snhu creative writing masters

Southern New Hampshire University Online MA in English and Creative Writing

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers an online MA in English and Creative Writing program that gives students the choice of a general path or one of four concentrations: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and screenwriting. Students will learn how form, language, and literacy integrate into the voice and style of writing, delve into their own creative process, and study cultural contexts and historical traditions of classic and contemporary writing.

The MA in English and Creative Writing program helps writing students develop a professional identity of confidence in media platforms and presentations. Additionally, students learn to use technology in writing and promoting their work. Throughout the program, students develop writing goals and find their own voice and style of writing. The curriculum allows for unique combinations of courses befitting each student’s style and career aspirations.

The SNHU MA in English and Creative Writing program comprises 36 credits and can be completed in as few as 15 months by taking two courses per 10-week session, or students can complete the program at their own pace. Graduate online programs at SNHU begin five times per year in 10-week increments, landing in September/October, December, February/March, May, and July/August, depending on the year.

The program requires no campus visits. Online courses are delivered asynchronously for maximum flexibility, and students can log in at their convenience to complete coursework. Southern New Hampshire University makes online learning systematic by posting all requirements for the upcoming week on the dashboard. Course components may include readings, quizzes, presentations, writing samples, and original written works of publishable quality.

Graduates of the SNHU online MA in English and Creative Writing may go on to careers in journalism, publishing, proofreading and editing, technical writing, screenwriting, public relations, marketing, writing in various genres, or freelance writing.

Courses for the online MA in English and Creative Writing include Studying the Craft; Story and Concept; Graduate Studies in English Language; English and Creative Writing Capstone; and Graduate Studies in Literary Theory. Students also take either Seminar in Writing Instruction or Online Teaching Experience, six credits from upper-level literature classes, and two of the following: Screenwriting Fundamentals; Poetry Fundamentals; Fiction Fundamentals; Nonfiction Fundamentals; Fiction and Film; Studies in Place and Setting; Genres: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and Other Popular Fiction; Contemporary Writers and Publishing; and The Editor.

Those following a general English and Creative Writing path also take two of the following: Screenwriting Fundamentals; Poetry Fundamentals; Fiction Fundamentals; Non-Fiction Fundamentals; or Internship (which includes 150 internship hours).

Fiction concentration courses include Fiction Fundamentals, Genres: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and Other Popular Fiction; Fiction Thesis Writing, and Fiction Thesis Completion.

Nonfiction concentration courses include Non-Fiction Fundamentals, Non-Fiction Thesis Writing, and Non-Fiction Thesis Completion.

Poetry concentration courses include Poetry Fundamentals, Poetry Thesis Writing, and Poetry Thesis Completion.

Screenwriting concentration courses include Screenwriting Fundamentals, Screenwriting Thesis Writing, and Screenwriting Thesis Completion. For all concentrations, the Fundamentals course listed takes the place of English and Creative Writing Capstone in the major.

Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Southern New Hampshire University

Online ma in english and creative writing.

• Students can choose a general path or concentrations in fiction, non-fiction, poetry and screenwriting
• The curriculum includes a course on the English language covering topics such as the history of English, etymology, phonology, syntax, semantics, dialects, and more
• One course on teaching or writing instruction is required

To Learn More About SNHU's Online MA in English and Creative Writing - visit degrees.snhu.edu

Online MA in English And Creative Writing - Fiction

• Graduate students go beyond the basics of storytelling to an exploration of genres, audiences, and their creative voice
• At the end of the program, fiction students create their own manuscript, applying their creative voice to their work
• Graduates can apply learned skills to writing novels and other works, or to scriptwriting, marketing, and freelance work

Online MA in English And Creative Writing - Nonfiction

• Students gain the tools needed to create factual works based on research and human experiences
• The curriculum includes information on broadcasting, publishing, and professional production
• The curriculum offers the flexibility to tailor the degree toward each student's career goals

Online MA in English And Creative Writing - Poetry

• Poetry students use their imaginations to create poetic imagery that is vivid, moving, and inspiring
• Students learn to appreciate how poetry affects thinking, communication, and understanding of the world around them
• Poets may work for nonprofits, journals, bookstores, and magazines, or publish their own poetry

Online MA in English And Creative Writing - Screenwriting

• Students delve into the world of film and video, including a focus on story structure, creative writing, theme, action, dialogue, character development, and visuals
• The curriculum focuses on visual storytelling to create an immersive experience
• By the end of the program, students will have developed their own screenplay

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Online MFA in Creative Writing

Hello and welcome to the research guide for snhu’s online mfa in creative writing..

Here, you’ll find a treasure trove of both academic and professional resources to help guide you through the Online MFA in Creative Writing program, with resources for research, databases, and even plenty of links for pleasure reading.

In the “Reading as a Writer” section, you’ll find our collection of literature, including eBooks, short stories, and literary journals, as well as access to book reviews. We’ve collected a list of genre-specific professional writing organizations in the “Professional Organizations and Associations” sections for further support on writing and publishing within your genre. The “Career Resources” section includes field-related reading on a variety of writing career paths, and a link to SNHU Career. Struggling with writing, citing, or figuring out a pesky grammar rule? Check out our “Grammar and Writing Support” for real-time help.

The Research Guide is intended to be just one of many areas of support for you in the Online MFA. Catch up with your peers, stay on the pulse of industry trends, get help polishing your job package materials, and check out more resources in the Writer’s Community .

Advice to Writers: Quote of the Day

Snhu writing communities & resources.

• SNHU Creative Writing Review Club This link opens in a new window Those who enjoy writing fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and screenplay writing will submit a work of theirs once a month for critique and discussion.
• The Penmen Review This link opens in a new window The Penmen Review is Southern New Hampshire University’s online journal for creative writers, featuring resource articles, spotlight interviews and writing in all genres, selected by our editorial board from submitted work.
• MFA Writer’s Community This link opens in a new window This is a collaborative learning space for all students in your program or course. Your active participation with fellow classmates, faculty and staff are encouraged. The academic resources and social feed contained in the community will help customize your learning experience.

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CollegeRank.net

Best College Rankings

25 Best Graduate Creative Writing Programs

Quick Highlights:

• Our #1 ranked school for a graduate creative writing program is  Western Connecticut State University , followed by  University of Arkansas at Monticello .
• Programs typically offer low-residency formats , ideal for balancing with professional commitments.
• They cover various writing genres, providing flexibility and depth in learning and practice.
• Graduates often pursue careers in writing, publishing, teaching , and other creative fields.

If you’re interested in a creative writing career, this might arguably be one of the best times in history. A glance on the Internet, especially on social media sites, shows a growing demand for content. This means a demand for advanced writing skills, and other creative skills.

​ Are you planning to enhance your creative writing skills? Consider taking one of the best creative writing graduate programs . To get you started on your degree search, we’ve put together this list of best graduate writing programs . In fact, most of these are no- or low-residency creative writing programs. This includes colleges offering an online master’s degree (or hybrid) in Creative Writing.

