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The Creative Writing Department’s Summer Class Offerings Are Here!

March 21, 2022 at 12:25 PM

It’s that time of year again — summer course listings have gone live! We have plenty of fantastic courses to offer — including a completely new, interdisciplinary class — and this summer is the perfect time to join us in the study and practice of Creative Writing! All Boston University Summer Term courses will be held on-campus and are open to more than just BU students — in addition to those already enrolled at BU, visiting domestic and international students, high school students, as well as adults and professionals, are welcome to register!

The department is running four sections of CAS EN 202 (“Introduction to Creative Writing”) this summer, and each of our wonderful instructors will bring a different twist to the class! In the first summer session, section A2 will be taught by program administrator and poet Annaka Saari, who often infuses her syllabi with multimedia content; in particular, she is fascinated with the overlap between film and poetry). Section A1 will be taught by current fiction student, graphic novelist, and comic artist Jess Ruliffson. In the second summer session, section B1 will be taught by current fiction student and journalist Melkon Charchoglyan, while section B2 will be taught by current poetry student and Favorite Poem Project content creator Nate Miller. All sections of this course will center around the writing workshop and will allow students to create original work while receiving feedback from their peers and instructor.

Taught by award-winning poet and editor Lisa Hiton, CAS EN 304 (“The Writing of Poetry”) will allow students to dedicate themselves to studying the craft of poetry. Students will learn to read poems closely, with their attention focused on the craft elements of the work, and will be encouraged to apply what they learn to their own work. Students will receive feedback on their original poetry from their instructor and peers in the workshop environment.

CAS EN 305 (“The Writing of Fiction”)  is designed for students who wish to immerse themselves in the study of fiction. Taught by fiction writer Nayereh Doosti, this is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn from great works of fiction what they might apply to their own work. Students will learn to read like writers (that is, with an eye towards how stories are made) and will receive feedback on their own creative work from their instructor and peers in the workshop environment.

Our new course, CAS EN 549 (“Interdisciplinary Studies in Creative Writing: The Writer as Historian”) promises to indulge the curiosities of those interested in History, Creative Writing, or the overlaps and differences that exist between these fields. In this workshop-based course, students should expect to engage with both creative and historical readings, and some historical and historiographical lectures may be given. In engaging with this variety of instructional material, students will be asked to consider the ethical implications of infusing creative works with details taken from the pages of history.  Unlike our other course offerings, this class does require an application ; see the poster above, or contact program administrator Annaka Saari at [email protected], for details about the application process.

Among all of these classes, there should be something for everyone! Email program administrator Annaka Saari at [email protected] with any questions you may have and feel free to read more about our course offerings on the Summer Term website.

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What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

List of All U.S. Colleges with a Creative Writing Major

Writing has been my passion practically since I learned to read in kindergarten. I would write stories about princesses and my family dog, Gansett. When it came time to look at colleges, I was set on attending one with a strong creative writing program. Ultimately, I graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a B.A. in Writing Seminars.

Today, colleges across the country offer creative writing as a major. Because writing skills are essential for a wide range of careers, and because most curricula emphasize broad liberal arts competencies, a degree in creative writing can set you up for success in numerous fields, whether you want to be an editor or a lawyer.

Interested in majoring in creative writing? Learn which schools offer the major and what to look for in a program.

Overview of the Creative Writing Major

Creative writing is about more than spinning tales. For your major, you’ll generally need to pursue a curriculum grounded in literature, history, foreign language, and other humanities courses, along with distribution courses, if the college requires them.

Most creative writing majors must participate in workshops, in which students present their work and listen to peer critiques, usually with a certain number of advanced courses in the mix. In some cases, colleges will ask you to specialize in a particular genre, such as fiction, poetry, or playwriting. 

To succeed in creative writing, you’ll need to have a tough spine, in order to open yourself up to feedback from your classmates and instructors. You may need to give readings in public — if not as an undergraduate, certainly during your career. Of course, a passion for creating is essential, too, as is a willingness to revise your work and learn from the greats and your peers.

