ma in english vs mfa in creative writing

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Creative Writing: MA vs. MFA

Understanding the Numbers When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors — like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

If you're the kind of person who loves the nuances of the English language, you know how the omission or addition of a single word can change the meaning of a phrase. As you're weighing which creative writing programs you want to apply to, your decision may come down to the difference of one word: Do you want to earn a Master of Arts or a Master of Fine Arts? At first glance, it seems as if these two creative writing degree paths would be the same, but each provides a different focus of study and opportunities for building your career.

Creative Writing Graduate Programs

Once you've reached the decision to move forward with your creative writing education, you need to choose which degree path is the right one for you. The specifics of what you want to learn, the skills you want to add to your toolbox and the expectations you have for your future are all factors you want to consider when determining whether an MA or MFA will best suit your needs.

Earning an MA In Creative Writing

The master's in creative writing  differs from the creative writing MFA  in several ways. First is the time consideration - the amount of credits required for an MA in creative writing is less than that of an MFA. Academically, courses in this program push beyond lessons in creative writing and include courses focused on studying literature and literary theory. Along with learning the craft of storytelling, you'll have the opportunity to develop your analytical skills while you study the various lenses through which you can view a work of literature. You'll also study how sentences are structured and how words in the English language have changed over time.

Earning an MFA In Creative Writing

The MFA degree path is for writers who are focused on honing their craft with the purpose of becoming a professional writer or novelist. By the end of your MFA program, you should have completed a polished manuscript. An MFA also "emphasizes the skills needed to build and sustain a full-time writing career in a modern gig-economy," Dr. Sharon Califano , associate dean of programs for creative writing and literature at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), said. "Students develop a range of skills and strategies for maintaining a professional identity as a writer."

The coursework explores the different services and roles of writers entering the publishing field, including the business of writing and the role of digitization in publishing. To succeed in publishing in the digital age, MFA students must learn how to use social media and build a platform. With reference to SNHU's new online MFA, Califano said, "This MFA program is designed to give students the business skills that both help to develop an audience for their work and support career aspirations in areas such as marketing, publishing, content writing, teaching and freelancing."

Creative Writing Concentrations

Knowing what you want to write can help determine whether an MA or MFA in creative writing is the right path for you. MA and MFA degree paths offer a variety of form and genre concentrations to choose from, such as:

• Fiction and Nonfiction - Many MFA programs have two form paths, fiction and creative nonfiction, while MA programs more frequently offer screenwriting and poetry.
• Screenwriting - In some programs, the screenwriting concentration is still called playwrighting. If you intend to write for television, film or the stage, this concentration teaches the structure and flow of a script.
• Poetry - A master's of creative writing in poetry will require you to learn structure, tone and rhythm and analyze the work of renowned poets. An MFA in poetry requires a student be able to appraise a poem's composition and larger meaning while also understanding the significance in their own art as they grow as a poet.
• Genre Fiction - This category includes anything not included in literary fiction. MA or MFA programs may include concentrations in young adult, romance, mystery or speculative fiction. Speculative fiction includes science fiction, fantasy and writing focused on elements of the supernatural.

The Different MFA Programs

While an MA in Creative Writing follows the traditional and online avenues for earning your degree, there are three ways to earn your MFA.

• Low-residency - In a low-residency MFA, such as the Mountainview MFA program , you'll spend around two weeks in-residence with faculty and students twice a year, and the rest of the time, you'll work from home.
• Online - With some programs, you have the opportunity to earn your MFA entirely online. The expectations are the same, but you're able to continue working full-time if necessary while you complete your degree.

You may also have the option of earning a certification along with your MFA, such as a teaching certification for creative writing.

Careers In Creative Writing

Creative writing is a skill necessary in many fields. The career that best suits your skills and experience may not be in a line of work you expected. Your proficiencies in editing, crafting a narrative and expert language usage can be important in areas ranging from marketing to public relations.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report for 2017 showed the following expectations for creative writing careers:

• Median salary : $61,820 per year, BLS reports*
• Growth through 2026 : 8%, BLS reports*
• Median salary : $70,930 per year, BLS reports*
• Growth through 2026 : 11%, BLS reports*
• Median salary : $129,380 per year, BLS reports*
• Growth through 2026 : 10%, BLS reports*
• Median salary: $59,300 per year, BLS reports*
• Growth through 2026: 9%, BLS reports*
• Median salary : $76,000 per year, BLS reports*
• Growth through 2026: 15%, BLS reports*

*Cited job growth projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Actual salaries and/or earning potential may be the result of a combination of factors including, but not limited to: years of experience, industry of employment, geographic location, and worker skill.

Ashley Wallis is an Army veteran and writer with a BA in English Language and Literature from SNHU. She is currently living in the Denver area. Find her on twitter  @AshDWallis.

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MA and MFA: The Final Word

John poch | september 2012.

While an MFA in creative writing is considered by most to be the terminal degree for those writers seeking academic training and the rewards thereof, many English departments and writing programs offer an MA in English ( magister artium in the Latin) where creative writing can be chosen as a specialization area rather than technical communication, rhetoric/composition, literature, linguistics, or even film. In general, a student working in a creative writing MA program tends to follow a more rigorously structured degree plan than an MFA, fulfilling more scholarly/literary studies requirements.  It may come as a surprise to some, but according to the Association of Writers & Writing Programs' recently updated figures, M.A. programs constitute one third of all the graduate degree programs in the United States. 

I doubt you’ll see thrilling and controversial MA rankings any time soon in Poets & Writers , but the MA offers some fine possibilities for a young writer finding her way. One of those possibilities is NOT having to pay an enormous sum of money, as some MFA programs require of their students. I believe this is especially important for poets who won’t graduate from either program with a rosy financial outlook (prose writers can sometimes sell books and even write for the screen to make a living), especially if they need to take out loans to survive. Due to the fact that the most competitive MFA programs are receiving many hundreds of applicants, often for only a handful of funded positions, the MA degree can be quite an attractive option. Right now, an MA applicant is much more likely to be accepted.

Every MA program in creative writing has a long list of assets that make it unique, valuable, useful, and perhaps perfect for a young writer who for one reason or another doesn’t choose (or isn’t chosen by) the MFA program. Two of the more storied writing programs were, until recently, MA programs: Boston University and the Writing Seminars at Johns Hopkins now offer the MFA as their writing degree. From what I have heard, several of the programs that recently made this degree designation change did so in order to appear more writer-friendly and be more attractive to applicants; there wasn’t a big overhaul to how the program functioned. However, when the program at Hollins University underwent the degree change, they took the opportunity to restructure much of the program as they happily enjoyed an influx of money for endowed chairs and visiting writers.

The MFA is known as a studio degree, but then what does that mean? One could infer that the writing program is its own entity and thereby separate from the English department, but that is actually only true in a small number of cases. Most MFA programs are well-entrenched within and must work with their English departments, whether they like it or not.

So what’s the difference? In general, I believe many see the MFA as a degree that is more writer-ly.  In other words, the MFA student aims to write literature more than writing about literature during his/her term. Obviously, any discrepancies will vary program by program. The difference between an MA and an MFA is probably as vast as the difference between any two given MA programs. Or the difference between any two MFA programs. Auburn, UC Davis, the University of Chicago, Western Washington, and many other programs still offer the MA as their signature writing degree. You can peruse the AWP Guide to Programs or the NewPages website to see the myriad possibilities.

