Creative Writing MFA

Many people enjoy creative writing as a hobby or perhaps it was their favorite subject in school. However, for some of us it is something we want to pursue as a career and we may choose to study for a Creative Writing MFA (Master of Fine Arts).

In this guide we shall look at what a creative writing MFA involves and how you can apply.

Purpose of a Creative Writing MFA

For anyone seriously wanting to pursue a career in creative writing then a creative writing MFA is a fantastic stepping stone into the industry. There are many purposes to a creative writing and MFA and even if you decide not to work specifically as a creative writer, you can still benefit from the MFA in other career paths.

Many careers will look fondly on a creative writing MFA as it shows a thorough understanding of the English language and an ability to write well. For example, jobs in marketing and public relations need people who can write well and creatively, and even real estate requires good writers to write persuasive ads for their homes.

However, for the many people who do want to become professional writers the benefits are immense and you will graduate with a huge wealth of knowledge that will put you in a great position to kick-start your writing career.

Another benefit of a creative writing MFA is that it will help you make connections in the writing world. Your lecturers will have had years of experience in the industry and will also be able to put you in contact with potential employers and publishers. Your peers will also be helpful to you and you never know where they may end up and what help they can provide for you in the future. These contacts can prove invaluable in the long-run.

Where to Study for a Creative Writing MFA

There are plenty of places in the USA to study for a Creative Writing MFA. Almost all large universities have a creative writing MFA course. For example, in California alone there are 53 different Creative Writing MFA courses and in Georgia there are 40 courses.

How to Choose a Creative Writing MFA

As there are so many different creative writing MFA courses on offer around the country it is important that you choose carefully so that you get exactly what you want out of your course.

There are many things you should look for in a course before you apply. Firstly you should find out who teachers the course. Many universities and colleges will list high-profile writers as teachers there when in reality they only teach one lecture per semester or make very minimal appearances. Find out the names of the full-time teachers and read some of their work.

You should also look at the reputation of the course you are applying for. Has it been around for a long time? How do employers regard the course? A course with a good reputation, such as the one at Iowa University, will make a huge difference when you are applying for jobs thanks to the respect that it has.

The length of the program is also important – some Creative Writing MFA programs are 2 years whereas others are 3. Will the extra year benefit you? Can you afford 3 years of study?

Finally, one of the most important things to look for is the content of the course and what you personally can take out of it. Different courses will put more emphasis on different areas of creative writing. You should look for one that interests you the most – because you will succeed at something you enjoy.

How to Apply for a Creative Writing MFA

The most important aspect of your application to a creative writing course is your writing sample. You must be able to demonstrate your writing abilities within just a few different writing samples. You will almost always be required to send in a writing portfolio – most courses will generally not allowed a mixed portfolio so you will need to pick a specific genre such as fiction or romance.

To avoid disappointment you should always apply to as many courses as possible to ensure that you have the best chance possible to get into a great course. Always apply to at least three – because most creative writing courses are very subjective and if they reject your application it is not always because you’re not a good writer they just may not like your style.

Finally, ensure you have a fantastic recommendation from your undergraduate course to finish off your application. You should ask them to specifically address your writing skills in their recommendation letter.