A creative writing major opens up doors to many careers, including journalism, content marketing, copywriting, teaching, and others. Even careers that don’t center around writing often have a strong writing component: you’ll need to write reports, deliver presentations, and so on.

Some writers go on to earn an MFA, which will help you hone your craft. It’s also often a prerequisite for teaching creative writing at the college level.

What to Look for in a College as a Creative Writing Major

Published authors on faculty.

Many world-renowned authors have another claim to fame: professorships. Writers who have taught their craft include (among many others):

• Maya Angelou (Wake Forest University)
• Colson Whitehead (many colleges, including Vassar College and Columbia University)
• Stephen Dixon (Johns Hopkins University)
• Viet Thanh Nguyen (University of Southern California)
• Eula Biss (Northwestern University)
• Toni Morrison (Princeton University)

Be aware that as an undergraduate, you may not be able to learn from the greats. That’s why it’s important to look into which courses these faculty teach before you have dreams of being mentored by Salman Rushdie — who is a Distinguished Writer in Residence at NYU.

Genres Offered

While many schools that have creative writing majors offer fiction and poetry courses and tracks, there are some niche genres that could be more difficult to find. If you’re interested in playwriting, for example, you won’t find that at every school. Before you decide on a program, be sure it includes the genres you’d like to explore further, whether that’s flash fiction, creative nonfiction, or something else.

Workshopping Opportunities

The core of most quality creative writing curriculum is workshopping. This means sharing your work in your classes and listening to your peers discuss and critique it. While this may sound intimidating, it can do a lot to help you hone your work and become a better writer. Look for colleges that make this the bedrock of their curriculum.

Showcasing Opportunities

Are there opportunities to present your work, such as college-sponsored readings where undergraduates can participate? Or, perhaps the school has a great literary journal. At my school, students could submit their plays and have them performed by fellow students. 

List of All U.S. Colleges With a Creative Writing Major

What Are Your Chances of Acceptance?

No matter what major you’re considering, the first step is ensuring you’re academically comparable to students who were previously accepted to the college or university. Most selective schools use the Academic Index to filter out applicants who aren’t up to their standards.

You’ll also want to demonstrate your fit with the school and specific major with the qualitative components of your application, like your extracurriculars and essays. For a prospective creative writing major, the essay is particularly important because this is a way to demonstrate your writing prowess. Activities might include editing your school’s newspaper or literary journal, publishing your work, and participating in pre-college writing workshops.

Want to know your chances of being accepted to top creative writing schools? Try our Chancing Engine (it’s free). Unlike other calculators, it takes your individual profile into account, including academic stats and qualitative components like your activities. Give it a try and get a jumpstart on your journey as a creative writing major!

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Best Creative Writing colleges in Boston 2024

Best creative writing colleges in boston for 2024.

Brandeis University offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a medium sized, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 11 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 11 Bachelor's degrees.

Harvard University offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 40 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 40 Master's degrees.

Boston University offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 17 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 17 Master's degrees.

University of New Hampshire-Main Campus offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a small suburb. In 2022, 9 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 9 Master's degrees.

Wellesley College offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2022, 19 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 19 Bachelor's degrees.

Emerson College offers 2 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a medium sized, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 185 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 124 Bachelor's degrees, and 61 Master's degrees.

Lesley University offers 2 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 37 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 23 Master's degrees, and 14 Bachelor's degrees.

Simmons University offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a medium sized, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 6 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 6 Bachelor's degrees.

University of Massachusetts-Boston offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 10 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 10 Master's degrees.

Salem State University offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2022, 7 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 7 Bachelor's degrees.

List of all Creative Writing colleges in Boston

2024 Best Colleges with Creative Writing Degrees in the Boston Area

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1-9 of 9 results

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

• Cambridge, MA ·
• · Rating 4.17 out of 5   664 reviews
• grade  A+ Overall Niche Grade
• Acceptance rate 4%
• Net price $20,232
• SAT range 1530-1580

#1 Best Colleges in Boston Area .

CAMBRIDGE, MA ,

664 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says This is a great university for expanding your horizons, especially if you are from a small area. The initial year gives a lot of freedom for exploring options for your major, and there are great... .