The only actual difference might be that the M.A. does not usually claim to represent itself as the terminal degree, where the M.F.A. definitely does. Even so, with the proliferation of creative writing PhD programs (and MFA programs—there are hundreds), there is a general perception that the MFA has lost some of its luster. This has to do with a variety of issues and problems including but not limited to a decline in the quality of general education (especially of reading/writing) at our nation’s high schools and universities. When I finished my MFA at the University of Florida, William Logan mentioned to a few of us we need not pursue a PhD. We now were in possession of the terminal degree, he said. But I knew I needed more. Not that the MFA@UFL wasn’t a good program; it certainly was (I can name around ten poets within a three-year span who ended up publishing books with good presses). Rather, my earlier education was primarily physics/engineering-oriented, and I had a lot of holes to fill in my reading after the MFA I felt I needed more literary training, more teaching experience, and some time to get that first book published. The PhD at the University of North Texas ended up bolstering my writing and my preparation for teaching in academia. It is evident that PhD graduates are often more prepared to teach and have much more solid publishing credentials than do MFA graduates due to more time spent in the classroom on both sides of the podium. No doubt there are exceptions to the rule. Now many MFA programs are fortifying their degrees by offering three or four year programs. MFA@UFL is one of those programs. Yet the writing degree at Boston University remains a one-year program with their enviable Global Fellowships recently added to strengthen their offerings. That kind of intensity seems impossibly wonderful to me, though if I could choose any program I wanted perhaps it would be for a longer stay at a program like Cornell or Arkansas. But writing students don’t get to choose very often. Due to the numbers of applicants, many good writers are turned away from the best programs. It is hardly a mistake to consider the MA program either as a backup or even as a first choice for the student who realizes she isn’t coming in with a book nearly completed. 

Obviously, I can speak most precisely of what the Texas Tech MA program offers: a degree in English with a specialization in creative writing. While our applicant pool has been growing recently, we still get very few applications in comparison with many MFA programs and in comparison with our more highly-visible PhD program. All our accepted students wishing to be funded receive very good financial support and teaching experience/training. Our teaching stipend is competitive, and the funding varies year to year, depending on which fellowships are available to us from the graduate school or the Provost’s Office or even from local philanthropic institutions such as the Helen Jones Foundation. While our entry-level literature and creative writing courses are most often taught by prepared PhD students, our MA students garner solid classroom experience by teaching composition. We even fly accepted graduate students in for a recruitment weekend so they can get a better idea of who we are and what we offer. Once students have visited, most of them accept our offers, but not all.

Most writing programs will have a vibrant reading series which brings in a wide array of authors and a literary magazine whereby one can gain some good editorial experience. Many larger universities will have a good library, which is important to any writer; ours has a special collections library focused on Southwestern and natural history writing. Every program has a department or program website that lists its greatest assets, though sometimes one has to research a bit more to see what other opportunities reside in or around an institution. A student planning on spending a few years in a writing program ought to spend a few days or weeks plowing through and sorting this information according to her needs. 

In many MA programs, students have the opportunity to take four workshops, one each semester; this is no different than most MFA programs. The difference more likely lies in the other required classes that the students take. The strongest advantage for our M.A. students is probably two-fold: we work closely with these students on their writing, and the MA students take the same classes as the PhD students who are usually well-published, accomplished writers. Sometimes it is nice to be king of the hill, but if a student writer really wants to improve his writing, he tends to associate with others who can challenge him and who can push him into more interesting territory.

I urge my undergraduates looking for writing programs to consider MA programs as alternatives to the MFA programs they are already applying to. Especially those who are not near having a complete book manuscript of poems. One of my students was recently accepted to the MA program in English at the University of North Texas which has a program situated something like Texas Tech’s. She applied to this program as a backup to the MFA programs that she actually preferred. But since she was turned down by other institutions (or accepted with no funding at those MFA programs), she gets to study poetry with Bruce Bond, Corey Marks, B.H. Fairchild and the famed linguist, Haj Ross, besides completing the rest of her coursework under the other excellent faculty. We might have a fine opera program at TTU, but who can compete with the jazz program at UNT? Students out here on the high plains may feel a little isolated with their books (we do have an airport, though) while students in the Dallas Metroplex area have access to a different variety of culture and inspiration.

Any school or area is going to have its advantages, and students should take into account so much more than prestige and, in some cases, ancient history. What matters most is the here and now: a manageable cost of living, scholarships and fellowships beyond the teaching stipend, good literary instruction (reading, as well as writing!), travel money for graduate students, faculty who are approachable and capable teachers and not just famous writers, etc.

The final word in both degrees is “art,” and if a degree gives you access to the art of writing or keeps you from it, then there is the foundation for your decision. If you end up writing and reading the rest of your life, either one is fine.

John Poch teaches in the creative writing program at Texas Tech. His most recent book of poems is Dolls (Orchises Press 2009). He is editor of 32 Poems Magazine .

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Master's in Creative Writing (MA and MFA) Degree Programs (Online and Campus)

Updated: december 26, 2023.

While technology has redefined much of how media is consumed today, the fundamentals of creating content for books, film, television, magazines, and other creative outlets remains the same. Writers use their imagination and technical skills to craft original pieces of work for audiences of all types to consume and enjoy. The creative process is one that can be developed and refined, allowing for an endless array of innovative expression through the written word. This expression goes beyond genre (e.g., fiction) and touches areas that span from social justice to television comedy. Understanding how to create that expression through different modes (e.g., poetry, nonfiction) is the responsibility of individuals skilled in creative writing.

Classification of Master’s in Creative Writing Programs

Drawing on multidisciplinary instruction in rhetoric, literature, pedagogy, and writing, graduate programs in creative writing help students hone their professional writing skills in areas ranging from fiction to poetry. There are several different types of master’s programs in the field, with the most common being a terminal degree, the Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Creative Writing. However, there are also Master of Arts in Creative Writing programs, and Master of Arts in English programs that offer specializations in Creative Writing. Traditionally, these programs can be found in a university’s Department of English, or School or College of Liberal Arts.

MFA in Creative Writing versus MA in Creative Writing Programs

As noted above, the M.F.A. is considered a terminal degree. While there are Ph.D. programs in the field, they are not as common and more research oriented, whereas the M.F.A. is traditionally regarded as a practitioner’s degree. With an M.F.A., individuals can pursue college-level teaching and writing positions in areas such as English, journalism, communication, and related fields. For many, the M.A. in Critical Writing is a stepping stone to prepare for work in doctoral programs, transition into an M.F.A. program, or to gain advance professional skills.

The distinction between an M.F.A. and an M.A. in Creative Writing may seem subtle at first, but the two degrees are typically quite different in terms of focus and the type of careers they prepare students for. In most cases, the M.F.A. is intended specifically for those looking to hone their writing skills and become a professional writer or novelist. Along with refining their written work throughout the program, M.F.A. students take courses in various areas of publishing and business that pertain to the writing profession, such as the stages of book publication, and how to use social media to market yourself as a writer. The M.A., on the other hand, includes more analytical courses in English language and literature, focusing on areas outside of creative writing itself, such as genre study and literary theory.

