Getting a Creative Writing Master's Degree

Getting a Creative Writing Master's Degree
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You have the imagination to create lively characters and intriguing plot twists. However, with all that motivation to write, you want more. Maybe you’re tired of publishers’ rejections or only having family and friends read your fiction stories. Well, a creative writing master’s degree can give you an opportunity to workshop your fiction, create publishable work and teach undergraduate students. Besides a degree, you can be on your way to obtaining publishable fiction that may land on the fiction best seller’s list.

Northwestern University (Chicago, Illinois)

Northwestern University School of Continuing Studies offers two degrees in fiction writing. The Master of Arts in Creative Writing and the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing allow students to attend on-campus and a low-residency creative writing program (students spend a short time on campus). Students specialize in fiction, creative nonfiction and poetry. Courses in the master’s programs include Studies in Fiction Writing, Special Topics in Creative Writing and Seminar on Journal Publishing. During workshops, students learn their weaknesses and strengths in their writing. The Master in Creative Writing consists of 10 courses. The MFA in Creative Writing consists of 18 courses. Also, students have the opportunity to pursue creative writing internships, work at the TriQuarterly online journal and teach seminars. As of 2010, the tuition for both programs was $2,655 a course. Prospective students must have an undergraduate degree and a strong academic record in writing and English. The GRE is not required, but can enhance applications.

University of California, Davis (Davis, California)

The University of California, Davis’ Department of English offers a two-year program which leads to a creative writing master’s degree. The program consists of three fiction workshops and one fiction workshop outside of your genre. Also, students take courses in literature and must complete a thesis. During students’ second year, they work on a book-length fiction work that is apart of their thesis while teaching undergraduate students. Prospective students should submit a statement of purpose, verbal GRE scores higher than 600 and three letters of recommendation. As of 2010, tuition for California residents was approximately $13,257 and $28,359 for nonresidents.

New York University (New York, New York)

New York University offers a master’s in English with a concentration of creative writing. The program is for talented writers who are committed to and want to develop their craft. A Master of Arts degree with a concentration of creative writing consists of 32 points or credits. Courses include approximately four workshops, The Craft of Fiction and American literature classes. A creative thesis in fiction or poetry is also required. The thesis should be a collection of poems or short stories or a novella. Prospective students should submit letters of recommendation and GRE (no mandatory score). As of 2010, New York University tuition was $1,260 per point.

References

Northwestern University: MA and MFA in Creative Writing

University of California, Davis: Masters in Creative Writing

New York University: Creative Writing Program