Online MFA Creative Writing

<a href="https://www.onlinemasterscolleges.com/online-mfa-creative-writing/">Online MFA Creative Writing</a>

College Name & Address	Tuition	Graduation Rate
#1 Emerson College 120 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116	$31,104	82%
#2 Oregon State University 1500 SW Jefferson Avenue, Corvallis, Oregon 97331	$13,257	67%
#3 Mount Saint Mary’s University 12001 Chalon Rd, Los Angeles, California 90049	$12,432	65%
#4 Arcadia University 450 S Easton Rd, Glenside, Pennsylvania 19038	$27,894	66%
#5 Harvard University Massachusetts Hall, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138	$49,448	97%
#6 Fairleigh Dickinson University, Florham Campus 285 Madison Ave, Madison, New Jersey 07940	$9,732	63%
#7 Lesley University 29 Everett St, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138	$18,900	60%
#8 Wilkes University 84 West South Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania 18766	$26,400	63%
#9 University of North Alabama One Harrison Plaza, Florence, Alabama 35632	$6,660	49%
#10 Western Connecticut State University 181 White Street, Danbury, Connecticut 06810	$7,674	52%
#11 East Stroudsburg University, Pennsylvania 200 Prospect Street, East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania 18301	$10,062	52%
#12 University of Nebraska, Omaha 6001 Dodge St, Omaha, Nebraska 68182	$6,138	50%
#13 Lindenwood University 209 S Kingshighway, Saint Charles, Missouri 63301	$9,450	50%
#14 University of New Orleans 2000 Lakeshore Drive, New Orleans, Louisiana 70148	$6,090	42%
#15 Eastern Kentucky University 521 Lancaster Ave, Richmond, Kentucky 40475	$9,900	45%
#16 The University of Texas, El Paso 500 W. University Ave, El Paso, Texas 79968	$5,682	37%
#17 Mississippi university For Women 1100 College Street, Columbus, Mississippi 39701	$7,425	40%
#18 The University of Arkansas, Monticello Highway 425 South, Monticello, Arkansas 71656	$6,631	29%
#19 National University 11255 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037	$15,480	29%
#20 University of Houston-Victoria 3007 N. Ben Wilson, Victoria, Texas 77901	$6,476	19%

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

<a href="https://www.onlinemasterscolleges.com/online-mfa-creative-writing/">Online MFA Creative Writing</a>

College Name & Address	Tuition	Graduation Rate
#1 Louisiana Tech University 1310 West Railroad Avenue, Ruston, Louisiana 71272	$5,416	60%
#2 The University of Texas, El Paso 500 W. University Ave, El Paso, Texas 79968	$5,682	37%
#3 Northwestern State University, Louisiana 175 Sam Sibley Drive, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71497	$5,738	44%
#4 University of New Orleans 2000 Lakeshore Drive, New Orleans, Louisiana 70148	$6,090	42%
#5 University of Nebraska, Omaha 6001 Dodge St, Omaha, Nebraska 68182	$6,138	50%
#6 University of Nebraska, Kearney 2504 9th Avenue, Kearney, Nebraska 68849	$6,216	56%
#7 University of Houston-Victoria 3007 N. Ben Wilson, Victoria, Texas 77901	$6,476	19%
#8 University of Louisiana, Monroe 700 University Avenue, Monroe, Louisiana 71209	$6,490	47%
#9 University of Arkansas, Monticello Highway 425 South, Monticello, Arkansas 71656	$6,631	29%
#10 University of North Alabama One Harrison Plaza, Florence, Alabama 35632	$6,660	49%
#11 Mississippi University for Women 1100 College Street, Columbus, Mississippi 39701	$7,425	40%
#12 Lindenwood University 209 S Kingshighway, Saint Charles, Missouri 63301	$9,450	50%
#13 Eastern Kentucky University 521 Lancaster Ave, Richmond, Kentucky 40475	$9,900	45%
#14 East Stroudsburg University, Pennsylvania 200 Prospect Street, East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania 18301	$10,062	52%
#15 Old Dominion University 5115 Hampton Blvd, Norfolk, Virginia 23529	$10,207	53%
#16 Oregon State University 1500 SW Jefferson Avenue, Corvallis, Oregon 97331	$13,257	67%
#17 Tiffin University 155 Miami Street, Tiffin, Ohio 44883	$12,600	39%
#18 Saint Leo University 33701 State Road 52, Saint Leo, Florida 33574	$14,568	49%
#19 National University 11255 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037	$15,480	29%
#20 Southern New Hampshire University 2500 North River Road, Manchester, New Hampshire 03106	$18,810	44%

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

A Creative Writing Program is for the mind that is buzzing with words – words that need to be articulated and presented in an appropriate form, serving an equally appropriate function. Whether you are interested in simply improving your writing skills, or have decided to write a novel, or perhaps even write a script for a movie, an MFA in Creative Writing will teach you all the nuances of writing – from styles to techniques. Reasonably new industries such as blogging and social media welcome creative writers with an MFA Degree, as there is an endless need for content. All in all, the possibilities are endless! But before you sign up for an Online MFA Creative Programs, it is essential to dig deep and understand the full scope of these programs.