For example, Southern New Hampshire University offers both a Master of Arts in English and Creative Writing, and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. The M.F.A. program requires more credits to complete, and includes courses such as The Business of Writing, Storytelling, The Publishing Ecosystem, Finding and Reaching an Audience, and Editing and Coaching. Students in the M.A. program also study storytelling and various other writing skills, however, their curriculum includes courses in English Language and Literary Theory, instead of the more practical subjects covered by the M.F.A.

Additional examples of master’s in creative writing programs can be found at the following universities:

• Antioch University: Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
• Central Washington University: Master of Arts in English with a Specialization in Professional and Creative Writing
• Concordia University St. Paul: Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
• Saint Leo University: Master of Arts in Creative Writing
• Southern New Hampshire University: Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

Online Master’s in Creative Writing Programs

Professionals in fields from technical writing to creative nonfiction may benefit from a master’s degree in creative writing; however, it might not be possible for some to leave from their current career in order to pursue a graduate education. Online master’s in creative writing programs are a great option for these individuals, as they generally provide a greater level of flexibility when it comes to class scheduling than on-campus programs. They also give students a wider range of degree options to choose from, particularly for those that live far from any school offering a campus-based program in the field. Yet, prior to selecting an online program, prospective students should recognize the differences in instructional formats typically used in online education, namely the distinction between asynchronous and synchronous instruction.

Learners seeking the greatest level of scheduling freedom, who are disciplined and self-motived in their studies, may find asynchronous instruction to be the best fit. This format uses guided, but independent instruction. Students in these online programs do not have to log into a learning management system at any specific time during the week. Instead, they review class materials and readings on their own schedule, and complete assignments in accordance with due dates on the syllabus. They participate in class discussions via class message boards, watch recorded lectures, and more – all at any time, day or night.

Students that need or want more interaction with peers and instructors might want to consider an online program that uses synchronous instruction. In this format, students are required to attend classes during specific times (typically in the evening), logging into a learning management system to watch class lectures and participate in peer discussions via web chat or online conferencing platforms. Synchronous instruction tends to provide more opportunities for personal interaction with students and instructors, but does not offer the same level of flexibility as programs that use asynchronous instruction. However, independent of the instruction method, online programs offer students the ability to pursue graduate education without having to commute to campus on a weekly basis.

It is important to note that while completely online master’s in creative writing programs are available, some require students to complete an in-person residency or learning experience on campus (or sometimes at a third-party location). Residencies are usually multi-day experiences where students participate in workshops, lectures, panels, and readings. Depending on the program, these campus sessions may span two to three days each, or even up to two weeks in some cases. These intensive sessions can enhance an online program by allowing students to interact with professors and classmates in person; however, they do require travel and often additional expenses, so students should weight the pros and cons of attending such residencies before applying to a program that requires them.

Curriculum Details for Master’s in Creative Writing Programs

Most master’s degree programs in creative writing require students to complete a total of 36 credit hours, and may include a final portfolio, a residency (in-person learning experience), final manuscript, thesis, and/or writing workshops. Programs using quarter formats traditionally require between 45 and 48 credits to complete the degree. Depending on the specific institution and program structure, students can typically expect to finish their program in anywhere from 24 to 36 months of full-time study.

As noted above, there may seem to be significant overlap between a graduate degree in English with a creative writing specialization and an M.F.A . or M.A. in the field. Each option explores the fundamentals of the writing craft. However, the master’s degree programs in English with a creative writing option tend to emphasize the study of and critical analysis of writing and literature, while the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and Master of Arts in Creative Writing are more application-based. In these dedicated creative writing programs, students spend more time writing in their field (e.g., poetry) than writing about poetry.

The curriculum of a Master of Arts in English with a creative writing specialization may only include a single genre option (e.g., fiction), and require just a few electives to satisfy the creative writing component. Conversely, the curriculum of master’s in creative writing programs (M.A. and M.F.A) is highly structured, focused specifically on courses that develop students’ ability to teach writing and become writers themselves.

Another major difference is how learning is organized in M.F.A. and M.A. programs. Writing instruction is the primary focus, and the majority of graduate programs in creative writing use workshops, mentorship, and peer-based review to help students hone their craft. Workshop requirements vary by program, but allow students to develop a portfolio of writing, gain skills in analyzing the work of others, and build critical skills in self-evaluation.

A third unique element of dedicated master’s in creative writing programs is the focus on genre. Genre is a category and style of literature, and includes areas such as fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Within each genre, there are opportunities to specialize. For example, students in fiction may focus on young adult literature, while those in poetry might concentrate in freeform poetry.

Traditionally, master’s in creative writing programs have flexible curricula plans divided between genre-based workshops, literature seminars, elective courses, and a culminating project (e.g., thesis, portfolio, manuscript, critical essay). The total number of courses in each area varies significantly, but in almost all creative writing graduate programs, the workshop serves as the core learning experience.

By developing a personal approach to literary aesthetics, gaining familiarity with the foundations of existing composition theory and traditions, and building professional, strategic approaches to the writing craft, students learn how to write professionally, in addition to the following:

• Refine and enhance their personal writing voice and skills, understanding their own aesthetic approach to writing in their chosen genre (e.g., fiction, poetry)
• Possess an advanced understanding of writing, editing, and revision strategies and techniques
• Demonstrate the ability to respond in a critical manner to written work across genres
• Develop broad knowledge of rhetoric and literary arguments, and have the ability to critically examine literary works, including their own
• Show an understanding of the practice and theory of teaching creative writing

Master’s in Creative Writing Courses

Because of the individualized nature of study within creative writing graduate programs, specific courses will vary. Students can typically craft a curriculum plan that best aligns with their professional needs – whether they want to pursue teaching or advance in their current careers in writing or publishing. Some examples of potential subjects include approaches to teaching composition, essayism, prose style, writing about the arts, playwriting, storytelling, and symbolism.

Below is an example list of courses students might encounter when completing a master’s degree in creative writing:

• Pedagogy of Creative Writing : Explores theoretical and contemporary models of teaching creative writing, and serves as an introduction to theories, texts, and practices within the field.
• Seminar in Poetry : A workshop-based approach to the study of poetry that asks students to compose original work, solicit feedback from their peers, and learn about modern poetry through a range of reading and discussions.
• Writing for Young Adults : Examines the history of young adult literature and emphasizes skill development in writing for younger audiences by requiring students to create original works for young adult readers.
• Contemporary Novel : A review of the techniques and themes used in the contemporary novel, providing students with an understanding of the genre and the ability to identify and discern patterns in this format.
• Creative Nonfiction : An introduction to the creative nonfiction field that broadly examines different genres (e.g., travel writing, memoir), and allows students freedom to develop their writing skills through personal essays and other forms of creative nonfiction.

Most master’s in creative writing programs also include a culminating learning experience that allows students to synthesize the knowledge they have gained in seminars and workshops while applying them to a real-world writing project. The specific format varies by program, but typically include a thesis or writing portfolio. In each, students work with a committee and faculty advisor in a guided writing project to craft a publication-worthy, manuscript-length piece of work. Examples include books of poetry, a novel, or selection of personal essays.

The table below provides an outline of an example curriculum plan for a two-year program that requires 36 credit hours to complete, has an emphasis in nonfiction, and culminates with a written thesis project:

Career Paths for Graduates with a Master’s in Creative Writing

On the surface, a graduate education in creative writing may seem like a specialized academic experience. However, coursework in these programs can be valuable to individuals in many related fields (e.g., marketing, public relations), helping them hone their communication and writing craft for a wide range of purposes.

