A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing is a degree designed to foster talented and motivated creative writers. Students learn the craft of fiction, non-fiction, and playwriting, as well as the theory and methods behind it all. On the graduate level, an MFA in Creative Writing typically takes two years to complete. Some institutions offer a one-year MFA in Creative Writing, and there are even some programs that are designed for prospective high school teachers.
Why Pursue an MFA in Creative Writing?
An MFA in Creative Writing is a great choice for students interested in the arts, especially the performing arts. Graduates of this particular degree program will be able to put their skills to use in a number of different capacities, including but not limited to theater, film, and television. Many creative writers start out as novelists, but the field is wide open in terms of the types of stories that can be told and the methods that can be used to tell them.
Even if you don’t intend to pursue a professional writing career right away, an MFA in Creative Writing is still highly recommended. Not only will it allow you to write a broad range of stories, but it will also allow you to experiment with a variety of styles, characters, and settings.
What Will an MFA in Creative Writing Degree Impart to You?
Depending on your interests and career aspirations, an MFA in Creative Writing will impart a number of different skills and knowledge to you. To give you an idea of what to expect, here’s a short list of some of the things that you’ll learn:
- The craft of creative writing
- Research techniques for non-fiction writers
- Introduction to film theory
- Theories of drama
- Prose
- Dramatic form
- Poetry
- Narrative and documentary techniques
- Creative Non-Fiction Writing Workshop
- Rhetoric
- Essays and Reviews
- Exhibition history
From the very beginning, your degree will expose you to a diverse range of fiction writing courses, many of which will be instructed by renowned writers and teachers. For instance, you’ll learn about modern short stories from the perspective of modernism, or you’ll explore the work of American novelists through a class on American Literature. You’ll also take a class with renowned playwright and author Eugene O’Neill, where you’ll learn how to write drama and theatre.
Is This Degree Right for You?
An MFA in Creative Writing is a great choice for anyone interested in the arts, especially those who are considering a career in writing. Whether you have a deep interest in the performing arts or just want to write for fun, this degree will provide you with the knowledge and the tools to bring your talent to life.