Read 664 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : A+ ,

Acceptance Rate : 4% ,

Net Price : $20,232 ,

SAT Range : 1530-1580 ,

Wellesley College

• Wellesley, MA ·
• · Rating 3.77 out of 5   637 reviews
• Acceptance rate 14%
• Net price $21,362
• SAT range 1430-1550

#4 Best Colleges in Boston Area .

Blue checkmark.

WELLESLEY, MA ,

637 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says I really love it here and am glad that I decided on Wellesley! I'm class of 2026, so I've been on campus for about two years now and each year, I've been able to meet some of the best professors and... .

Read 637 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 14% ,

Net Price : $21,362 ,

SAT Range : 1430-1550 ,

Brandeis University

• Waltham, MA ·
• · Rating 3.52 out of 5   1,109 reviews
• grade  A Overall Niche Grade
• Acceptance rate 39%
• Net price $45,565
• SAT range 1370-1530

#9 Best Colleges in Boston Area .

WALTHAM, MA ,

1109 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says My experience at Brandeis University has been enriching, highlighted by academic excellence and a diverse student body. Professors are knowledgeable and genuinely invested in students' success,... However, some campus facilities need updates to support modern educational needs, and student services can be understaffed, leading to delays in addressing student needs. I would like to see more investment in infrastructure and an expansion of student services staff to ensure comprehensive support for all students. Enhancing these areas would not only improve the... Overall, Brandeis offers a vibrant academic atmosphere and a strong community feel, but with better facilities and more robust student services, it could enhance its educational impact even further. .

Read 1109 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : A ,

Acceptance Rate : 39% ,

Net Price : $45,565 ,

SAT Range : 1370-1530 ,

Saginaw Valley State University

• UNIVERSITY CENTER, MI
• · Rating 3.77 out of 5   1,723

Framingham State University

• FRAMINGHAM, MA
• · Rating 3.27 out of 5   770

Campus (formerly MTI College)

• SACRAMENTO, CA
• · Rating 4.18 out of 5   166

Simmons University

• Boston, MA ·
• · Rating 3.61 out of 5   837 reviews
• grade  B Overall Niche Grade
• Acceptance rate 76%
• Net price $24,423
• SAT range 1200-1390

#12 Best Colleges in Boston Area .

BOSTON, MA ,

837 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says I genuinely love the people I found while being at Simmons. I definitely believe for all colleges you have to make the most of what you’re offered. I met the greatest people I have ever known and... .

Read 837 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : B ,

Acceptance Rate : 76% ,

Net Price : $24,423 ,

SAT Range : 1200-1390 ,

Emerson College

• · Rating 3.5 out of 5   1,164 reviews
• Acceptance rate 43%
• Net price $51,432
• SAT range 1250-1430

#15 Best Colleges in Boston Area .

1164 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says While Emerson College is full of students with proactive mindsets and creative minds, their academics aren't as helpful when engaging those skills. The classes may be interesting, but a lot of them... .

Read 1164 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 43% ,

Net Price : $51,432 ,

SAT Range : 1250-1430 ,

Wheaton College - Massachusetts

• Norton, MA ·
• · Rating 3.6 out of 5   692 reviews
• Acceptance rate 80%
• Net price $32,863
• SAT range 1260-1390

#18 Best Colleges in Boston Area .

NORTON, MA ,

692 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says Wheaton college is a really accepting environment with a lot of diversity and acceptance of different individuals. It is a nice small, yet beautiful and peaceful campus. The professors are usually... .

Read 692 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 80% ,

Net Price : $32,863 ,

SAT Range : 1260-1390 ,

• Will you get in? Understand your chances of getting accepted into any college in the country, and it's completely free

Suffolk University

• · Rating 3.48 out of 5   1,086 reviews
• grade  B minus Overall Niche Grade
• Acceptance rate 87%
• Net price $32,270
• SAT range 1080-1300

1086 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says My overall experience at Suffolk University has been positive, marked by academic rigor and personal growth. The strong curriculum and dedicated faculty, many of whom bring real-world experience,... Suffolk's vibrant student life, with numerous clubs and organizations, fosters networking and leadership. However, the downtown Boston campus faces challenges, including a sense of unease due to the... .