Becoming a professional writer or editor may be one of the most common career paths for graduates of creative writing master’s programs. However, through these programs, students gain an advanced understanding of the creative process, valuable writing skills, and knowledge that can be applied to a variety of career tracks. Individuals with a master’s degree in creative writing can pursue employment options in wide-ranging areas, such as public relations, education, marketing, law, multimedia, film and entertainment, publishing, journalism, technical writing, and more.

Below is a list of potential career paths for individuals with a graduate degree in creative writing.

• Writing Instructor : Teaches introductory and advanced creative writing classes at the local and post-secondary level, and may serve as a faculty or instructional advisor for student-based literary magazines and journals.
• Writing Center Director : Responsible for leading writing centers at institutions of higher education that provide tutoring services and writing assistance to students, faculty members, and the general community.
• Screenwriter : Develops original stories and scripts for production in various media formats, such as television or film, and may be tasked with rewriting existing scripts that are planned or currently in production.
• Digital Creative Writer : Develops a range of creative written material that aligns with a company’s editorial and style guidelines for websites and online media platforms used to market services, drive sales, or enhance the company’s brand position.
• Grant Writer : Conducts research and writes proposals for financial grants provided by foundations, trusts, companies, and government agencies.

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M.A. in English: Creative Writing

The diverse field of Creative Writing studies involves the writing of prose, poetry, and drama for the page, screen, and stage. At UNC Charlotte, the Creative Writing Concentration offers studies in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. Faculty seek to familiarize aspiring writers with the techniques and theories of poetics and prose while helping them delve more deeply into their chosen genre. Integral to a creative writer’s experience at UNC Charlotte is the studio workshop, where students draft and share work and critique their peers’ writing. Also important are issues of craft, the literary history of a writer’s genre, the culture of publishing (book, magazine, and online), and sustained independent work toward a long-form capstone project.

Creative Writing faculty at UNC Charlotte have achieved national distinction with award-winning books and work published in The Southern Review , Kenyon Review , Missouri Review , Esquire, Denver Quarterly, McSweeney’s, Glimmer Train, Colorado Review, Gettysburg Review, New Stories from the South , and many others. They have won awards such as the Editor’s Choice at New Issues Poetry & Prose; the Poets & Writers Maureen Egen Writers Exchange Award in Fiction; the Raz/Shumaker Prairie Schooner Book Prize; a variety of artist residences; and fellowships from the North Carolina Arts Council and elsewhere. Faculty hold MFAs or PhDs from Purdue University, the University of Denver, and Vanderbilt University.

Students completing the MA Concentration in Creative Writing will be well-prepared for MFA and Ph.D. programs in the field. Undergraduate and MA students from Charlotte have been accepted with funding to a number of graduate programs, including at Columbia University, the North Carolina School of the Arts, University of Colorado at Boulder, UNC Wilmington, UNC Greensboro, NC State, and New Mexico State University.

• Bryn Chancellor
• R. Mark Hall
• Allison Hutchcraft

Click here for information about 1. guidance regarding MFA programs; and 2. the capstone experience in creative writing, including descriptions of the project and thesis options, as well as samples of prospectuses, help with critical introductions to creative work, and other helpful materials.

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH

• Litowitz MFA+MA Program

The Litowitz MFA+MA Program in Creative Writing and English

Program faculty, the department of english is grateful to northwestern university alumna jennifer leischner litowitz ’91 and her husband, alec litowitz for helping launch and support this program..

The Litowitz MFA+MA Program in Creative Writing offers intimate classes, the opportunity to pursue both creative and critical writing, close mentorship by renowned faculty in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, and three fully supported years in which to grow as writers and complete a book-length creative project.  The Litowitz MFA+MA curriculum gives students time to deepen both their creative writing and their study of literature.  Students will receive full financial support for three academic years and two summers, a total of 33 months.  Both degrees—the MFA in Creative Writing and the MA in English—are awarded simultaneously at graduation.

Drawing on innovative scholarship, deep immersion in process, and cross-pollination between critical and creative texts, Litowitz students will complete a Capstone essay—a 20-25 page expanded version of a paper written for an English department graduate or MFA+MA seminar—by the end of their second year, and will spend their third year working on a book-length creative thesis of their own design, either within one genre or across genres.  The MFA+MA program's small size and attentive faculty will develop students' sense of literary context, the possibilities of genre, and their creative practice, while encouraging them to pursue the individual distinctiveness of their projects.

The Litowitz MFA+MA program provides significant exposure to a second genre in addition to the genre in which a student has been admitted. Students must take at least one out-of-genre workshop and have the option of taking more.

Over two years of coursework students will take:

In spring quarter of the second year, with advising and mentoring by the faculty, each student will complete the MA Capstone Essay.

In year three, students will be almost wholly dedicated to their creative thesis manuscripts.  Third-year students will take three quarters of the MFA Thesis Workshop/Tutorial.

Some students will complete their MFA thesis manuscript by the end of this year; others will wish to take more time.  The Graduate School permits students to submit the culminating project for the MFA at the end of full-time enrollment, or afterward.   

In all three years, students will be mentored by the faculty in the practice of their writing, the design of their projects, and regarding artistic and intellectual resources for their work.  In the teaching of creative writing and, through summer editorial work at TriQuarterly.org , students will get first-hand experience in editing a literary journal.

Visiting writers (including some anglophone international writers) will bring new perspectives to artistic practice, the three genres, and cross-genre or multi-genre work.

Students will pursue their work on our beautiful Evanston campus, amid artists, filmmakers, scholars and public intellectuals, with easy access to the vibrant literary arts scene of Chicago.

Admissions Cycle

Each year, the MFA+MA program admits new students in two of our three genres.  The genres in question rotate annually.  Information on the application process and the genres in which applications will be considered can be found here .

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What is the difference between an MA and an MFA?

Whether you are an aspiring novelist, contemporary dancer, or prolific painter, pursuing an MA or MFA is a wonderful way to deepen your artistic practice and gain access to a valuable creative community. But how do you know which type of graduate programs is right for you? This largely depends on your goals as a creator and professional.

What is an ma and mfa degree.

Let’s start with the basics:

MA stands for Master of Arts and typically consists of 120 course credits, which can be completed over the course of 1 year (full time) or 2 years (part time).

MFA stands for Master of Fine Art and typically requires around 150 credits; for this reason, an MFA usually takes longer to complete than an MA.

Ready to start your journey to a top MA or MFA school? Crimson Education is the world’s leading admissions consulting company helping students all over the world get into their dream schools. Our Graduate Admissions Consulting Program provides top-tier consulting for admission to US & UK graduate and doctoral programs. Book a free consultation to learn more!

MA vs MFA Main Differences To Consider

1. broad v narrow focus.

As a current MA student, I would describe the main difference between the two degrees as broad v narrow focus. MA degrees can be interdisciplinary and cover a wide range of humanities subjects and/or artistic disciplines. For example, my program at Plymouth College of Art is an MA in Creative Education and allows me to collaborate with students and staff from all over campus: ceramics, painting, education, glass etc. For this reason, MAs are also more broadly applied in terms of career options post-graduation. With an MA, I can work in education, arts administration, curation, or craft.