• Top Communications PhD Programs
• Best English PhD Programs

A Creative writer may find themselves with several different career opportunities. Creative writers may write content, go into advertising, be a screenwriter, or go into publishing, to name a few options in this field.

Best MFA Creative Writing Programs

Western connecticut state university, graduation rate:, acceptance rate:.

Western Connecticut State University (WCSU, est. 1903) has a MFA in Creative and Professional Writing. This best low-residency master’s in creative writing wins first place in our list of best writing masters programs online.

This hybrid creative writing degree requires approximately 60 credits for completion and includes:

• an internship or teaching practicum
• an enrichment project

Students must also complete four separate, week-long residencies comprising discussions, lectures, and workshops. Residencies are held twice a year on the WCSU campus in Danbury, Connecticut. (There is also an optional Dublin, Ireland, residency featuring workshops in Oscar Wilde’s home and events at the Bram Stoker Festival.) For their degree, students must select a primary and secondary genre specialization. One must be creative, such as:

• Screenwriting

The other must be practical, for example:

• Advertising Copywriting
• Historical Biographies
• Medical Writing
• Public Relations
• Technical Writing

WCSU’s low-residency MFA utilizes a student-driven mentorship model. For most courses, graduate students work with a faculty member to develop a personalized course plan. Then, there is WCSU’s practical education approach, which ensures students learn from successful creative writers across several genres and styles and apply what they’ve learned in real-world settings. This combination might be why WCSU has such a high success rate — 87 percent of graduates are full-time professional writers and/ or have published books. Key courses for this MFA program include:

• Genre History, Criticism, and Theory
• Reading for Writers
• The Individual Aesthetic and Process
• Type: Public
• Location: Danbury, Connecticut
• Cost: $11,344
• Affiliation: Connecticut State University System
• #students: 5,246
• #grads: 606
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
• Has housing?: Yes
• Programs: Associates through doctorate level degrees, plus certificates

University of Arkansas at Monticello

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM, est. 1910) is a fully online program. This program, which comes in second in our list of the best writing graduate programs , is the most affordable of the creative nonfiction MFA programs in this review article.

To graduate, students must complete 48 credits, including six for their thesis. The MFA offers three genres to choose from:

• Creative Nonfiction

The core of the program features workshop courses that foster high-level skills in critical thinking and literary analysis while ensuring a mastery in creative writing. This focus is supplemented with multiple electives to allow students to tailor the program to best suit their interests and goals, including pursuing independent areas of study. To be eligible for admission to the MFA program, applicants must have an undergraduate degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

UAM’s online Creative Writing MFA is meant to be both flexible and affordable. It is designed for talented, self-motivated individuals who appreciate the freedom to follow their own pace and areas of study. To ensure each creative writing student has a fuller understanding of their own genre, they will work with a different faculty mentor each semester. Creative writing majors will also take workshops in the other two genres to help give their writing a broader perspective and more unique outlook and voice. Key courses and options for the MFA include:

• Advanced Workshop – Form and Craft
• Magazine Edit and Design
• Memoirs of the Mind
• Location: Monticello, Arkansas
• Cost: $13,262.4
• #students: 2,855
• #grads: 293
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Programs: Associates through master’s level degrees, plus certificates

Tiffin University

Tiffin University (TU, est. 1888) offers a fully online Master of Humanities (MH) with a Creative Writing Concentration. It places third in our list of best online creative writing graduate programs.

This 30-credit degree allows students to understand and develop their abilities in several genres and compositional forms, including:

• Creative Non-Fiction
• Genre and Performance Writing
• Screenplays
• Short Stories

The program combines a humanities foundation with hands-on writing experience and an academic study of selected genres and forms. The culmination is a capstone project, which requires each student to research a chosen area of interest and produce either a creative project, a portfolio project, or a thesis. To be eligible for admission to the MH, applicants must have an undergraduate degree with a preferred GPA of 3.0.

Tiffin’s online Master’s in Creative Writing is designed as a flexible, affordable graduate program option. With multiple start dates and a mix of seven- and 15-week courses, students can enter the program when it suits them and finish their degree in just 18 months. The primary focus of the MH is preparing graduates to pursue a variety of creative writing careers. Creative writing majors can become:

• content writer
• freelance writer
• screenwriter
• technical writer
• video game writer

Some graduates go on to teach at the high school or community college level. Others use the MH as the foundation to pursue advanced graduate degrees. Key courses and options for the MH include:

• Creative Writing – The Novel
• Creativity and Its Development
• Critical Thinking and Reading
• Type: Private, non-profit
• Location: Tiffin, Ohio
• Cost: $16,500
• #students: 2,933
• #grads: 739
• Programs: Associates through doctorate level, plus certificates

University of Houston Victoria

The University of Houston-Victoria (UHV, est. 1973) offers a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing that can be taken entirely online or in a low-residency, hybrid format. The degree requires 36 credits for completion, including six for a thesis. Students can choose the regular Creative Writing path or a specialized Concentration in Applied Literary Translation. Students can study any genre for the regular path but must select one for their thesis:

The main focus of the MFA is on developing one’s writing skills and understanding the literary form. However, several electives are available to help tailor the degree towards a student’s interest in literature or publishing. Those applying for the MFA program will need an undergraduate degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA on their last 60 undergraduate credits. (GRE scores may be required for those with a lower GPA; check with UHV to confirm.)

UHV’s online Creative Writing MFA program can be an affordable option that provides graduates with several potential career opportunities. While the program was created to help students pursue their dreams of becoming published authors, it also prepares them for nearly every writing career option. That means graduates can also pursue more practical jobs, including in

• literary translation

Additionally, since UHV is a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), students can integrate a Latino literature and cultural element into their studies and writing. Key courses and electives for the MFA include:

• Form and Poetics
• Graduate Poetry Writing Workshop
• Publication Design

UHV’s online Creative Writing MFA can be an affordable option that provides graduates with several potential career opportunities. While the program was created to help students pursue their dreams of becoming published authors, it also prepares them for nearly every writing career option. That means graduates can also pursue more practical jobs, including in:

• Location: Victoria, Texas
• Cost: $16,840.08
• Affiliation: University of Houston System
• #students: 4,922
• #grads: 1,409
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
• Programs: Bachelor’s and master’s degrees

Mississippi University for Women

The low-residency Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing from Mississippi University for Women (MUW, est. 1884) is a 48-credit hybrid program. Much of the degree can be completed online, including a thesis, form and literature courses, and writing workshops. Workshops are available in:

• Playwriting
• Translation
• Writing for New Media

The MFA’s residency requirements comprise two Short Residencies and two Full Residencies. Short Residencies are five-day masterclasses that occur at different times of year but are often scheduled to coincide with major on- and off-campus events, such as the Eudora Welty Writers’ Symposium. Full Residencies occur in late May and are nine to 10 days of workshops, seminars, and readings. To be eligible for admission to the MFA program, students must have an undergraduate degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA.

MUW’s Creative Writing MFA program is designed for working adults. It is built to be both affordable and flexible. Students can customize their course of study, selecting classes in as many or few genres as they wish. (Residencies already ensure students gain a broader understanding and perspective by providing cross- and mixed-genre experiences.) Students can also tailor their selections to fit specific career goals, adding Residencies, Internships, and Literary Magazine Production experiences. The Full Residencies offer a strong career focus with professional topics that include:

• publishing and self-publishing
• writing for the web
• working with an agent
• creative writing pedagogy (teaching strategies for various environments)

Key course options for this MFA program include:

• Early Women Writers
• Medieval and Renaissance Narratives
• The Professional Writer
• Location: Columbus, Mississippi
• Cost: $17,343.10
• #students: 2,704
• #grads: 286

Central Washington University

Central Washington University (CWU, est. 1891) offers a Master of Arts (MA) in Professional and Creative Writing that can be taken entirely online or in a multi-modal (hybrid) format. This MA requires 45 credits for completion. There is no thesis requirement, but students must complete an end-of-program Portfolio course. There are also no defined degree tracks, allowing students to customize their course of study based on their career goals and interests. Plus, with CWU’s 10-week quarter system, this well-ranked creative writing program can be completed in as little as four quarters. To qualify for admission, applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA (check with CWU about its current GRE requirements).

​CWU’s Professional and Creative Writing MA is designed to help graduates successfully navigate a new world economy that emphasizes learning and adapting over knowing. By combining creative and professional writing with critical thinking skills, the program can benefit students seeking several different career outcomes. This includes students who need upgraded writing skills to advance in their careers, professional and creative writers who want to make themselves more marketable and pursue expanded opportunities, and students who need advanced writing abilities to pursue additional graduate programs. Others choose this MA to satisfy a personal dream of becoming a creative writer while continuing their established careers. Key courses and electives include:

• Advanced Poetry Writing
• Professional Writing with New Media
• Studies in Rhetoric
• Location: Ellensburg, Washington
• Cost: $17,469.15
• #students: 11,174
• #grads: 656
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
• Programs: Bachelor’s and master’s level degrees, plus certificates

Concordia University-Saint Paul

Concordia University-Saint Paul (CSP, est. 1893) offers a fully online Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing through the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. This 36-credit program features 11 courses plus a thesis. CSP’s MFA program helps students hone their creative writing skills while also developing the ability to read and assess literature across three genres:

Students will develop their creative writing skills through craft and workshop courses while studying different literary forms, genres, and topics via literature and research courses. To qualify for admission, applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

CSP’s MFA in Creative Writing is well-suited to the needs of working adults. In addition to being fully online, year-round admission is possible. Classes are held once a week, and each course takes only seven weeks to complete. Students will have the chance to work with several published authors throughout their degree and gain the skills and perspectives needed to produce publishable work. This will allow them to pursue a career as a professional writer in a variety of different fields. As such, CSP’s Creative Writing MFA is suitable for those who want to become writers and those who are already writers but want to expand their career potential. Key courses in this MFA program include:

• Studies in the Craft of Creative Writing
• Researching and Writing About Literature
• The Culture of Writing, Editing, and Publishing
• Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota
• Cost: $18,900
• Affiliation: Concordia University System
• Religious affiliation: Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod
• #students: 5,585
• #grads: 2,007
• Programs: Bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificates

Saint Leo University

The low-residency Master of Arts (MA) in Creative Writing at Saint Leo University (SLU, est. 1889) is a 36-credit, hybrid program. Students can choose from one of three degree tracks:

• Non-Fiction

SLU is also said to have the only MA program that offers a track specialization in War Literature and Writing for Veterans — a uniquely relevant and poignant option in today’s world. Overall, the program combines creative writing and literary studies personalized to each student’s goals. The MA’s eight-day residency is held on-campus in St. Leo, Florida, each summer. Students must attend three of these. To be eligible for admission to the MA, applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.25 GPA.

SLU’s low-residency MA in Creative Writing is a flexible option for working adults who dream of writing memorable works of fiction or becoming notable essayists, memoirists, or poets. Other students use this MA to advance their professional careers or use it as a foundational step to pursuing terminal degrees in fields such as:

• creative writing

Whatever one’s goals or dreams, SLU provides a dedicated faculty mentor (a published writer of national recognition) to help guide you. You will also have the regular feedback and community of your fellow writing students. Key courses and options for the MA include Foundations in Fiction and Theory and Practice of Creative Writing.

• Location: Saint Leo, Florida
• Cost: $23,400
• Religious affiliation: Catholic Church (Order of Saint Benedict)
• #students: 9,832
• #grads: 2,887

University of Texas at El Paso

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP, est. 1914) offers a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing that can be taken entirely online. The MFA program requires 48 credits for graduation, including six for a thesis. While there are no residency requirements for this degree, adventurous students can select the low-residency option and travel to a different international city every summer. Past host cities have included London, Madrid, and Paris. The program itself is built around a mix of: writing workshops, literature courses, form and theory explorations covering various genres and forms. For their thesis, students will select either: Fiction or Poetry. To qualify for admission into the MFA program, applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree and ideally a minimum 3.0 GPA.

UTEP’s MFA program is one of the few fully online Creative Writing MFAs in the United States and the only bilingual one. While classes are taught in English, students have the option to submit assignments in Spanish. Career-wise, the main focus of this high-quality program is preparing graduates for careers as published writers and/ or teaching creative writing at colleges and universities. This MFA program has a strong literary focus and foundation. In addition to academic ability, it favors talented and driven writers with distinct, developing, or new voices, and those with cultural and social awareness. Key course options for the MFA program include:

• Advanced Screenwriting
• Forms and Techniques of Fiction
• Storytelling – Film and Literature
• Location: El Paso, Texas
• Cost: $23,520
• Affiliation: University of Texas System
• #students: 24,879
• #grads: 3,762

Wilkes University

Wilkes University (WU, est. 1933) offers two connected, low-residency creative writing graduate degrees — the Master of Arts (MA) in Creative Writing and the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing. The 30-credit MA offers seven tracks:

• Documentary Film

Four, eight-day, on-campus residencies are required, including a capstone one. (WU also has a “weekender” option where each residency is broken down into four consecutive weekends during the semester.) The MFA is the continuation of WU’s MA program. It requires an additional 18 credits and one more residency. MFA students will revise their MA thesis for publication or production, or start a new project based on the thesis. They will also complete a full-term internship in teaching or publishing. Those applying for the MA should have a Bachelor’s degree, but it’s not essential. Those applying for the MFA must have completed the MA program and earned a 3.5 GPA in every course.

Wilkes’s low-residency Creative Writing MA and MFA programs focus on writing craft and the business of writing. That real-world integration is what makes it unique. Every MA thesis is read by an agent, editor, publisher, or producer who provides detailed feedback and a personal meeting. Meanwhile, MFA internships give students real-world experience and connections. Also, WU’s MA and MFA teach students how to:

• live, think, and work as writers
• connect with audiences
• pitch ideas to editors, publishers, or producers

The proof? Hundreds of graduates have had their works published or produced. Countless others have become:

• book reviewers
• PR directors
• video game scriptwriters

Key courses and options for the MA include:

• Drafting Project in Fiction
• Genre and Context in Publishing
• Writing Plays

Key courses and options for the MFA program include:

• Literary Analysis
• Revision Term
• Writing in Education/ Publishing Internship
• Location: Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
• Cost: $24,180
• #students: 4,680
• #grads: 2,329
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Programs: Bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees

Lindenwood University

Lindenwood University (LU, est. 1827) offers a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Writing that can be taken online, on-campus, or in a hybrid format. This 48-credit, creative writing MFA includes a thesis requirement and combines craft and literature classes with writing workshops to help students grow as writers and expand their literary knowledge and analytical abilities. With the fully online option, there are no residency requirements. Additionally, students can customize their degree outline, selecting courses across several genres and literary areas, or choosing an emphasis in:

To apply for admission, students must have a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

The University of Denver also offers a Ph.D. in English & Literary Arts with a concentration in Creative Writing.  Students will choose either a “poetry” or “prose” track.  Poets &Writers ranked the University of Denver as one of the best creative writing programs MFA in the country.

LU’s MFA in Writing is designed as a fully flexible option that fits the needs, interests, and schedules of all its students. Lindenwood aims to remove the barriers that may be stopping someone from pursuing their educational and career goals. Along with career resources, peer support, and networking connections, an additional benefit of this MFA is the chance to be an editorial assistant with the program’s annual literary journal. Graduates of LU’s MFA can pursue both employed and self-employed positions, achieving such job titles as:

• marketing writer
• staff writer

As this MFA is a terminal degree, graduates can also teach at the college and university level. Key course options for this MFA include Focused Scriptwriting Workshop and The Personal Essay and Memoir.

• Location: Saint Charles, Missouri
• Cost: $24,960
• Affiliation: Lindenwood University System
• #students: 7,382
• #grads: 2,660

West Virginia Wesleyan College

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing from West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC, est. 1890) is a low-residency program. This 49-credit, hybrid degree requires a thesis and a critical essay. Students must also complete five total residencies — comprising craft seminars, readings, and workshops — with the last one centered on their thesis interview and presentation. Summer residencies are on-campus in Buckhannon, West Virginia, with the winter ones in Blackwater Falls State Park. (An Ireland MFA Residency is also an option.) Students must choose from one of three genre tracks:

For those wanting to study a second track, a Cross-Genre Concentration is available. It adds 12 credits, a residency, and a semester to the creative writing program’s original completion requirements.

Wesleyan’s low-residency Creative Writing MFA follows a student-centered model that is designed to replicate the flow of a writer’s life. Program participants can maintain their regular lives while learning to become dedicated writers in balance with those commitments. Students work one-on-one with a variety of accomplished faculty mentors. At the same time, everyone is part of a welcoming, supportive writing community. Study and coursework are focused on mastering craft and technique, along with the development and furtherance of the writer’s mind.

• Type: Private, nonprofit
• Location: Buckhannon, West Virginia
• Cost: $26,729
• Religious affiliation: United Methodist Church
• #students: 1,066
• Programs: BMDC Bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificates

Eastern Oregon University

Eastern Oregon University (EOU, est. 1929) offers a low-residency Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing. This 60-credit, hybrid degree has both a thesis and a practicum requirement. While students must select a primary genre for their thesis, they will study several genres, including:

• Graphic Novels

Students who want to specialize in a second genre can stay an additional year to do another thesis. For the ecologically inclined, EOU’s MFA has a Wilderness, Ecology and Community concentration. Either way, every student will have a unique nature experience through the summer residencies, which split time between a Wallowa Lake retreat and EOU’s campus in La Grande, Oregon. Students must complete three separate two-week residencies comprised of:

• craft seminars
• panel presentations
• writing workshops

The final residency features their thesis presentation.

EOU’s low-residency Creative Writing MFA follows a cohort model to help create a tight-knit, collaborative group of fellow writing students. At the same time, as the program is designed for working professionals, students will be able to study at their own pace to ensure they can balance their commitments. An additional benefit of EOU’s creative writing program is the hands-on experience provided through a variety of experiences during the practicum including:

• administrative
• service learning
• teaching opportunities

Key course options for the creative writing program include:

• Literary/ Film Themes
• Special Topics in Writing
• Themes in Writing/ Rhetoric
• Location: La Grande, Oregon
• Cost: $29,880
• Affiliation: Oregon University System
• #students: 2,853
• #grads: 267

Converse University

Converse University (CU, est. 1889) — formerly Converse College — offers a low-residency Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing. This 48-credit hybrid degree comprises five separate nine-day residencies and four mentoring semesters. Residencies incorporate seminars, workshops, and lectures and are held twice a year on CU’s Spartanburg, South Carolina, campus. The Graduating Residency completes the program and features a thesis defense. Students can focus on one of three genres:

Those choosing Fiction can specialize in Young Adult Fiction. Alternatively, students in any genre can specialize in Environmental Writing. Those wanting to further broaden their career horizons can choose the Second Genre Emphasis. This adds 12 credits to their creative writing degree requirements, plus an additional residency and mentoring semester. To apply for admission into the MFA, students must have a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA.

The non-traditional format of CU’s Creative Writing MFA utilizes the mentor-apprentice relationship to help students develop advanced writing skills and a relevant understanding of contemporary literature and craft. This educational style also means students can personalize their course, project, and reading list selections. Additional program benefits include:

• faculty mentors who are award-winning writers
• free room and board during residencies for full-time students
• publishing opportunities through the Clemson-Converse Literature Series

Recent graduates have won numerous writing awards and secured book deals with major and top independent publishers. Key course options in this MFA include:

• Craft Topics in Environmental Writing
• Craft Topics in Young Adult Fiction Writing
• Poetry Writing

NOTE: According to the creative writing program site, room and board is provided included with tuition and fees to enrolled MFA students for both the summer and winter residencies. Summer accommodations are on-campus; winter accommodations are at local hotels.

• Location: Spartanburg, South Carolina
• Cost: $29,952
• #students: 1,377
• #grads: 640

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU, est. 1932) has a fully online Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing. This 48-credit creative writing degree offers the choice of four genre fiction tracks:

• Contemporary
• Speculative
• Young Adult

SNHU’s program culminates with a three-course thesis where students create a full-length novel or story collection of publishable quality. Prior to that, creative writing students study the craft of writing and incorporate what they learn into their own writing. They also explore the publishing process to better understand the practical side of being a successful author and marketing one’s work. To qualify for admission into the MFA, applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA.

SNHU’s Creative Writing MFA is one of the few fully online top creative writing MFA programs and even fewer focused on genre fiction. What gives it even better value is its unique and beneficial career-building components. Specifically, students can choose from one of two built-in certificates: Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching of Writing; or Graduate Certificate in Professional Writing. That means creative writing graduates will be better prepared to teach at the college and university level or be ready to pursue professional writing opportunities in today’s marketing-oriented, project-driven economy. Key courses for the creative writing program include:

• Advanced Studies in Genre Literature
• Finding and Reaching an Audience
• The Business of Writing

Additional: SNHU also offers two other creative writing programs for graduate students. The low-residency Mountainview Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Fiction or Nonfiction is a 60-credit, hybrid degree. Meanwhile, the 36-credit Master of Arts (MA) in English and Creative Writing is a fully online program.

• Location: Manchester, New Hampshire
• Cost: $30,096
• #students: 134,345
• #grads: 22,746

Drexel University

The low-residency Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing at Drexel University (DU, est. 1891) is a 45-credit hybrid program. This MFA focuses on a Fiction concentration with opportunities to gain skills and understanding in other genres. (The program also previously offered a Screenwriting Track. Please check with DU about its availability.) Students must complete three separate five-day residencies. The first and third are at Drexel’s campus in Philadelphia, the second is in New York. Each residency has career development and writing mastery components. However, the second one helps set DU apart. In that Professional Residency, students form connections with:

Those applying for admission into the creative writing program must have a Bachelor’s degree (please check with DU for GPA requirements).

As one of the top MFA creative writing programs in the country, Drexel’s Creative Writing MFA was designed to develop writers who can create work worthy of being published and understand what it takes to be published. Students will be mentored by acclaimed authors, learn from award-winning writers, and get feedback from fellow students. Drexel also provides a rare opportunity to connect one’s creative writing to civic engagement activities. These experiences include:

• studying how to create grassroots change while in Haiti
• writing about the natural world while in Equatorial Guinea
• creating entertainment for terminally ill children
• telling the stories of hospice patients, incarcerated men and women, and military veterans.

Key courses in this creative writing program include:

• Fiction Writing Packet Exchange
• Fiction Writing Workshop
• Reading as a Writer (Genre Authors)

Tuition is currently at a special rate and may increase in each new semester. We’ve estimated total cost based only this special 50% off per-credit rate, available at time of publication.

• Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Cost: $30,195
• #students: 23,589
• #grads: 8,973

Bay Path University

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Nonfiction Writing from Bay Path University (BPU, est. 1897) is a fully online program. To graduate, students must complete 39 credits, including six for their thesis. In addition to their core courses, creative writing students must choose from one of three tracks:

• Narrative Medicine

Each track provides for an internship or practicum opportunity. Also, while this MFA is a no-residency program, BPU does have the option for a week-long Summer Writing Seminar in Ireland, which currently features Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Paul Muldoon. New students can enter the MFA in January, May, or September. To qualify for admission, applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA in their English and Writing classes.

​Students in Bay Path’s online MFA will gain a deeper understanding of creative non-fiction as a unique genre and learn what it takes to write publishable work based on their own experiences or the personal stories of others. Other benefits include:

• being mentored by award-winning writers
• gaining real-world experience and connections
• obtaining peer feedback in writing workshops

Creative writing program graduates can pursue careers in various fields, including:

• advertising
• public relations

Popular job titles include:

• grant writer
• scriptwriter

Key courses in BPU’s MFA include:

• Reading and Writing about Culture, Race, and Identity
• Travel and Food Writing for Publication
• Writing Contemporary Women’s Stories
• Location: Longmeadow, Massachusetts
• Cost: $30,225
• #students: 3,224
• #grads: 1,429

University of Nebraska Omaha

The low-residency Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Writing from the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO, est. 1908) is a 60-credit, hybrid program. Students can choose from one of six genres:

Those wanting to specialize in a second genre can apply for an additional semester of study. In addition to a thesis requirement, students must complete:

• a craft paper
• a series of critical essays
• an internship

As for the residencies, students must complete five of them, including the final one where they will present their thesis and deliver a craft lecture. Held twice a year at a retreat in Nebraska City, Nebraska, each residency features:

• craft discussions
• an individual conference with one’s faculty mentor

UNO’s low-residency Creative Writing MFA is designed for writers seeking a literary career. The program allows for a personalized course of study under the guidance of a dedicated mentor, who is an accomplished (often award-winning) writer. That personalized plan will determine the critical development, reading, and writing a student will undertake each semester. During each residency, students form a supportive community with their single-genre workshop group. Then, through Special Topic Workshops and future residencies, they’ll also get to interact with all the other MFA students and study multiple genres. Key course options for the creative writing program include:

• Fiction Seminar
• Playwriting or Screenwriting Seminar
• Poetry Seminar
• Location: Omaha, Nebraska
• Cost: $30,840
• Affiliation: University of Nebraska System
• #students: 15,892
• #grads: 3,124

Arcadia University

The top-value Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing at Arcadia University (Arcadia, est. 1853) is a 39-credit, hybrid program. This creative writing program offers two genre choices: Fiction; or Poetry. Students must complete three separate week-long residencies involving:

• community building
• discussions with local or visiting writers
• faculty advisor meetings
• writing exercises

The first and third residencies are held on-campus in Glenside, Pennsylvania. The second is a study-abroad opportunity in Edinburgh, Scotland, which adds area tours to the activities list. For this MFA’s thesis requirement, students must produce a full-length manuscript in their chosen genre — and work with their advisor to create a plan to get that manuscript published.

Arcadia’s high-quality Creative Writing program is designed to prepare students for a career in:

Potential employment settings for creative writing graduates include:

• advertising agencies
• colleges/ universities
• corporations
• governments
• healthcare organizations
• media outlets
• non-profits

Among the creative writing program highlights are:

• award-winning faculty
• large amounts of online content and connections
• weekly workshops with asynchronous discussion and reviews from instructors and peers
• regular, personal contact between students and faculty

Key course options for the MFA include:

• Craft of Contemporary Fiction
• Fiction Practicum
• Poetry Workshops
• Location: Glenside, Pennsylvania
• Cost: $31,005
• Religious Affiliation: Presbyterian Church (USA)
• #students: 3,300
• #grads: 1,286

Ashland University

Ashland University (AU, est. 1878) offers a low-residency Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing. This is a 45-credit, hybrid degree featuring nine credits of in-residence course work and 36 credits of online study (including a full-semester thesis). The in-residence courses take place during a two-week summer workshop (with seminars and readings) held at AU’s Ashland, Ohio, campus. Three separate workshops/ residencies must be completed. Students have the incredible option to do one of their residencies in Paris. The final residency will feature their thesis defense. Students can choose a degree track in one of three genres:

• Fiction (literary and science fiction/ fantasy)

To qualify for admission, applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree with a GPA over 2.75.

Ashland’s approach to its Creative Writing Master’s program is one of mentored learning. No more than five students are assigned to a single faculty mentor, each of whom is a published author. During residencies, students can also build their own dynamic writing communities with fellow students. Other program benefits for a creative writer include creating a full-length manuscript in one’s chosen genre and having the chance to qualify for graduate assistantships in teaching or publishing. Key courses in this creative writing program include a:

• Summer Residency

Those obtaining a graduate teaching assistantship will undergo a Pedagogy Track with two additional courses — Composition/ Rhetoric Pedagogy and Supervised Teaching — and teach as many as five online undergraduate composition courses.

• Location: Ashland, Ohio
• Cost: $35,415
• Religious affiliation: Brethren Church
• #students: 4,447
• #grads: 1,299

Harvard University

Through its Harvard Extension School, Harvard University (Harvard, est. 1636) has one of the best Creative Writing masters programs. While Harvard’s is not an online MFA in creative writing, it is partly online and is called the Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies in the field of Creative Writing and Literature. This 48-credit, low-residency, hybrid degree has the choice of a capstone or thesis track. Primarily taken online, the ALM has a single residency requirement comprising three weeks of study. It starts with a week-long masterclass on-campus and a weekend connecting with agents and editors. The additional two weeks of writing classes and final writing assignment can be done either online or on-campus. To qualify for admission into the ALM, students need a Bachelor’s degree and then must take two required graduate courses at Harvard, earning a minimum grade of B in each one.

Harvard’s Creative Writing and Literature ALM focuses on helping students gain a mastery in creative writing and literary analysis. Graduates will be able to write in multiple genres, including:

• Dramatic Writing

Students gain advanced creative writing skills in:

• characterization
• description
• point of view
• story and plot structure

They will also be able to assess literature as both creative writers and scholars. In addition to the acknowledged quality of a Harvard education, the ALM provides students with connection, camaraderie, and support. Many graduates in creative writing go on to careers in:

• fundraising

Key ALM courses and options include:

• Advanced Fiction – Writing the Short Story
• Global Environmental Literatures
• Writing a Nonfiction Book
• Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
• Cost: $35,760
• #students: 30,391
• #grads: 21,864

Queens University of Charlotte

Queens University of Charlotte (Queens, est. 1857) offers one of the best creative writing masters programs through the College of Arts and Sciences. This hybrid program requires 52 credits for completion and includes a thesis and a capstone project. While this is essentially a Master’s of creative writing focusing on publishing and editing, students can specialize in one of four genres:

• Writing for Stage and Screen

They must take four weeks of residencies selected from two track options. On-Campus Residencies are seven-day sessions held in Charlotte, North Carolina, at the start of each semester. International Residences are annual, culturally rich, 14- or 15-day affairs in one of Buenos Aires, Argentina; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; or Santiago, Chile. A final, on-campus Graduating Residency is also required. To qualify for admission into the MFA, applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent creative writing experience. (Please check with Queens for GPA requirements.)

The Queens’ Creative Writing MFA is for:

• published writers
• those who want to be published
• those who want to teach at colleges or universities

The creative writing program provides the:

• inspiration and support of a writing community
• the personalized attention of a dedicated instructor
• the private time needed to write and think

Queens also has opportunities to help graduates achieve their career dreams. This includes an Annual Alumni Weekend with craft seminars, publishing panels, and, every other year, top agents and senior editors from major magazines and publishing houses. There’s also Queens’ Book Development Program. It pairs applicants with a senior editor from a major publisher. Key course options for this MFA include:

• Dramatic Writing Workshop
• Guided Reading in Creative Writing
• Poetry Tutorial
• Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
• Cost: $38,480
• Religious affiliation: Presbyterian Church (USA)
• #students: 2,338
• #grads: 668

Spalding University

Spalding University (SU, est. 1814) offers one of the best graduate creative writing programs in the country. Their low-residency Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Writing. This 65-credit hybrid degree provides the choice of six concentrations:

• Writing for Children and Young Adults

Students must complete five 10-day residencies, which are comprised of:

The residencies in Louisville, Kentucky, take place in spring and fall. The international ones are held in the summer. After each residency, students undertake a semester of independent study that is primarily focused on honing one’s writing abilities and writing process but is supported by reading and critical analysis. A thesis and the Graduation Residency complete the program. To qualify for admission into this creative writing program, applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree (please check with SU for GPA requirements).

Spalding’s Writing MFA is a high-value program that offers an intriguing combination of:

• academic rigor
• affordability
• flexibility

As the world’s first certified compassionate university, SU’s promise of a supportive, non-competitive community seems very real. Additionally, SU takes pride in teaching students how to be successful creative writers amidst the other responsibilities of their daily lives and continues to provide support for alumni after graduation. Key courses for the creative writing students include:

• Advanced Independent Writing and Reading – Emphasizing the Research Project
• Intermediate Independent Writing and Reading in Creative Writing
• Introductory Independent Writing and Reading in Creative Writing

Additional: SU also offers a low-residency Master of Arts (MA) in Writing with tracks in: Creative Writing; and Professional Writing. This 35-credit hybrid degree can be completed in a year. Graduates can then pursue career goals or proceed directly into SU’s MFA.

• Location: Louisville, Kentucky
• Cost: $39,325
• Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic (Sisters of Charity of Nazareth)
• #students: 1,596
• #grads: 741

Lesley University

Graduate rate:.

Lesley University (LU, est. 1909) offers a unique, low-residency, hybrid MFA in Creative Writing that will be attractive to writers seeking to explore new boundaries in their craft. LU’s best masters in creative writing requires 49 credits for completion, including a thesis and graduating seminar presentation. Students must also complete five residencies — two per year plus an exit one — in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Each nine-day residency involves:

There is also an exciting opportunity for a 12-day residency in Wales at the Dylan Thomas International Summer School. To qualify for admission into the MFA, applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree (please check with LU for GPA requirements).

If you’re looking for one of the best poetry MFA or screenwriting MFA programs , this just might be it. Available genres for Lesley’s MFA in Creative Writing are:

• Graphic Novels and Comics
• Writing for Young People

While creative writers will select one genre, they will work with award-winning writers across several of these categories. This underlies the unique interdisciplinary aspect of the program. In addition to encouraging students to explore other genres, LU’s MFA allows them to incorporate other disciplines, as well. For example, students can work with faculty in Art and Design or Arts and Social Sciences to examine how their writing combines with such complementary fields as:

• art therapy
• visual arts

Graduates of LU’s low-residency Creative Writing program have pursued careers as:

• playwrights
• screenwriters

Several creative writers have become teachers in writing programs at prestigious universities. Key courses for this MFA include:

• Craft and Reflection
• Creative Writing
• Interdisciplinary Studies
• Cost: $40,230
• #students: 4,200
• #grads: 2,339

Western New England University

Graduation rate, acceptance rate.