Online MFA Creative Writing Degree Types

There are broadly three types of programs pertaining to Master’s in Creative Writing online, each distinct yet bearing similarities. Which of the three is better depends on your purpose and career aspirations.

Specializations in MFA Programs

In addition to the standard MFA Programs in Creative Writing, Students can opt to specialize in a specific field or area of interest that could help niche markets or industries. Below is a list of some of the specializations available:

Specialization	Description
Online MFA Graphic Design	Hand or Computer-aided design for creating graphical assets such as icons, elements, illustrations, logos, etc., more for digital media.
Online MFA Drawing & Illustration	Sketching, illustrating, drawing for print media that compliments accompanying text, using Computer Software.
MFA Animation Online	Using advanced Software to design motion graphics, animations, cartoons, and renders, typically used in film and television.
Online MA Theatre Studies	Enhancing acting skills, art direction, and cinematography, both on-stage and in front of the camera.
Online MFA Photography	Mastering Film & Digital Cameras, learning techniques in photography, manipulating light.
MFA Sculpture	Creation of murals, artifacts, and sculptures using bronze, clay, plaster-of-Paris, fiberglass, and complex materials.
MFA Ceramics Online	Learning the art of pottery and design in Ceramics.
MFA Painting	Learning brush-techniques, hues, shades, color-matching, textures, and more.
MFA Screenwriting Online	Scripting of dialogues, explicating plots, Screenplay writing, and writing for Shows and Broadcasts.
MFA Poetry	Understanding Poets and Poetry and learning to form thoughts and translate them into Poems.

Curriculum and Skills Gained in MFA Creative Writing Programs

An MFA in Creative Writing usually consists of Form & Theory Classes, Workshops, Literature, Electives, and a Thesis. Subjects vary from college to college but generally cover Fictional & Non-Fictional Literature, Poetry, History of Art & Literature, Screenwriting, and Music.

The MFA Creative Writing Syllabus largely covers:

• Forms and Techniques of Fiction
• Narrative Theory & Poetics
• Forms and Techniques of Poetry
• Advanced Fiction, Poetry, Play, Screen and Creative Non-fiction writing
• Variable Topics in Literature
• Studies in Form
• Politics of Narration
• Writing about Popular Music

By the end of an MFA Creative Writing Program –

• You will be able to teach Creative Art Subjects
• Go on to become authors and publish books
• Script for films and broadcasts
• Have a deeper understanding of the history of Art and Literature
• Join an ever-growing cross-border community of writers
• Take up managerial or entrepreneurial roles in media and tech industries.

MFA Creative Writing Residency Requirements

Increasingly, low residency MFA Creative Writing Programs and no residency MFA Creative Writing Programs are becoming popular. A low residency program allows you to work and study simultaneously or perhaps parallelly pursue another course as well. Less time spent on Campus translates to more time to work or self-study. Here is a quick list of low residency MFA Creative Writing Programs:

Accreditation for Online MFA Creative Writing Programs

Having a recognized Degree is always important when seeking work or furthering your career. An Accreditation is a seal of achievement and an endorsement of your qualification. After all, the time and money you invest in an MFA Creative Writing Program should be of weight and value in the job market.

You can read up and understand more on Accreditation here. Most MFA Creative Writing Programs are accredited either by Universities on a National, Regional or Programmatic level or an Independent Body such as the AWP – Association of Writers & Writing Programs.

Timeline for graduation from Online MFA Creative Writing Programs

How long an MFA Creative Writing Program takes to complete largely depends on what kind of program you wish to enroll in – Full Time, Part Time, Distance, or Accelerated, in addition to which school you choose. While some Schools follow a 3-Year Program, most follow a 2-Year Program, and some offer a 1-Year Full-Time Program. Part-Time Programs rely heavily on self-study and typically go on for 2 Years.

There are virtually no Colleges that offer Accelerated Programs. A 1 Year full-time Program is the shortest duration to complete an MFA in Creative Writing.