MFAs on the other hand usually require students to focus on a specific discipline , such as dance, performance, creative writing, metal work etc. MFA students are asked to deep dive into their chosen craft and spend their MFA creating as much self-directed work as possible.

2. Research v Artistic Development

MA programs also tend to be more research-oriented and ask students to base their practice in theory. This requires MA students to spend a significant amount of time reading and writing, rather than only working on their making practice.

MFA programs, however, lean more toward the making . These programs are designed to develop students’ individual artistic skills and practices, allowing them to focus solely on their craft over the course of their program; this culminates in an exhibit and/or final show that demonstrates the MFA graduates’ skills to the wider community.

Broadly speaking, it is also worth keeping in mind that MFAs tend to carry more weight in the professional world . The U.S. News & World Report reported in 2018 that artists with MFAs are more likely to have their work shown in LA galleries than their MA counterparts.

That being said, I would argue that a program’s alumni network and partner programs are just as important as the acclaim attached to the degree title itself. A big part of any post-graduate program is the connections you make with fellow professionals in your field; these are the people that will hire you, connect you with opportunities, and have your back as you move into the industry. Whether you are in an MA or MFA (or another grad program altogether) be sure to prioritize these professional connections.

Frequently Asked Questions About MA and MFA Programs

Do i need a bachelor of fine art to get accepted into an ma or mfa.

No! Most MA/MFA programs, though it varies depending on the country, accept students with any relevant bachelor’s degree - they just require that you have a bachelor’s. The most important part of your application to an MA or MFA program is

• how you articulate your goals in your personal statement and
• your portfolio. Most MA/MFA programs will require a portfolio of your work, which you can create inside or outside of a bachelor’s program. This can include: digital art, writing samples, painting, fashion designs, drawings, music, videos etc.

The sky's the limit! Just make sure you include the work you are most proud of!

Are MFAs much harder to get into than an MA?

Yes and no. It depends on the school. Especially if you are considering MA/MFA programs all over the world, admissions rates are hugely varied. Some programs, like Yale or NYU, are notoriously competitive. For example, NYU graduate programs accept about 2.5% of applications; this is true for their MA and MFA programs.

In general, MFAs are probably slightly more competitive . But keep in mind that there are also dual-degree programs: programs that allow you to complete your MA and MFA in 2-3 years. Additionally, there are schools that allow MA students to jump straight into their MFA after completing their MA. Both options are clever ways to avoid the full MFA application process.

Lastly, there are many MA/MFA programs that accept applications on a first come first serve basis. Most schools are invested in accepting interesting, hard-working applicants, rather than people with exceptional technical skills.

Do I need to have work experience in the arts industry / exhibition experience to get into an MA/MFA?

No! Speaking from experience, neither are required to be accepted into a program. You do, however, need pieces for your portfolio. This means that while you may not have worked in the industry or exhibited, you do need to show evidence of your work - whether that be writing samples or illustrations. In my case, all my pieces were compositions I had worked on at home during quarantine.

I hope this was helpful in giving you more insight into MA/MFA programs! Look out for our next post: “Day in the life of a Master of Arts student.”

For more information regarding MA or MFA degrees, check out our Graduate Admissions Consulting Program or book a free consultation with one of our expert admissions advisors !

About the Author

Tressa is a current student pursuing an MA in Creative Education at Plymouth College of Art

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Creative Writing, MFA and English, MA

Dual Degrees of Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and Master of Arts in English

The post graduate dual degree, Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing and Master of Arts (MA) in English,  enables you to earn two degrees at the same time. These complementary courses of study differ in that an MFA focuses on developing artistic skills in the fields of writing and art, while an MA focuses on fields in a theoretical or teaching context. Pairing these two degrees allows you to improve your artistic skills and conduct in-depth research and study and prepares you for a career teaching creative writing, literature, and/or composition at the university or secondary-school level. Graduates who earn an MFA/ MA have also gone on to an extensive range of career fields including publishing, marketing, and pursuing a PhD.

At Arcadia University, you earn your dual degree — an MFA in Creative Writing and an MA in English — in a full time, three-year program. For the first two years, you’ll take MFA and MA courses concurrently. Once you have completed the MFA coursework in your second year, you will focus on the remainder of the required MA courses. Our innovative three-year program combines the practice and study of creative writing with literary scholarship. Our exciting course options include literary and critical studies, creative writing, journalism, rhetoric and composition, cultural studies, and linguistics. 

As a full-time MFA/ MA dual degree student, you are eligible to be a Graduate Assistant (GA) for each year you’re enrolled.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Experiential learning.

“Arcadia is a place I was already so familiar and comfortable with, and I had a great experience in the English department as an undergrad student. The dual degree program meant I could study the two things I love together. Part of the program is also spending your second residency in Scotland, and that was a lot of fun!”

Lauren Amariti ’21, ’24M, MFA in Creative Writing & MA in English

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Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

Program Overview

The Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing is a two year program offering a degree in either Poetry or Prose, and is a part of the English Department's Creative Writing Program. Founded in 1947 by Theodore Roethke, the Creative Writing Program's tradition of transformative workshops continues with our current faculty: David Bosworth , David Crouse , Rae Paris , and Maya Sonenberg (Prose), and Linda Bierds , Andrew Feld , Richard Kenney, and Pimone Triplett (Poetry). They include among their many honors fellowships from the MacArthur Foundation, the Guggenheim Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts. The list of our alumni publications represents a significant chapter in the history of American literature. The program has been ranked among the top ten in the country.

Students participate in writing workshops in prose and poetry, and undertake coursework in literary periods and types, and critical theory. MFA candidates also present a Creative Manuscript (minimum 30 poems,100 pages of 5 short stories and/or personal essays, or 150 pages of a novel or book-length essay), a Critical Essay (20-30 pages, addressing the student's relationship to his or her reading based on the student's own writerly concerns and studies), and an oral presentation (a discussion with and/or questions from the candidate's thesis committee on the creative manuscript, critical essay, and/or the writing process and which may include a reading from the candidate's Creative Manuscript).

The program admits only ten to twelve students each year. The relatively small size of our program (20-25 students) allows for close associations to develop among students and faculty. The first year is devoted to participation in workshops and literary seminars, and the second year allows for concentrated work on a creative manuscript and critical essay under the supervision of one of our regular faculty.

Students are funded through Teaching Assistantships, Fellowships, and a long-standing relationship with the Amazon Literary Partnership.

Students also enjoy Seattle's lively literary and arts scene. Seattle is home to numerous reading series, the Seattle International Film Festival, and many highly-acclaimed theater companies. Surrounded by spectacular scenery, Seattle is minutes away from hiking, skiing, and boating.

Learn more about UW's Creative Writing Program .

Application Information

Application materials are due January 2 (or the first business day after January 1 st ). Initial offers of admission are usually made by mid-March.

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Funding Opportunities

We offer a funding package to all admitted MFA students for two academic years. Learn more about the funding package and other funding opportunities here: MFA Funding and Support .

MFA Degree Requirements & Program Guide

The MFA is designed to be completed within six full-time quarters (two academic years). MFA students can refer to the MFA Degree Requirements and MFA Program Guide .

Land Acknowledgement

The Creative Writing Program acknowledges that the University of Washington, like all of our businesses, institutions and our lives, exists on Indigenous land.  Such land acknowledgements are necessary as we push for justice and liberation in institutions and a broader society that continues to live out the settler colonial legacies of land theft, genocide, and enslavement.  This is Duwamish territory, and we are grateful to be here.

