Best Online MFA Degree in Creative Writing

1. Central Washington University

2. University of Nebraska at Omaha

3. Lindenwood University

4. The University of Texas at El Paso

5. National University

To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit our ranking methodology page.

Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Online MFA in Creative Writing programs accept applicants from all educational backgrounds. Someone who studied accounting, for example, can apply and be admitted to an MFA program. The only requirement is an interest in and demonstrated talent for writing. That said, common undergraduate degrees for MFA students include English literature, creative writing, languages, and the humanities. While a degree in one of these fields is not mandatory, individuals who already have a solid grounding in writing may find the experience helpful upon entry to an MFA program.

Although not common, some MFA graduates go on to pursue a Ph.D. in English with a concentration in creative writing. These programs tend to include scholarly study of English literature in addition to writing workshop classes. Some also include an optional focus on teaching at the postsecondary level for those working as teaching assistants during the program or students who wish to enter academia to teach at the university level post-qualification. However, it is important to note that the MFA in creative writing is a terminal degree and those wishing to teach university classes would be qualified to do so.

Classes that may be available include introduction to English studies, British and Irish literary traditions, and creative writing workshops. Ph.D. programs in these fields may also require demonstrated proficiency in reading at least one language other than English. As is standard with other Ph.D. programs, creative writing students will need to complete a dissertation as a part of the degree requirements.

Traditional MFA programs and even low residency options require students to be on campus for a certain amount of time throughout the program. Online MFAs are location-independent and can fit around a student's existing schedule and obligations. An online master's in creative writing is a good choice for writers or aspiring writers who want to improve upon their methods, find their voice, and/or receive guidance and feedback on existing projects.

Even though some graduates aspire to become published authors, an MFA in Creative Writing is a degree that allows for a flexible career. Those with a master's degree in creative writing can work as editors, freelance writers, copywriters, ghostwriters, or in communications, public relations, or marketing. In today's business world, having a tangible brand is important for companies. MFA graduates will be equipped with the creative skills necessary to develop and promote a company's vision through print or the web.

The curriculum for master's degree programs in creative writing generally consists of foundational courses, specialist courses, and, depending on the program, optional short-term residencies. Foundational courses seek to ground the writer in a broad tradition across several genres. Students will then begin to study their area of interest, be it poetry, fiction, or nonfiction, although this depends on the specializations offered by the university. Some students may have the opportunity to attend in-person optional residencies in the US or abroad during which time they'll attend special lectures and workshops. The majority of MFA programs culminate in a thesis focusing on their chosen genre.

Creative Writing Foundational Courses

Foundational courses for MFA degrees are meant to give students a solid grounding in the technique and theory of creative writing. Although course participants may already have a background in writing, these classes are required across all genres. Core courses will vary according to university but may include topics such as:

• Craft and Theory of Fiction
• Fiction Workshop
• Remote Poetry Workshop

Workshops are an integral part of the MFA. They allow students to present work to their classmates and professor and receive feedback, praise, and constructive criticism. Workshops are a way to put theory into practice.

Creative Writing Specialist & Elective Courses

Generally, MFA in creative writing programs require students to pick a specialization before applying. This concentration will guide their application materials and dictates what kind of writing sample the applicant needs to submit. The most common tracks offered to students are:

• Fiction
• Non-fiction
• Poetry
• Screenwriting

Workshops and other genre-specific classes will focus on the student's area of specialization. Within a genre, some programs may offer a further specialization such as choosing young adult, romance, or science fiction inside the fiction concentration. Additionally, although not generally thought of as related to creative writing, some universities offer professional preparation electives such as technical writing.

Deciding which creative writing MFA program to attend is a big decision that ultimately depends on personal preference. With many MFA options across the country though, it can be hard to know where to start. California alone has 19 accredited MFA programs, for example. To make this process easier, there are certain things prospective students may wish to consider when choosing a creative writing master's degree:

• Genre offerings
• Faculty publication history and interests
• Cohort size
• Alumni publications and/or employment status after graduation

Students undertaking an online MFA will also want to look into whether classes are asynchronous or synchronous. Synchronous classes must be attended at the time they are taught while asynchronous classes are recorded and can be accessed at any time. Some universities may require students to attend synchronous workshops.

A helpful website in the creative writing community is Poets & Writers which maintains a comprehensive listing of MFA programs including online options. Prospective students may use this as a tool to research available programs by state or program size.

Licensure & Certification in Creative Writing

No specific licensure or certification is required for graduates of creative writing master's programs but those hoping to teach in K-12 education will need to pursue teacher certification. Teacher certification is specific to the state in which the graduate wishes to work. Each state has its own process but to qualify interested individuals with an existing bachelor's or master's outside of education generally need to enroll in and complete an alternative teacher certification course. Many alternative teaching certification programs can be completed online.

Because MFA in creative writing programs are skills-based, it is necessary for applicants to demonstrate proficiency in the mechanics of writing. Prospective students do not need to be published authors but do need to show they have the potential to excel creatively in the program. Most MFAs ask for a substantial writing sample in the student's chosen genre as well as a personal statement explaining their motivation for undertaking the program. The majority of degree programs also require letters of recommendation from former professors and/or those who know the student's writing well and can attest to their ability to succeed in a graduate-level program. Other admissions materials generally include:

• Completed application
• Undergraduate transcripts
• Application fee

Skilled creative writers are needed in a variety of sectors from advertising and marketing to journalism and the travel industry. As creative writing programs focus on perfecting the craft in all of its forms, MFA graduates can also find work as editors. Those interested in teaching can pursue opportunities in elementary schools all the way up to the university-level, as well as teaching adults or children in the community. Some other careers MFA creative writing graduates could pursue include speechwriter, content writer, creative director, and communications manager. For candidates hoping to go into professional writing, it could be helpful to pursue additional study in business writing.

Job Outlook for a Master's in Creative Writing

The job outlook varies for MFA creative writing graduates depending on the career field they choose. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that from 2019-2029, employment is projected to increase for fields such as secondary education (4%), postsecondary education (9%), advertising, promotions, and marketing (7%), and communications (3%). However, other titles held by those with an MFA are estimated to see a decline in available jobs over the next ten years. Authors and writers (-2%), reporters (-11%), and editors (-7%) will likely find that the job market will become much more competitive. Those interested in a career in writing and editing should familiarize themselves with digital media, tools, and software used in the industry to help their resume stand out in a changing market.

How to Become a Creative Writing Teacher

Creative writing teachers can work in K-12 education, at the university level, or in the community. K-12 teachers will need at least a bachelor's degree and will need to complete either a bachelor's or master's in education with state certification or complete an alternative teaching certification program. University professors must have a master's or doctorate and will usually need some prior teaching experience. Those working in the community running standalone classes or workshops generally don't need to meet an educational requirement. They do, however, need to have demonstrated success as a writer to attract students.

In terms of salary, the BLS estimates that high school teachers earned an average income of $61,660 per year in 2019 and will see job growth of 4% between 2019-2029. At the postsecondary level, English language and literature teachers made an average annual salary of $68,490. This field is expected to grow much faster than average over the next ten years.

How to Become a Copywriter

Copywriters can work either as freelancers or permanent employees for companies and write creative content for a variety of fields. They create copy for blogs, product advertisements, email campaigns, brochures, commercial scripts, websites, newsletters, and more. Often, they must write in the brand's style, taking on the company's voice and language. This may vary by project if done on a freelance basis so copywriters must be flexible and versatile.

Copywriters typically need at least a bachelor's degree although, in a competitive job market, an MFA could give applicants an edge. Aspiring copywriters are encouraged to build a portfolio early in their careers to showcase their work to potential employers. This work can be from an MFA degree program or an internship undertaken as a student.

According to PayScale, the average annual salary for a copywriter is $52,335. Salaries will vary based on industry and status of freelancer vs. employee. Although the BLS estimates a decline in the number of jobs for writers and editors between 2019-2029, jobs in the marketing and advertising field are expected to grow faster than average.

Students interested in pursuing an online MFA in creative writing can obtain financial help in the form of federal financial aid, private loans, scholarship, and grants. Student loans from the federal government must be repaid after graduation but many payment plans exist to make this easier. To qualify for government loans, interested students must first fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online using financial and tax information. This will be used to determine how much you can borrow. Students must be attending an accredited university to receive federal aid.

Scholarships are awarded to students who submit applications and may be offered by universities, private organizations, or state or federal government entities. Fully funded MFA programs tend to only be available for students on campus, but many scholarships can be used toward online education. One such available source is the TalNexus scholarship which offers up to $4,000 to students enrolled in an accredited MFA program who explores the themes of individuality, innovation, and community in their writing, either fiction or nonfiction. Winners will also be automatically accepted to the Taliesin Nexus writer's workshop.