you have questions during your application process please contact Graduate Admissions by email at [email protected] or by calling at 1-617-824-8610 .

  8. Curriculum, Creative Writing MFA, Emerson College

    Sample Curriculum Map. Our Creative Writing MFA can be completed full-time in 3 years, or part-time over 4-6 years. This sample curriculum map is designed to give you an idea of your course load as a full-time student over 3 years. For full course information review our Course Catalog.

  9. Creative Writing (MFA) Submission

    For more information, visit our MFA in Creative Writing program pages or learn about applying . If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or 617-824-8610, and we look forward to staying in touch. Boston. 120 Boylston Street. Boston, MA 02116. 617-824-8500.

  10. Creative Writing Archives

    Creative Writing. Emerson's Creative Writing MFA is home to two award-winning literary journals and boasts some of the nation's best writing and publishing faculty. With specialized tracks for literary fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, this program allows you to focus on your craft and gain the skills needed to become a professional writer.

  11. Answers to Your Questions About Emerson's Writing and Publishing

    The program is designed for Publishing and Writing MA students to collaborate with Creative Writing MFA students to simulate real-world professional interactions, which is a unique perk. ... flexible class schedules, and networking opportunities, Emerson's publishing and writing graduate programs help students find success as they hone their ...

  12. Creative Writing (MFA)

    PHASE 1 - First Year at Emerson; PHASE 2 - Ideal for Sophomores and Juniors; PHASE 3 - Ideal for Graduating Seniors ... Creative Writing (MFA) Explore Creative Writing Resources: Explore. Schedule an Appointment with Our Office: Schedule. Future Ready; Blog; Career Action; Industry Guides;

  13. 15 Best Creative Writing MFA Programs in 2024

    4) University of Michigan. Anne Carson famously lives in Ann Arbor, as do the MFA students in UMichigan's Helen Zell Writers' Program. This is a big university town, which is less damaging to your social life. Plus, there's lots to do when you have a $25,000 stipend, summer funding, and health care.

  14. Why I Pursued a Popular Fiction MFA instead of an MS in Psychology

    Ultimately Savannah changed direction and started applying to creative writing graduate programs with the intention of circling back to psychology later on. Why Emerson's Popular Fiction MFA? Savannah looked at many graduate writing programs, but she ultimately decided on Emerson for a few key reasons. When visiting Emerson's websites and ...

  15. Emerson MFA Creative Writing

    Hi, everyone, hope you are doing well. I was accepted to Emerson's creative writing program on March 8th with a $32500 fellowship. I have tried to research this school but found the info is minimal out there (there is no blog post--like the MFA years posts--about the program or current students' thoughts about it).

  16. Most Commonly Asked Questions About our Film and Screenwriting MFAs

    A: I recruit for Emerson's Film and Media Art (MFA) and Writing for Film and Television (MFA) programs. Q: What makes Emerson's film and screenwriting programs stand out? A: There are a few things that make the Film and Media Art MFA unique. First, the program has different entry points for students with previous experience in the field.

  17. Applying to Emerson for Creative Writing MFA Because Industry ...

    Emerson alum here (class of '94). Also Creative Writing major, with a focus on screenwriting. This is just my perspective, so I'm only basing it on my life since Emerson. I'm also a professional TV writer. I wouldn't go the MFA route myself. A huge part of a writing career is just getting out in the world and trying to work.

  18. Tuition & Aid, Creative Writing MFA, Emerson College

    120 Boylston Street. Boston, MA 02116. 617-824-8500. Los Angeles. The Netherlands. Notice of Non-Discrimination: Emerson College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex (under Title IX), pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, including transgender identity, religion, disability, age ...

  19. Online MFA Archives

    Online MFA 20 Feb 2024 Why I Pursued a Popular Fiction MFA instead of an MS in Psychology ... If you're looking for a career in writing or publishing with a focus on genre fiction, Emerson's Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing MFA may be for you. Today we're interviewing Savannah Montoya, a current student in the program. She'll ...

  20. Emerson College's Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing MFA

    Find details about every creative writing competition—including poetry contests, short story competitions, essay contests, awards for novels, grants for translators, and more—that we've published in the Grants & Awards section of Poets & Writers Magazine during the past year. We carefully review the practices and policies of each contest before including it in the Writing Contests ...

  21. Good MFA programs for Creative Writing? : r/writing

    MFA programs are for those who want to write and publish their work, not necessarily teach. The Emerson MFA does have some classes on teaching, but an MFA isn't a teaching track degree. If you're primarily looking to teach fiction, I would recommend looking into a master's in literature. If you want to write, then MFA for sure.

  22. Should I do the Emerson MFA?? : r/Screenwriting

    Emerson will happily take your money and make you feel good doing so; you'll still have to put in the days and hours writing quality work. You'll take another risk. The real world is much harder, but at least you won't be paying student loan interest for years and years. Be pragmatic when it comes to humanities majors.

  23. Writing and Publishing MFA : r/EmersonCollege

    hi, i'm looking to apply for emerson college for fall 2024. i have some questions about how difficult it is to get into this program. i have been published in both of my colleges' (community college and current university) literary magazine. i'm going to be working on one of these magazines this upcoming year as well. i have won a fiction award for one of these as well. i have a GPA of 3 ...