A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing is an advanced degree program spanning several years that trains students in the theory and practice of creative writing. An MFA in Creative Writing is often regarded as a pre-requisite for a career in writing. Many graduate programs in publishing offer an MFA in Creative Writing and encourage students to develop their craft and grow as writers.
Though the requirements for admission and the specific coursework vary by institution, an MFA in Creative Writing generally consists of these parts:
- A master’s degree in English (or a closely related field such as literature or creative writing)
- An application for graduate study. This application should be submitted well in advance of the enrollment period for the next academic year. The majority of graduate school admissions are now based on applicants’ GRE scores (Graduate Record Examination). However, some universities and colleges consider an essay or a portfolio of creative writing to be part of the application.
- A minimum GPA of 3.0
- A collection of coursework that includes literature, composition, and literary theory
- An optional thesis or capstone project
A student will typically spend three years after completing an undergraduate degree working on their Master’s thesis or portfolio. This is followed by one or more years of post-graduate study in which they develop their writing skills through a comprehensive program of classes and individual study. During this time, they may also write and/or publish a novel or short story collection.
The Rewards of An MFA In Creative Writing
A solid background in creative writing is a great advantage for anyone interested in a career in publishing. Many publishing houses are now seeking to hire freelance writers and researchers who can also take on the role of creative director or editor.
The ability to both conceive and execute creative ideas and projects for a variety of clients is highly prized by publishing houses and their editors. Creative directors and editors of publishing houses and magazines are often expected to have an MFA for this role.
Additionally, a Master’s degree in creative writing provides valuable credentials when it comes to competing for jobs in the film industry. Many prestigious film studios and production companies now regularly look for creative writing graduates to help them with their research. Candidates with MFA degrees from reputable institutions can land themselves a job as a story analyst or a script reader, or they can become an active member of the guild by joining a screen writers’ organization.
The Requirements For An MFA In Creative Writing
In order to qualify for an MFA degree in Creative Writing, a student must first complete a minimum of three years of college or graduate school. If the student has a Bachelor’s degree but no formal teaching experience, they will then complete a minimum of one year of graduate study in a master’s degree program. Typically, students who can demonstrate a strong interest in and aptitude for literature are successful in getting into an MFA program, though many institutions offer courses in creative writing and literature.
What If I Want To Pursue A Career In Creative Writing, But Can’t Attend A Traditional College?
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in creative writing but don’t have the time to attend one of the traditional four-year colleges or universities, you can still get an MFA in Creative Writing. Many reputable institutions offer online degrees which you can complete from the comfort of your home. Some of the best known and most respected online universities and colleges which provide MFA degrees in Creative Writing include:
- Boston University
- Columbia University
- Cornell University
- Emory University
- Syracuse University
These are reputable institutions which provide an MFA degree in Creative Writing and have excellent reputations for training literary scholars. If you’re looking for credentials which will land you a job in publishing or in film, a reputable Online MFA in Creative Writing degree from one of these universities is an excellent choice.
How Is An MFA In Creative Writing Different From A BA In English?
A Bachelor’s degree in English is often mistaken for a Master’s degree in English. Though both degrees include classes in literature, a Master’s degree in English is often regarded as a more practical and advanced degree when compared to a Bachelor’s degree in English. A Bachelor’s degree in English is often considered a starting point for a professional career in literature or teaching. An MFA in Creative Writing is often regarded as a more advanced degree than a Bachelor’s degree in English.
Additionally, a Master’s degree in English is often required for those who want to become a university professor. In order to be considered for a faculty position, a candidate must have a Master’s degree in English. However, an MFA in Creative Writing is not necessarily required for those who want to pursue a career in literature or teaching. Though many reputable universities don’t require an MFA in Creative Writing, those who have it often find it to be a valuable tool when competing for jobs in publishing and in the arts.
How Is An MFA In Creative Writing Different From A PhD In English?
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in English is often mistaken for an MFA in English. A PhD is a research degree which typically takes several years to complete. It is often used as an umbrella term for academic research degrees, though it is sometimes used to specifically refer to a Doctor of Philosophy degree in English. An MFA in English is often mistaken for a PhD because they both include classes in literature and both offer similar concentrations for students.
Many PhDs in English are employed as university professors while many MFA graduates look for jobs in publishing. Though a PhD is a more advanced degree than an MFA, those who have completed a Master’s degree in English can often find jobs in academia or in professional settings such as law firms and public relations agencies where they can advise or assist with various writing tasks. The ability to both research and write is highly prized by employers in these fields, as they often have to organize information into compelling briefs or articles for publication.
A PhD in English also provides students with an opportunity to specialize in a particular area of research. Some of the most respected and commonly offered concentrations for PhD students in English include:
- American Literature
- 20th Century Literature
- Creative Writing
- Digital Literature
- Film & Television Literature
- Genre Theory
- Modern British Literature
Those who complete a PhD in English have the opportunity to both teach and conduct research. Additionally, a PhD in English provides a student with a variety of employment opportunities both in and out of the academy. Many doctoral students in English teach at the graduate level while some of the most well-known and respected English PhDs work in publishing or higher education. In academia, a Doctor of Philosophy degree is often considered a stepping stone to a career as a university professor.
If you’re interested in a career in academia or in a professional setting such as law firms and public relations agencies, an excellent choice for further study would be an MFA in English or a closely related field such as literature or creative writing. If you’re looking for a more practical and advanced degree, an MFA in English can be a valuable tool in terms of securing employment in publishing or the arts.
Though many people confuse an MFA in English with a PhD, those who have completed an MFA in English or a closely related field such as literature can often find excellent jobs both in and outside of academia. They can use their training to help them organize information into compelling briefs or articles which they can then use to educate others or sell products.
What Is A MFA In Creative Writing?
A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing is an advanced degree program spanning several years that trains students in the theory and practice of creative writing. An MFA in Creative Writing is often regarded as a pre-requisite for a career in writing. Many graduate programs in publishing offer an MFA in Creative Writing and encourage students to develop their craft and grow as writers.
Though the requirements for admission and the specific coursework vary by institution, an MFA in Creative Writing generally consists of these parts: