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How Much Does an MFA in Creative Writing at AU Cost?

While the cost of higher education continues to rise, the cost of an MA or MFA in Creative Writing at the University of Alabama remains relatively stable. In fact, an independent analysis conducted by Payscale.com of 2012 salary information for various MA and MFA degrees revealed that the cost of an MFA in Creative Writing at the University of Alabama is approximately the same as the cost of an MA in the same subject.

What is an MFA in Creative Writing at the University of Alabama?

An MFA in Creative Writing at the University of Alabama is a relatively new degree, established in 2008. The curriculum is extensive and highly regarded. Students receive a solid grounding in the theory and practice of creative writing, as well as an opportunity to specialize in one area or another.

The University of Alabama offers an MFA in six distinct strands: fiction, non-fiction, dramatized narrative, poetry, creative non-fiction, and literary criticism. The number of potential courses is endless, allowing for a tailored qualification that fits the needs of the individual student. The MFA degree is the terminal degree in the field and, as a result, candidates are usually required to research and write a dissertation in order to complete the qualification.

How is the MFA in Creative Writing at the University of Alabama ranked?

The MFA in Creative Writing at the University of Alabama is currently ranked 41st out of 88 total accredited MA and MFA degrees in a Payscale.com database search. In terms of salary, the degree has an average annual earnings potential of $48,000, which is $13,400 below the average annual earnings of an MA in the same subject.

Relatively Stable

As previously mentioned, the cost of an MA or MFA in Creative Writing at the University of Alabama remains relatively stable. The same can be said for the majority of the other degrees in the database, with the possible exception of history, which has seen a 19% increase in the last year.

Historically, the cost of a University of Alabama degree has increased by only 3% on average, compared to an inflation rate of 11% for other degrees. Clearly, the University has been able to keep costs low by maintaining a relatively stable faculty and staff roster.

Salary Potential

Another important consideration is the salary potential of an MFA in Creative Writing at the University of Alabama. As stated previously, the average annual earnings of this degree are $48,000, which is $13,400 below the average annual earnings of an MA in the same subject. However, it is also important to bear in mind that this is a terminal degree, with highly qualified candidates usually requiring several years of further study after earning their MFA in order to find employment in the field.

In terms of earning potential, the MFA in Creative Writing at the University of Alabama is currently ranked 42nd out of the 88 degrees in the database. In general, the terminal degrees in a subject have the highest average annual earnings due to the limited numbers of jobs available in the field and the relatively high demand for these types of degrees.

Undergraduate Research

Many students interested in pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing at the University of Alabama may do so because they want to focus on the theory and practice of writing as well as gain research experience. The University encourages all of its students to do original research in a field that is relevant to their graduate studies, and it provides a wide range of opportunities for undergraduates to conduct research.

As a result, quite a few of the students enrolled in the MFA in creative writing at the University of Alabama will likely be conducting original research as part of their studies. Normally, students doing this will write up their findings in the form of a thesis or dissertation, which is then submitted as part of the degree process.

Outreach

Another feature of the MFA in Creative Writing at the University of Alabama is its extensive outreach activities, encouraging students to engage with the local community and engage with others who may be pursuing a similar degree. In addition, the University has designed the program with a heavy research component, encouraging candidates to be always updating their knowledge in the field, preparing for their job hunt or changing careers.

As part of the outreach strategy, the MFA in Creative Writing at the University of Alabama is host to a number of study groups, forums, and lectures, providing a wealth of opportunities for students to interact with faculty and other candidates.

In summary, the MFA in Creative Writing at the University of Alabama is a new degree, established in 2008. It is a relatively low-cost graduate program, with the average undergraduate tuition and living charges being $10,400 per year. While the number of job opportunities might be considered limited, the average salary of $48,000 per year is higher than many would expect for a graduate of this caliber. Clearly, the University is providing a quality alternative to traditional educations, with the potential to open up a world of new opportunities for graduates.