Departmental Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Justice

The UW English Department aims to help students become more incisive thinkers, effective communicators, and imaginative writers by acknowledging that language and its use are powerful and hold the potential to empower individuals and communities; to provide the means to engage in meaningful conversation and collaboration across differences and with those with whom we disagree; and to offer methods for exploring, understanding, problem solving, and responding to the many pressing collective issues we face in our world--skills that align with and support the University of Washington’s mission to educate “a diverse student body to become responsible global citizens and future leaders through a challenging learning environment informed by cutting-edge scholarship.”

As a department, we begin with the conviction that language and texts play crucial roles in the constitution of cultures and communities, past, present, and future.  Our disciplinary commitments to the study of   English (its history, multiplicity, and development; its literary and artistic uses; and its global role in shaping and changing cultures)  require of us a willingness to engage openly and critically with questions of power and difference. As such, in our teaching, service, and scholarship we frequently initiate and encourage conversations about topics such as race and racism, immigration, gender, sexuality, class, indigeneity, and colonialisms. These topics are fundamental to the inquiry we pursue.  We are proud of this fact, and we are committed to creating an environment in which our faculty and students can do so confidently and securely, knowing that they have the backing of the department.

Towards that aim, we value the inherent dignity and uniqueness of individuals and communities. We acknowledge that our university is located on the shared lands and waters of the Coast Salish peoples. We aspire to be a place where human rights are respected and where any of us can seek support. This includes people of all ethnicities, faiths, gender identities, national and indigenous origins, political views, and citizenship status; nontheists; LGBQTIA+; those with disabilities; veterans; and anyone who has been targeted, abused, or disenfranchised.

English Department Diversity Plan

The English department seeks to promote inclusion, diversity, and equity, especially racial equity, by recruiting, retaining, and supporting a diverse population of faculty, students, and staff in ways that counter ongoing legacies of systemic inequity and settler colonialism, and their organizing epistemologies.

The University of Washington acknowledges the Coast Salish people of this land, the land which touches the shared waters of all tribes and bands within the Suquamish, Tulalip, and Muckleshoot nations. The Department's promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion values endeavors that build on this recognition as a means of transforming our research, pedagogy, and/or service.

Read more about the   UW English Department's commitment to diversity, equity, and justice . 

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What’s the Difference between an MA and MFA, and Which is Best for You?

If you’re considering graduate school, you’ve probably seen programs labeled as MAs or MFAs. Both are graduate-level degrees, but they have some key differences. In today’s blog, we’ll dive into the differences between MA and MFA programs so you can determine which degree is best for you.

What do MA and MFA stand for?

MA stands for Master of Arts. MFA stands for Master of Fine Arts. An MFA is considered a terminal degree, meaning it is the highest possible level of education for certain fields.

Who can apply to MA and MFA programs?

Both MA and MFA programs require applicants to hold an undergraduate degree. Depending upon the school and program, your undergraduate degree may need to be related to the graduate program you’re applying for. 

For example, some film MFA programs may require applicants to hold an undergraduate degree in film or a related artistic field. Other times, you can have an undergraduate degree unrelated to the MA or MFA you’re applying for. For example, you don’t need a writing or English undergraduate degree to apply to Emerson’s Creative Writing MFA.  

All of Emerson’s graduate programs take a holistic approach to admissions , meaning that we consider application essays, professional or volunteer experiences, etc., not exclusively your undergraduate major and GPA.

How are the curricula different?

Generally, MAs have fewer credit requirements than MFAs. As such, most MA programs take two years to complete, while MFAs often take more time. 

Additionally, the focus of each program is different. The curriculum in an MA typically focuses on analyzing a particular field of art. For example, a film MA program might focus more on analyzing films and reading critical film essays, rather than creating new films. Many MA programs have thesis requirements, where students demonstrate the analytical skills they have gained from the program by researching and writing about a topic related to their field of study. 

In contrast, MFA programs typically help students refine their craft. There may be a research component of an MFA, but the majority of the curriculum focuses on helping students advance as artists. For example, if a student pursues an MFA in film , they will primarily work on refining their craft as a filmmaker, more so than studying existing films. 

What can you use an MA or MFA for?

An MA is a good option for students who are interested in academia. Because MA programs focus on analysis and critical writing, MA graduates often pursue teaching or research in their field of study. Some graduates may seek teaching certification to teach at the K-12 level. Others may choose to teach at the university level. Some MA graduates may apply for PhD programs to gain more competitive teaching positions or establish themselves as researchers. MA graduates could also apply for an MFA program, choosing to use their theoretical knowledge from the MA to help them refine their craft in an MFA. 

MFAs focus on creating strong practicing artists, so graduates typically pursue their craft full-time after graduation. Professors in MFA programs are typically artists themselves, which allows students to network with them and learn about their artistic industry. Plus, because an MFA is a terminal degree, earning this title can help students gain respect in their field. Once they’ve gained experience in their field, MFA graduates can also choose to teach at the university level. 

Can I get financial aid for an MA or MFA?

Both MA and MFA students are eligible for school-specific, federal, and private financial aid. When you apply for an Emerson graduate program, we automatically consider you for financial aid, so there is no extra application needed. Most schools offer both need-based and merit-based financial aid. Need-based aid is based on your financial situation, and merit-based aid is based on your professional or academic potential.

By completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) , students can also gain federal financial aid. To learn more about different types of federal aid, visit the Federal Student Aid website .

In addition to school-specific and federal aid options, graduate students can find their own private scholarships and loan options. Just be cautious about potential scams when applying for private aid. Hopefully, today’s blog has helped clarify the similarities and differences between MA and MFA programs. For more help deciding whether an MA or MFA is the best fit for you, schedule a call with one of our admissions counselors. To keep up with Emerson’s MA and MFA students, be sure to follow us on Instagram , Threads , and Facebook .

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Olivia Wachtel

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Olivia is a second-year student in Emerson's Communication Disorders MS program. Originally from Ohio, she is loving Emerson and city life. When she's not writing for the Grad Life blog, she loves to read, bake, and crochet.

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• English, MA/Creative Writing, Editing, and Publishing, MFA (Dual Degree)

M.A. in English/M.F.A. in Creative Writing, Editing, and Publishing (Dual Degree)

The MA in English/MFA in Creative Writing, Editing, and Publishing (Dual Degree) program gives students the opportunity to earn both the MA in English and the MFA in Creative Writing, Editing, and Publishing in a single 60-hour program. This program is intended for those students interested in advanced graduate work in both creative writing and academic literary studies.

