With the recent boom of e-commerce and online marketplaces, many creative writing courses have sprung up, offering digital nomads the chance to learn new skills and develop existing ones. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or just want to find a new hobby, this list of creative writing programs will help you easily discover the best one for you.
Boston
One of the most well-known creative writing programs in the world, the MFA in Creative Writing at Boston University, offers a wealth of opportunities for serious writers and aspiring novelists. Established in 1909, this prestigious university consistently ranks among the top-ten schools for writing, publishing, and journalism. Students can enjoy life in the city while taking advantage of all the resources it has to offer. Additionally, the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences awards more than 80 creative writing doctorates each year.
In the fall of 2019, the university launched a brand-new 5-year MFA in Creative Writing, aiming to become even more student-centered. The program offers students an intensive combination of coursework that combines literary analysis with close mentoring from professionals in the field. This ensures that the students graduate not just with a degree, but with the practical knowledge and networks that come from being part of an elite graduate program. If you’re looking to further your education or just want to find a new hobby, consider one of the most elite writing schools in the country.
Chicago
One of America’s most famous literary cities, Chicago is home to many a great writer. If you’ve ever been there, you’ll know exactly what I mean. From the rough-and-tumble streets of the Windy City to the glamorous hotels of the Loop, you’ll find a town that loves to talk books (and writers). Additionally, the city prides itself on being the home of the Big Red Machine. The Chicago Bears have won five Super Bowls since 1975 and are currently one of the most popular NFL teams. Who wouldn’t want to live in a city that’s famous for its football teams and literature?
Lucky for you, Chicago offers a variety of graduate degrees in literature and writing. The University of Chicago, Chicago’s largest and most prestigious university, awards nearly 90 graduate degrees annually. Students can choose from more than 20 masters in literature programs, with concentrations in both fiction and non-fiction. The only problem is, the application deadline for the summer of 2020 is not yet open. Don’t fret, however, as you can apply for admission during the fall of 2019. If you want to get your feet wet in the publishing world, consider applying for one of the many MFA programs in Creative Writing at the University of Chicago.
Los Angeles
As the home of Hollywood and the publishing industry, it’s not a surprise that Los Angeles offers some of the best creative writing programs in the country. One of the most prominent and reputable film schools in the country is the Art Center College of Design, located in the heart of Los Angeles. If you’re looking to further your education or just want to find a new hobby, consider applying for admission to their MFA in Creative Writing. Their Fall 2020 application deadline is not yet open, but you can apply for admission during the summer of 2020.
Even more intriguing is the California Institute of the Arts. The CalArts campus, located in Downtown L.A., is home to many a creative writing program. Known for its emphasis on practical skill building and career preparation, the campus has five schools, with the Creative Writing MDiv and MFA offering a unique hybrid of theory and practice. If literature is your sort of thing, you can’t go wrong with either of these schools.
New York City
It would be a great city planner’s dream to build a city that’s fully stacked with all the necessary amenities, including a first-class university. But alas, we’re not living in a fantasy world, so we’ll just have to make the best of it. Fortunately, New York City still offers many opportunities for those looking for a new challenge. One of the best things about the city is its variety of degrees and programs for aspiring writers and novelists. Plus, you’ll never run out of topics to write about. Whether you want to focus on contemporary issues or just want to give your brain a change of pace, you can find something to write about in New York City.
Some of the top-notch creative writing programs in New York include, but are not limited to:
- The MFA in Creative Writing at Columbia University
- The English Department of the Brooklyn Collegiate School
- The New School for Writing and Publishing
- The Institute of Continuing Legal Education at New York University School of Law
- The MFA in Creative Writing at the University of Oregon
- The Master of Fine Arts program in Creative Writing at Brooklyn College
- The Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at the State University of New York at Buffalo
- The Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at the University of Pittsburgh
- The Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at The New School
From the bustling streets of Manhattan to the quiet retreat of Wyoming, the opportunities for creative writing are endless. If you’ve got a specific topic in mind for your next piece, you can’t go wrong researching the topic online or even at a local library. Sometimes all it takes is a change of venue for that fresh piece of writing to come in. Just remember to keep your eyes open for scholarships and grants that might help you out. There are many ways to finance an MFA in Creative Writing, but sometimes it’s hard to know where to start.