One of the best creative writing MFA programs is offered by Western New England University (WNE, est. 1919) is a low-residency program (College of Arts and Sciences). This is a 48-credit, hybrid MFA in Fiction, but enables a comprehensive study of all aspects of fiction. Students at this top creative writing school will undertake a mix of:

• craft classes
• individual conferences
• manuscript consultations
• special topics courses
• workshops in creative writing

For the residencies, these immersive, week-long gatherings are comprised of:

• discussions

Four of these must be taken. The summer ones are held on-campus in Springfield, Massachusetts, with the winter ones either in the Berkshires or Dublin, Ireland. Those applying for the MFA program will need an undergraduate degree (please check with WNE for GPA requirements).

As one of the best creative writing MFAs , WNE’s Creative Writing MFA provides a mentored approach to education. To ensure students get the one-on-one attention they deserve, the program maintains the student-faculty ratio at 5:1. Faculty mentors and visiting writers are all published authors — many award-winning — covering several forms and genres, including:

• Literary Criticism
• Literary Fiction
• Non-Fiction Essays
• Young Adult and Middle-Grade Literature

The MFA is particularly well-suited to creative writers with a strong interest in craft and who want to master critical elements, such as:

• sentence craft
• story shaping
• voice development

Key courses in the creative writing program include:

• Fiction Workshop
• Special Topics in Creative Writing
• The Craft of Fiction
• Location: Springfield, Massachusetts
• Cost: $44,112
• #students: 3,673
• #grads: 1,121

Frequently Asked Questions

For the right student, it is! A Master’s in Creative Writing offers a foundation of theory and form through courses and workshops designed to develop your skills and improve your craft. If you’re looking to get published, an MFA or master’s degree can help you find your voice and become a strong writer.

With a Master’s in Creative Writing, you can pursue various career paths, such as becoming a novelist, poet, screenwriter, editor, or writing instructor. You can also find opportunities in content creation, copywriting, and marketing. The degree equips you with skills to excel in diverse writing-related fields.

It takes about two to three years of full-time study to get an MFA in Creative Writing. Part-time or low-residency programs can extend the timeline to three or four years. The length can also depend on specific program requirements and if you complete a thesis.

Pay varies by role. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, writers and authors make $73,150/year, on average. The highest 10% make over $161,260/year. A Master’s in Creative Writing (or MFA) can qualify you for teaching jobs at the college level. Postsecondary teachers make $80,840/year, on average.

Creative writing is a legitimate and respected field, offering opportunities in literature, media, and communication. Many successful authors, poets, and screenwriters contribute greatly to culture and society at large.  

Some students find creative writing challenging for different reasons. From the need to produce original work to workshop critiques, there are many challenges that creative writing students face. Success depends on your openness to feedback, dedication to your stories, and your passion for storytelling.

The choice between an MFA (Master of Fine Arts) and an MA (Master of Arts) in Creative Writing depends on your personal goals. An MFA focuses more on practical writing skills and is suitable for those pursuing careers in writing and publishing. An MFA is also a terminal degree and can qualify you for teaching jobs at the college level. An MA offers a broader academic approach, including literary analysis and critical theory. The “better” option depends on your career objectives and preferred learning style.

You can! Opportunities include authoring books, freelance writing, content creation, scriptwriting, and more. Success requires a combination of talent, skill development, networking, and persistence in a competitive industry. Diversifying income streams can contribute to sustained success.

Creative writing is both a skill and a talent. Skill involves learned techniques, grammar, and storytelling structures. Talent encompasses innate creativity, imagination, and a unique voice. Developing both through practice, study, and feedback is crucial for success in creative writing.

A degree in creative writing can improve your skills and understanding of the craft, but getting a book deal depends on factors such as the quality of your writing, market demand, and perseverance. Successful authors combine talent with networking, persistence, and a unique voice to attract publishers. So, the degree alone won’t get you a book deal, but it can be a launching pad.

Southern New Hampshire University MA in Creative Writing

How much does a master’s in creative writing from snhu cost, snhu graduate tuition and fees.

Does SNHU Offer an Online MA in Creative Writing?

Snhu master’s student diversity for creative writing, male-to-female ratio.

Women made up around 76.7% of the creative writing students who took home a master’s degree in 2019-2020. This is higher than the nationwide number of 66.6%.

Racial-Ethnic Diversity

Around 14.0% of creative writing master’s degree recipients at SNHU in 2019-2020 were awarded to racial-ethnic minorities*. This is lower than the nationwide number of 24%.

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Creative Writing

Hone your craft with the pros, start a lifelong apprenticeship in the literary arts.

The creative writing program that nurtured Dennis Lehane ’88, best-selling author and HBO writer/producer, is now accepting applications to earn B.A. and BFA degrees. But you don’t have to be gunning for a Hollywood contract to enroll. Our liberal arts graduates also go on to MFA programs and careers in journalism, media, PR, editing and publishing, counseling and software design.

Only@Eckerd

Writers in paradise.

Spend 8 days in workshops with writers like Andre Dubus III, Anne Hood, Laura Lippman, Lori Roy, Stewart O’Nan, David Yoo and Laura Williams McCaffrey. This writer’s conference is held on our Florida campus every January.

Facetime with famous authors

You’ll also have the chance to meet and talk with other celebrated writers including Stephen King, Carl Hiaasen, Julianna Baggott and Mark Bowden. These and other literary lights give talks here throughout the year.

Get help paying for college

Need help with finances? In addition to the academic scholarships we hand out upon application, you can apply for the Artistic Achievement Award .

In Their Own Words

Without my mentors through the creative writing department, I wouldn’t be in graduate school studying for my MFA with the opportunities ahead of me to teach and write. With their support, I was able to study travel writing in Paris and London, which was instrumental in my growth as a writer and a person. The creative writing department at Eckerd College is a hidden gem—once you find it, you must hold onto it! —Olivia Jacobson ’22

Beyond the Classroom

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Creative Writing majors have interned on campus with our student newspaper, The Current , and our literary magazine, Eckerd Review . Another recent student was an editing intern at I Love the Burg , a creative agency in downtown St. Petersburg.

Pay it forward by tutoring with Journeys in Journalism . This community program teaches local elementary, middle and high school students how to be reporters, photographers, editors and page designers for their school newspapers.

Spend a term living at our London Study Centre and studying the literature of Great Britain. Includes a week of travel and tickets to epic museums and theatre productions. Or choose from one of 300+ other destinations we offer every year.

Eckerd is just a stone’s throw from some of America’s hottest literary landmarks and events. Check it out:

• The Earnest Hemingway Home
• The Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings historic site
• Miami Book Fair (November)
• Zora Neale Hurston Festival (January)

Popular classes

Craft of writing.

This course reviews poetic and narrative language and introduces the concept of literary texture. Present what you write in class at public readings held on campus once a semester.

Writing Workshop: The Personal Essay

Learn about literary essays by reading masters like Harry Crews, Eudora Welty and Joan Didion. This class explores how to use imagination to shape format, technique and your own personal style.

What can I do with a Creative Writing degree?

