Writers and authors play a significant role in creating your favorite popular media.
Preparing for this fulfilling career requires more than a healthy imagination. You need a developed skill set — one an online master of fine arts in creative writing can help you build.
Plus, the best online MFA in creative writing programs feature the same rigor as on-campus programs while providing you with academic flexibility.
Featured Online Programs
Best Online MFA in Creative Writing Degrees of 2023
MFA in Creative Writing: Program Expectations
MFA in creative writing programs' expectations vary by school. However, you can expect to take many classes in genre and nonfiction writing. Other activities include critiquing your peers' work and using their feedback to become a better writer.
Application requirements may include a writing sample, a statement of purpose, and recommendation letters.
You can graduate in two years if you enroll full time.
Graduation requirements may include maintaining a 3.0 GPA, a comprehensive exam, and a creative writing thesis.
Your program may involve an on-campus seminar or writing intensive.
Common Courses in Creative Writing
In your online MFA in creative writing, you'll develop advanced skills in writing and literary analysis. Many students focus on poetry or fiction, but some programs offer more options, such as screenwriting, creative nonfiction, and travel writing.
Some MFA programs feature traditional literature courses, while other programs use a studio model and focus on the study of literary craft.
MFA in creative writing programs commonly include the following courses. Keep in mind that course titles and content vary by program.
Writing Workshop
Most MFA programs feature courses with a workshop model, in which you share your work for critique and receive feedback on your writing. You also build critical skills by critiquing other students' work. In most MFA programs, you can expect to complete a workshop course almost every semester.
Forms of Fiction
This course introduces a craft-specific approach to literary writing. Fiction writers explore topics such as narrative structure, pacing, and plot. You may also take specialized courses that focus on your particular literary topics or forms, such as dialogue or the novella.
American Literature After 1945
Many MFA curricula include traditional literature classes. You gain specialized knowledge in certain areas or periods of literary study and develop critical perspectives. You examine major developments in American literature after World War II, such as postmodernism and multiculturalism.
Studies in Women's Literature
This class explores the impact of women's literature on world culture. It requires you to analyze how examples of women's literature relate to the times and places in which the authors lived. Learning outcomes include appreciating diverse voices and better understanding how authors' backgrounds impact their writing.
Advanced Topics in Rhetoric and Composition
Online MFA in creative writing programs offer this class to help you become a better persuasive writer. Coursework includes analyzing different cultures' rhetorical styles.
Your program may offer advanced topics in rhetoric and composition as an upper-division elective. Work with your academic counselors to choose the electives that best align with your career goals.
How Much Does a Creative Writing Degree Cost?
There's no denying that college can be costly — so you want to make sure it pays off. And while tuition rates can vary widely among online MFA programs in creative writing, you can help make it more affordable by applying for scholarships and teaching assistantships.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of tuition and fees for graduate programs in the 2020-21 academic year was $19,749.
Choosing to earn your MFA in creative writing degree online can also help you cut down on costs. Because online programs offer more flexibility, you can better balance work with school.
Plus, many online creative writing programs feature lower tuition rates than on-campus options.
Career and Salary Outlook for Creative Writing Graduates
Online creative writing master's programs can help you qualify for many careers, such as author, proofreader, and technical writer.
Author
All media you consume starts with an idea — and oftentimes that idea comes from an author. These professionals use their creative writing skills to write scripts, novels, biographies, and other material.
Authors must know how to network with publishers and editors. And the majority of authors work for themselves. Other top employers include professional services companies.
Median Annual Salary (May 2021)$69,510
Job Outlook6% increase from 2021-2031
Proofreader
Proofreaders do much more than just catch grammatical mistakes. They also use computer software to format documents and add simple graphics. Top employers for proofreaders include online and print publications.
An online master's in creative writing's emphasis on feedback can help you develop the attention to detail proofreading jobs require.
Median Annual Salary (May 2021)$45,410
Job OutlookN/A
Technical Writer
Technical writers produce the how-to guides and instructional manuals you encounter when buying a new product. Their ability to turn technical language into something anyone can understand makes them valuable for many industries. Major employers include professional, scientific, and technical services companies.
Keep in mind: Some technical writing jobs require more than a background in creative writing. You may also need education or experience in a technical field.
Median Annual Salary (May 2021)$78,060
Job Outlook6% increase from 2021-2031
Editor
Like proofreaders, editors correct the grammar mistakes other writers miss. Their responsibilities also include verifying information, improving texts' readability, and following their employer's style guide. Newspaper and book publishers employ a large percentage of editors.
An academic background in English, such as an online MFA in creative writing, can help you build the interpersonal and writing skills necessary for this job.
Median Annual Salary (May 2021)$63,350
Job Outlook5% decrease from 2021-2031
Copywriter
Copywriters perform many roles, such as creating and editing content on different topics. Other responsibilities may include interviewing people and performing original research. Their work appears in print, on websites, and on social media.
An online master's in creative writing, attention to detail, and familiarity with content management systems can make you an attractive applicant for copywriter positions.
Median Annual Salary (May 2021)$57,000
Job OutlookN/A
Frequently Asked Questions About Creative Writing
Is an MFA in creative writing worth it?
The answer depends on your career goals and the stage of your writing journey. An online MFA in creative writing can offer you a structured environment to improve your writing, networking opportunities, and the chance to build a professional writing portfolio.
Which MFA programs have no residency requirement?
You can select from many fully online MFA in creative writing programs. While other online MFAs require a few on-campus residencies, usually over the summer. Check requirements closely before applying.
What's the difference between an MFA and an MA?
Although similar in many ways, MFAs and MAs differ in their academic focus. A typical MA offers a broad curriculum, while an MFA features instruction in one discipline.
Do creative writing grads make good money?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, writers and authors earned a median annual salary of $69,510 in 2021, which is above the national median for all occupations.
How long does it take to earn an MFA in creative writing?
A typical program takes full-time students two years. You may need an extra 1-2 years if you attend part time.
