Creative Writing (Master of Fine Arts)
Program Availability
Other Programs Available
Creighton University’s Master of Fine Arts in creative writing is a 2-year residential program focusing on the book.
When you pursue your MFA in creative writing, you’ll create a book-length manuscript and prepare it for publication through a series of workshops, craft classes, literature seminars and talks with visiting writers, editors and agents. Throughout the program, you’ll develop your writing skills while learning to become a contributing member of the literary community.
In addition, our 8-week terms provide flexible scheduling.
The typical creative writing student is a serious writer of poetry or prose (fiction or creative nonfiction) with an undergraduate degree. It is not necessary that this degree be in English.
Outcomes
Graduates of the MFA program become professional writers, editors and teachers. They perform these duties as freelancers, in schools and universities, and in businesses or institutions that value clear, vivid and persuasive communication.
Some go on to PhD programs in creative writing or literature. Creative writing is also a well-documented avenue to careers in medicine and law. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that jobs for writers have grown by 8% since 2009, and this growth is projected to continue for several years to come. As of May 2009, the median annual wage for writers and authors was $53,900, and the top ten percent earned more than $105,710.
Specializations
- Poetry: The poetry track covers serious literary poetry in all its forms—formal and open.
- Prose: The prose track covers serious literary fiction, creative nonfiction and screenwriting.
What You'll Learn
- How to write with clarity, vividness, grace and vision
- How to plan and achieve a book project
- How to prepare for a career as a writer
Curriculum
Student Organizations
- Creative Writing Program
In addition to a program-sponsored reading series for graduate students, the graduate students hold their own series of readings at area bookstores.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in any subject from an accredited college or university by the start of the first semester in the program. An application should include:
- Completed online application form and $50 non-refundable application fee
- Manuscript: A manuscript of original writing (published or unpublished): for the poetry track 10-12 pages, for the prose track 25-30 pages.
- Personal statement: A personal essay of about 500 words on the applicant’s purpose for pursuing graduate study in creative writing, identifying a particular track (poetry or prose);
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (no photocopies are accepted)
- Three recommendations from persons other than family members and preferably submitted by undergraduate/graduate faculty and/or colleagues;
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): All international applicants from countries in which English is not the primary language must demonstrate proficiency in English language by submitting a minimum TOEFL score of 80 iBT (213 CBT/550 PBT). International applicants who receive their baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited institution in the U.S., United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Africa (English-speaking only) are NOT required to submit a TOEFL score report.
- Creighton University reserves the right to request GRE scores or a personal interview.
Tuition & Scholarships
All students are considered for full fellowships, which pay full tuition for 2 years of full-time enrollment, as well as a stipend.
All students are considered for half-fellowships, which pay half of the student’s tuition for 2 years of full-time enrollment, but no stipend.