• Business Manager
• Educational Assessor
• Media and Newspaper Reporter
• Software Designer of Interactive Fiction
• Technical Writer

Where our Creative Writing majors go to graduate school

• Chapman University
• Emerson College
• Florida International University
• George Mason University
• Hollins College
• Indiana University
• Stanford University
• The Johns Hopkins University
• The University of Miami
• The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
• University of Alabama
• University of Iowa Writers Workshop

Where our Creative Writing majors go to work

• Bluewater Books & Charts
• Dupont Registry
• Novelist & Poet
• St. Petersburg College
• Time Magazine

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Main navigation, undergraduate major.

The English department trains skilled and multifaceted users of language. English students learn to read carefully, explore diverse human perspectives and sources of knowledge, and write and communicate persuasively. Whether learning how to analyze a text or how to craft their own writing, English students develop core verbal strengths and can adapt to many exciting career paths.

DEGREE OPTIONS

The College of Arts and Sciences offers a B.A. in English with concentrations in either Creative Writing or Literary Studies on the St. Petersburg campus.    View more information about options on the USF Tampa and Sarasota-Manatee campuses.

ENGLISH AT USF ST. PETERSBURG

English at the USF St. Petersburg campus is challenging and exciting. Undergraduates work closely with faculty who are also leading scholars in their field. English students engage closely with their local community, and student-led groups include the English honor society Sigma Tau Delta and the campus literary magazine Papercut. English students at USF St. Petersburg campus may find themselves performing in a play, tending a local community garden, joining social justice movements, organizing for change, or paddling a Florida stream.

The English department offers two concentrations: Creative Writing and Literary Studies. The concentration in Creative Writing is designed for aspiring writers of fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Students learn to discuss writing as a craft, explore diverse literary forms and techniques, refine their skills and offer constructive feedback in workshops, and participate in creative literary communities.

The concentration in Literary Studies prepares students to be innovative communicators and researchers, whether they move forward into careers or into graduate school. Students learn how to talk and think analytically about literature, and they consider h, consider historic contexts of literary history, culture, and criticism. Students learn to read deeply and analytically; write critically and creatively; think conceptually and contextually; and engage research tools from rare book collections in the library to the internet.

ENGLISH CAREERS

English graduates pursue careers in medicine, law, financial planning, education, business, and the arts. English alumni from USF St. Petersburg campus include:

• teachers at elementary schools and colleges
• librarians and library managers
• heads of advertising firms
• an LGBT affairs coordinator for New York City’s public schools
• a department chair at Gibbs High School
• a tax claim litigator for Pinellas County
• a director of Parks and Recreation for the city of Treasure Island

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR IN ENGLISH

Always refer to the Undergraduate Catalog for degree requirements. Students normally begin progress toward the major by taking at least one course from the major core, as these often serve as prerequisites for the electives. Students should consult with an English advisor to create the most beneficial set of courses for them.

For questions about this program, contact an Academic Advisor . 

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SNHU Spotlight: Bobby Stigall, BS in Operations Management Grad

“I’ve been working on this for 25 years,” said Stigall. “I’ve dreamed about this moment. I’m finally here.”

Time in the Marine Corps

After graduating high school in 1998, Stigall immediately joined the U.S. Marine Corps, an experience that he described as amazing.

“Being in the Marine Corps just really gave me a true sense of self and confidence and empowerment,” he said. During his eight years of service, Stigall said he was interested in pursuing a college education but due to the demands of his job, he simply couldn’t find the time.

Stigall still has a busy life. For the past six years, he’s been in the Army National Guard. He works as a procurement manager in the corporate world while juggling his responsibilities as a family man.

But he said he realized he wanted to pursue something else: earning a degree.

Finding SNHU

“I was looking at different schools,” said Stigall. “And my wife, out of the blue, (said) ‘Why don’t you just go to SNHU?’ So I totally redirected everything I was doing.”

Stigall said he spent time looking at the website, trying to understand what this journey would entail. “I realized this would be the school for me,” he said. “I felt like it was meant to be.”

Stigall had 45 transferable credits when he enrolled at SNHU. To earn his degree, he needed to complete 12 classes.

“I looked at that as like a 12-round, old-school boxing match,” he said. “I looked at each term as a ... round.”

He said this comparison led him to push himself and ultimately, contributed to his success.

“As I got closer (to graduating), the excitement was there just to know that hey, (I’m) in the 10th round right now,” he said. “When I got to the 12th round, it truly did feel like I was conquering the fight. It felt like I was about to get the TKO. All my energy, my tenacity, everything just went to another level.”

Juggling School and Family Life

A self-professed “girl-dad,” Stigall said he made time for his coursework while supporting his daughter at dance competitions. During breaks, he would bring out his laptop or phone to work on assignments. He said other dads would approach him and ask him what he was doing.

He said he told them, “‘I’m studying. I’m putting in this work.’ And they can appreciate that because we all know what it means to keep moving forward (with) your goals, no matter what’s happening.”

During a family vacation to Disney World, Stigall once again found a way to prioritize his school work.

“While we were waiting for approximately 147 minutes to ride Big Thunder Mountain, I realized that I needed to put some work in to do a discussion, to do some more studying,” he said. “And that was the perfect time because we were just standing there.”

He said by the time he hopped on the rollercoaster, he’d managed to complete his discussion post and respond to two classmates.

“It’s the story of my life,” he said. “Just no matter what’s going on, I’ve always (had) the tenacity to figure out how to get it done. Disney is no exception.”

A Message to Family

Stigall said his family was a huge source of motivation, and he hopes they are encouraged by his story.

“I have two kids, a young daughter and an older son,” he said. “I like to lead by example, so just showing them that if I can do it, they can do it. It really sets the tone for the family. It sets the tone for how we want to move forward and what we want to accomplish as a united group.”

He also wants to share with his children the value of persistence and tenacity.

“Hard work cannot be substituted,” he said. “If you’re willing to put in the hard work, then the results are going to happen. Just keep going. Don’t ever let anybody tell you that you should stop or quit or take a break ... put in the work that you want to put in to get the results that you want. Be unapologetic about it.”

What's Next

And Stigall isn’t done yet.

“I’ll be starting the MBA program here at SNHU,” he said. “I’m just excited to keep on going with the journey. I feel like an MBA would be yet another level to catapult me into the stratosphere.”

Stigall said that it’s never too late to pursue an education. His mother, who earned her degree in her 40s, was a huge inspiration for him.

“This is what it’s all about,” he said. “Hard work pays off. Never quitting, never stopping. Putting one foot in front of the other.”

A degree can change your life. Choose your program  from 200+ SNHU degrees that can take you where you want to go.

Abigayle Mahnken ’22 is an assistant content writer at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), where she earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English and is currently earning a Master of Arts (MA) in English and Creative Writing. Passionate about storytelling and education, she enjoys learning from fellow students' experiences and sharing their stories. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family, reading, and learning. She also really likes video games. Connect with her on LinkedIn .

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