Online MFA Creative Writing Programs Admission Requirements

From a technical viewpoint, to pursue a Master’s in Creative Writing, most Colleges ask for a Bachelor’s Degree, Professional Experience, and a minimum GPA of 2.5. However, some do away with the GPA. In addition to these, many colleges require

• Statement of purpose
• Transcripts of your Undergraduate Studies
• A sample of your professional-quality writing
• Letters of Recommendation.

Most Colleges have dispensed with GRE and/or GMAT Test Scores for admission.

Effective 2020 and in some cases 2023, most Colleges have done away with asking for GRE Scores. However, in doing so, some Colleges require you to submit some form of written work – Poetry, Fiction, or Non-fiction, as well as rely heavily on references and recommendations (preferably from former Teachers).

Here is a list of MFA Creative Writing no GRE required Programs:

As of publishing this Page, there are no Free Online MFA Programs that are accredited. On the other hand, there are enough Sites that offer Free MFA Courses that one could take up if one is not interested in obtaining a Recognized Degree. Most such Free Courses will give you a Certificate of Completion, which may or may not be useful in your career, but will not grant you a Degree. Here are a few places Online where you can sign-up for a Free Online MFA Course:

Coursera offers a host of Courses, Guided Projects, and Specializations in Creative Writing, but none that will award you with a Professional Certificate or Degree.

Udemy claims to have over 6,000 Courses connected with Creative Writing at three different levels – Beginner, Intermediate, and Expert. None of them, however, are accredited or certified.

DIY MFA teaches most skills usually taught in a formal MFA Creative Writing Program but is modular rather than cohesive and structured.

You can choose several Industries or Fields to work in after completing your Online MFA Creative Writing. Here are some you could consider:

Technical Writing – Design, develop, and print documents and manuals in specific fields such as medicine, engineering, education, etc. Median Salary: $60,689*.

Creative Director – Showcase your creative writing and designing skills by entering the world of Project Design, Graphic Design, Advertising, Music, Media, etc. Median Salary: $88,849*.

Higher Education – Start teaching Art Subjects in post-secondary Institutes and get involved in education planning and development. Median Salary: $50,196*.

Social Media & Entertainment – Use your storytelling & writing skills to write scripts and screenplays, provide Social Media content, and indulge in film and theater. Median Salary: $51,406*.

Authoring – Become your boss by writing a Novel, composing Poems, or penning lyrics for songs. Write biographies, articles, news snippets, and blogs as well. Median Salary: $51,170*.

*Source: PayScale

Professional Certifications validate your skill, knowledge, and expertise in a chosen area of Creative Writing. Certifications endorse your understanding and development of a particular field and are vital in securing a lucrative job. Being Certificated also allows you to be a Licensed Practitioner of your Online MFA Creative Writing Degree and qualifies you for Government jobs as well.

Some of the Certificates you can apply for are:

• Society for Technical Communication (STC) Certified Professional Technical Communicator – Provides a three-tiered Professional Certification: Foundation, Practitioner, and Expert – specifically in Technical Communication.
• American Copy Editors Society (ACES) Certificate in Editing – Provides Freelance Editors, Students, and Professionals certification for working in Digital/Print Media, Publishing, Corporation Communications, and more.
• American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) Medical Writer Certified – Exam-based, Professional Certification for Medical Writing that endorses your understanding of the field of medicine and all related aspects.
• American Grant Writers’ Association (AGWA) Certified Grant Writer – Exclusive Certification for Grant Writers, Consultants, and Managers enabling you to work with Research Grants, Project Grants, Government Grants, Program and Proposal Writing.
• American Writers & Artists Institute (AWAI) Copywriting Certifications – Certifications in Copywriting, Content Writing, and Graphic Design, acknowledging your skills and providing you access to high-paying writing assignments.

After completing an Online MFA Creative Writing Program, staying in touch and staying connected in today’s world is essential for growth in one’s career. Signing up for workshops, subscribing to magazines, joining various associations, and networking with professionals or groups is what keeps you up to date with the latest trends and developments in the field of Creative Writing. All of this, in turn, helps you secure higher pay-packets or better jobs. We have put together some important resources that we find interesting:

• Poets & Writers: Literary Magazine Database – A database of Literary Magazines in several genres, including editorial policies, submission guidelines, and contact information.
• Duotrope – An award-winning resource for writers and artists that helps find publishers and writers for your work.
• The Author’s Guild – The Author’s Guild is a treasure trove for Creative Writers. The Guild provides legal assistance, conducts online workshops and seminars, offers discounts and awards, and has a voluminous resource library, should you find the need for one.
• The Writer’s Digest – This is a Site that helps writers improve their craft and connect them with the writers’ community and vast resources.
• The Southern Review – The Southern Review is a premier literary journal that discovers and promotes diverse, engaging, relevant, and challenging literature.