Students seeking admission to the MA in English/MFA in Creative Writing, Editing, and Publishing (Dual Degree) program must supply the following materials directly to the  Office of Graduate Admissions:

• Graduate Application : The Graduate Application is an institutional application required by SHSU. Students must provide biographical and educational information and information relevant to determining State of Texas residency.
• Application fee : An application fee is required for all applications to graduate programs at SHSU.
• A statement of purpose, of 500 to 1000 words, articulating the applicant's intentions for pursuing our dual MA/MFA program.
• Transcripts documenting all prior degrees.*  (Note: We expect students to have completed at least twelve hours of upper-division English courses with a 3.0 GPA or better; students with credentials from foreign universities must have their transcripts reviewed by a transcript evaluation service.).
• Four letters of recommendation that discuss the applicant’s potential for success in a dual creative and academic English graduate program. Ideally, applicants will have two letters that address academic preparation for the MA and two letters that address creative writing preparation for the MFA.
• A creative writing sample of either 20 pages of prose or a collection of 8 - 10 poems.
•  A critical writing sample of at least ten pages, preferably one that demonstrates research and critical writing skills particular to the study of literature and language and your ability to defend a cogent critical argument in a scholarly idiom appropriate to upper-division English classes. While the writing sample should be a single, sustained piece of work, typical of graduate-level writing, we will accept combinations of shorter pieces in exceptional cases. 
• International applicants ONLY : Official TOEFL scores

*Applicants may submit unofficial transcripts for review by the admissions committee. However, under university policy, admission decisions are contingent upon receipt of official transcripts.

The MA in English/MFA in Creative Writing, Editing, and Publishing (Dual Degree) program welcomes qualified international applicants; however, an individual who does not hold American citizenship must be accepted in regular admission status, without qualifications.

A holistic review of each applicant's file will be completed, and admission will be granted on a competitive basis.

Note:  Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Please note that the MFA program only admits students in the fall semester, and this affects the timeline for how students can apply to or switch into the MA/MFA Dual Degree:

• A prospective student who wishes to be admitted simultaneously to both programs of the MA/MFA Dual Degree must apply to begin the Dual Degree in the fall.
• A prospective student may apply to begin the MA program in the spring, and during that first semester may then apply to the MFA program to begin in the fall. If admitted to the MFA program, the student can then switch to the Dual Degree starting in the fall. 
• A prospective student may apply to begin the MA program in the fall, and during their first or second semester may then apply to the MFA program to begin in the fall of their second year. If admitted to the MFA program, the student can then switch to the Dual Degree starting in the fall of their second year.
• A prospective student may apply to begin the MFA program in the fall, and during their first or second semester may then apply to the MA program to begin in the spring or the next fall. If admitted to the MA program, the student can then switch to the Dual Degree program starting in the semester they would start the MA program.
• No student may switch from a single degree program to the dual degree program after completing more than 18 credit hours in the first program. 
• To earn the MA in English/MFA in Creative Writing, Editing, and Publishing (Dual Degree), students must complete a minimum of 60 hours of graduate credit in accordance with core components of each degree plan.
• 15 hours of creative writing workshops
• 6 hours of Publishing and Editing
• 3 hours of narrative or poetic theory
• ENGL 5340  The Writers Life
• MFA Thesis, ENGL 6096  and ENGL 6097
• successfully pass the MFA program's portfolio requirement. Students must be enrolled in the University for the terms in which they complete and defend the portfolio.
•   ENGL 5301 and ENGL 5302  must be taken at the first opportunity.
• 21 hours of graduate English electives; at least 9 hours must be at the 6000 level
• successfully complete the graduate comprehensive exam (which includes a presentation of graduate research).  Students must be enrolled in the University for the term in which they complete the graduate comprehensive exam.
• Students MAY choose to do an MA Thesis (in addition to the required MFA thesis) in lieu of 6 hours of Electives. Thesis students would then complete a two-semester MA thesis sequence ( ENGL 6098  and ENGL 6099 ). 
• Before beginning work on a thesis, undertaking a directed study, or taking the oral examination (graduate research presentation), a student must complete at least twelve hours of graduate English coursework at Sam Houston State University, including ENGL 5301 and ENGL 5302  and be in good standing.
• After taking ENGL 5301 and ENGL 5302 , all MA students must complete the English graduate assessment examination conducted each May.
• A student may take  ENGL 5339  twice, with approval of the Department Chair.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) marketable skills initiative is part of the state’s 60x30TX plan and was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers.  Marketable skills are those skills valued by employers and/or graduate programs that can be applied in a variety of work or education settings and may include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas.

The M.A. in English/M.F.A. in Creative Writing, Editing, and Publishing is designed to provide graduates with the following marketable skills:

• Think critically.
• Communicate effectively through writing and oral communication.
• Conduct and interpret various modes of research.
• Edit texts for publishing.
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A PDF of the 2023-2024 catalog.

MFA Program in Creative Writing

The Creative Writing Program offers the MFA degree, with a concentration in either poetry or fiction. MFA students pursue intensive study with distinguished faculty committed to creative and intellectual achievement.

Each year the department enrolls only eight MFA students, four in each concentration. Our small size allows us to offer a generous financial support package that fully funds every student. We also offer a large and diverse graduate faculty with competence in a wide range of literary, theoretical and cultural fields. Every student chooses a special committee of two faculty members who work closely alongside the student to design a course of study within the broad framework established by the department.

Students participate in a graduate writing workshop each semester and take six additional one-semester courses for credit, at least four of them in English or American literature, comparative literature, literature in the modern or Classical languages or cultural studies (two per semester during the first year and one per semester during the second year). First-year students receive practical training as editorial assistants for  Epoch, a periodical of prose and poetry published by the creative writing program. Second-year students participate as teaching assistants for the university-wide first-year writing program. The most significant requirement of the MFA degree is the completion of a book-length manuscript: a collection of poems or short stories, or a novel, to be closely edited and refined with the assistance of the student’s special committee.

MFA program specifics can be viewed here: MFA Timeline Procedural Guide

Special Committee

Every graduate student selects a special committee of faculty advisors who works intensively with the student in selecting courses and preparing and revising the thesis. The committee is comprised of two Cornell creative writing faculty members: a chair and one minor member. An additional member may be added to represent an interdisciplinary field. The university system of special committees allows students to design their own courses of study within a broad framework established by the department, and it encourages a close working relationship between professors and students, promoting freedom and flexibility in the pursuit of the graduate degree. The special committee for each student guides and supervises all academic work and assesses progress in a series of meetings with the students.

At Cornell, teaching is considered an integral part of training for a career in writing. The field requires a carefully supervised teaching experience of at least one year for every MFA candidate as part of the program requirements. The Department of English, in conjunction with the First-Year Writing Program, offers excellent training for beginning teachers and varied and interesting teaching in this university-wide program. These are not conventional freshman composition courses, but full-fledged academic seminars, often designed by graduate students themselves. The courses are writing-intensive and may fall under such general rubrics as “Portraits of the Self,” “American Literature and Culture,” “Shakespeare” and “Cultural Studies,” among others. A graduate student may also serve as a teaching assistant for an undergraduate lecture course taught by a member of the Department of Literatures in English faculty.

All MFA degree candidates are guaranteed two years of funding (including a stipend , a full tuition fellowship and student health insurance).

• Graduate Assistantship with EPOCH . Students read submissions, plan special issues and assume other editorial and administrative responsibilities.
• Summer Teaching Assistantship, linked to a teachers' training program. Summer residency in Ithaca is required.
• Teaching Assistantship
• Summer Fellowship (made possible by the David L. Picket ’84 Fund and The James McConkey Master of Fine Arts Creative Writing Award for Summer Support, established by his enduringly grateful student, Len Edelstein ’59)

Optional MFA Lecturer Appointments Degree recipients who are actively seeking outside funding/employment are eligible to apply to teach for one or two years as a lecturer. These positions are made possible by an endowment established by the late Philip H. Freund ’29 and a bequest from the Truman Capote Literary Trust.

Admission & Application Procedures

The application for Fall 2024 admission will open on September 15, 2023 and will close on December 15, 2023 at 11:59pm EST. Please note that staff support is available M-F 9am-4pm.

Eligibility : Applicants must currently have, or expect to have, at least a BA or BS (or the equivalent) in any field before matriculation. International students, please verify degree equivalency here . Applicants are not required to take the GRE test or meet a specified GPA minimum.

To Apply:  All applications and supplemental materials must be submitted on-line through the Graduate School application system . While completing your application, you may save and edit your data. Once you click “submit,” your application will be closed for changes. Please proofread your materials carefully. Once you pay and click submit, you will not be able to make any changes or revisions.

DEADLINE: Dec. 15, 11:59 p.m. EST . This deadline is firm. No applications, additional materials or revisions will be accepted after the deadline.

MFA Program Application Requirements Checklist

• Academic Statement of Purpose Please use the Academic Statement of Purpose to describe, within 1000 words: (1) your academic interests, (2) your academic background, preparation, and training, including any relevant professional experiences, (3) your reasons for pursuing graduate studies in this specific program, and (4) your professional goals.
• Personal Statement Your Personal Statement should provide the admissions committee with a sense of you as a whole person, and you should use it to describe how your background and experiences influenced your decision to pursue a graduate degree. Additionally, it should provide insight into your potential to contribute to a community of inclusion, belonging, and respect where scholars representing diverse backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn and work productively and positively together. Writing your Personal Statement provides you with an opportunity to share experiences that provide insights into how your personal, academic, and/or professional experiences demonstrate your ability to be both persistent and resilient, especially when navigating challenging circumstances. The statement also allows you to provide examples of how you engage with others and have facilitated and/or participated in productive collaborative endeavors. Additionally, it provides you with an opportunity to provide context around any perceived gaps or weaknesses in your academic record. Content in the Personal Statement should complement rather than duplicate the content contained within the Academic Statement of Purpose, which should focus explicitly on your academic interests, previous research experience, and intended area of research during your graduate studies. A complete writing prompt is available in the application portal.
• Three Letters of Recommendation Please select three people who best know you and your work. Submitting additional letters will not enhance your application. In the recommendation section of the application, you must include the email address of each recommender. After you save the information (and before you pay/submit), the application system will automatically generate a recommendation request email to your recommender with instructions for submitting the letter electronically. If your letters are stored with a credential service such as Interfolio, please use their “online application delivery” feature and input the email address assigned to your stored document, rather than that of your recommender’s. The electronic files will be attached to your application when they are received and will not require the letter of recommendation cover page. Please do not postpone submitting your application while waiting for us to receive all three of your letters. We will accept recommendation letters until December 30,11:59pm EST . For more information please visit the Graduate School's page on preparing letters of recommendations .
• Transcripts Scan transcripts from each institution you have attended, or are currently attending, and upload into the academic information section of the application. Be sure to remove your social security number from all documents prior to scanning. Please do not send paper copies of your transcripts. If you are subsequently admitted and accept, the graduate school will require an official paper transcript from your degree-awarding institution prior to matriculation.
• English Language Proficiency Requirement All applicants must provide proof of English language proficiency. For more information, please view the  Graduate School’s English Language Requirement .
• Fiction applicants:  Your sample must be between 6,000 and 10,000 words, typed, double-spaced, in a conventional 12- or 14-point font. It may be an excerpt from a larger work or a combination of several works.
• Poetry applicants:  Your sample must be 10 pages in length and include a combination of several poems, where possible.

General Information for All Applicants

Application Fee: Visit the  Graduate School for information regarding application fees , payment options, and fee waivers . Please do not send inquires regarding fee waivers.

Document Identification: Please do not put your social security number on any documents.

Status Inquiries:  Once you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation email. You will also be able to check the completion status of your application in your account. If vital sections of your application are missing, we will notify you via email after the Dec. 15 deadline and allow you ample time to provide the missing materials. Please do not inquire about the status of your application.

Credential/Application Assessments:  The admission review committee members are unable to review application materials or applicant credentials prior to official application submission. Once the committee has reviewed the applications and made admissions decisions, they will not discuss the results or make any recommendations for improving the strength of an applicant’s credentials. Applicants looking for feedback are advised to consult with their undergraduate advisor or someone else who knows them and their work.

Review Process:  Application review begins after the submission deadline. Notification of admissions decisions will be made by email or by telephone by the end of February.

Connecting with Faculty and/or Students: Unfortunately, due to the volume of inquiries we receive, faculty and current students are not available to correspond with potential applicants prior to an offer of admission. Applicants who are offered admission will have the opportunity to meet faculty and students to have their questions answered prior to accepting. Staff and faculty are also not able to pre-assess potential applicant’s work outside of the formal application process. Please email [email protected] instead, if you have questions.

Visiting: The department does not offer pre-admission visits or interviews. Admitted applicants will be invited to visit the department, attend graduate seminars and meet with faculty and students before making the decision to enroll.

Transfer Credits: Transfer credits are not available toward the MFA program.

Admissions FAQ

For Further Information

Contact [email protected]

MFA in Creative Writing Graduation Readings

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The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing is a three-year, terminal degree program that provides students with graduate study and professional training in the writing of fiction and poetry with our distinguished graduate faculty.

The primary goal of the MFA in Creative Writing is to give literary artists time and space to work on perfecting their art. Students in this program specialize in fiction or poetry, teach creative writing, and produce a book-length, publishable manuscript. Students will also gain extensive experience in literary editing and publishing while enrolled in the program.

For more information about MFA in Creative Writing, please visit the program page . 

Application Deadline: December 1, 12:00 noon CST (Fiction); December 15, 12:00 noon CST (Poetry)

Comp Lit major Andrea Tchesnovsky wins Five College Poetry Prize

UMass Amherst undergraduate students Andrea Peter ’25 and Livvy Krakower ’24 were among the 2024 Five College Prose and Poetry Prize recipients honored at a reading and reception April 18 in Hampshire College's Harold F. Johnson Library.

Celebrating creative writing of all genres, the Five College Prose and Poetry Prize, formerly PoetryFest, was reinstated in 2023 after a hiatus due to the pandemic. The contest received 150 total submissions from students representing UMass Amherst, Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke and Smith colleges, and The Care Center of Holyoke this year.

“For me the most amazing thing about the Five College Poetry and Prose competition is to meet fellow writers from other institutions,” says Krakower, a winner for prose who is an English major and who also won the prize in 2023. “Each college in the consortium is so unique and I am thankful that I have been able to hear pieces I would never hear if not for the competition.”

Peter, a comparative literature major, won a poetry prize in the competition.

“Thanks to Five Colleges, Inc., and our English departments for supporting this work,” says Donna LeCourt, chair of the UMass Amherst English department. “Prizes to undergraduates are important and help to build their reputations in literary and professional communities. The opportunity for our graduate students to judge and manage literary awards provides exceptional professional development and helps distinguish them as creative leaders. I’m happy to see this prize come back to the Five College community.”

“I had a wonderful time judging the prose prize,” says 2024 prose judge and UMass Amherst MFA candidate Danielle Bradley, who was joined on the judging panel by fellow UMass Amherst MFA candidate and poet Ide Thompson ’24. “All of the submissions were impressive, and it was so special to hear many of the winners read their submissions at the reception.”

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