Read 1086 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : B minus ,

Acceptance Rate : 87% ,

Net Price : $32,270 ,

SAT Range : 1080-1300 ,

Salem State University

• Salem, MA ·
• · Rating 3.39 out of 5   1,224 reviews
• grade  C Overall Niche Grade
• Acceptance rate 93%
• Net price $19,277
• SAT range 1010-1210

SALEM, MA ,

1224 Niche users give it an average review of 3.4 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says Salem State University is a balance of academic success, personal growth, and social experiences. You learn to develop new skills, explore your interests, and learn to be independent and... .

Read 1224 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : C ,

Acceptance Rate : 93% ,

Net Price : $19,277 ,

SAT Range : 1010-1210 ,

Lesley University

• · Rating 3.42 out of 5   587 reviews
• Net price $32,414
• SAT range 1000-1210

587 Niche users give it an average review of 3.4 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Loved the environment and the people I was able to meet. Location-wise, Lesley's setting in Cambridge, Massachusetts, provided the perfect backdrop for my college experience. Surrounded by renowned... .

Read 587 reviews.

Net Price : $32,414 ,

SAT Range : 1000-1210 ,

California Baptist University

• RIVERSIDE, CA
• · Rating 4.14 out of 5   2,917

Pepperdine University

• · Rating 3.76 out of 5   1,371

Delaware County Community College

• · Rating 3.85 out of 5   653

Showing results 1 through 9 of 9

2024 Best Creative Writing Schools in Massachusetts

Choosing a great creative writing school, pick your creative writing degree level.

Read more about College Factual's methodology .

Best Schools for Creative Writing in Massachusetts

10 top massachusetts schools in creative writing.

There were approximately 40 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Harvard in the most recent year we have data available.

There were roughly 19 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Wellesley in the most recent year we have data available.

There were approximately 17 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Boston U in the most recent data year.

There were approximately 185 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Emerson in the most recent data year.

There were roughly 11 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Brandeis in the most recent year we have data available.

There were roughly 6 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Wheaton College Massachusetts in the most recent data year.

There were approximately 16 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at UMass Amherst in the most recent data year.

There were about 37 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Lesley in the most recent data year.

There were approximately 7 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Salem State in the most recent year we have data available.

There were about 9 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Fitchburg State in the most recent year we have data available.

Best Creative Writing Colleges in the New England Region

Other Rankings

Bachelor's degrees in creative writing, master's degrees in creative writing, creative writing related rankings by major, majors similar to creative writing.

Notes and References

Popular reports, compare your school options.

Boston University Fully Funded MFA in Creative Writing

Boston university.

The Boston University based in Boston, Massachusetts offers a one-year fully funded MFA in creative writing program. This Master of Fine Arts in creative writing degree includes eight courses—four creative writing workshops and four literature courses; one of the literature courses can be BU’s well-known translation seminar. The program is small with ten students admitted in fiction and eight in poetry each year. All admitted students will receive stipend support of roughly $16,750 for the academic year, this will involve a teaching assistantship. All admitted students are qualified for a Global Fellowship upon completion of their degree requirements.

• Deadline: Jan 16, 2025 (Estimated)*
• Work Experience: Any
• Location: North America
• Citizenship: Any
• Residency: United States

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Earning A Master’s In Creative Writing: What To Know

Updated: Nov 1, 2023, 1:51pm

Do you want to create written work that ignites a reader’s imagination and even changes their worldview? With a master’s in creative writing, you can develop strong storytelling and character development skills, equipping you to achieve your writing goals.

If you’re ready to strengthen your writing chops and you enjoy writing original works to inspire others, tell interesting stories and share valuable information, earning a master’s in creative writing may be the next step on your career journey.

The skills learned in a creative writing master’s program qualify you to write your own literary works, teach others creative writing principles or pursue various other careers.

This article explores master’s degrees in creative writing, including common courses and concentrations, admission requirements and careers that use creative writing skills. Read on to learn more about earning a master’s degree in creative writing.

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• Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

What Is a Master’s in Creative Writing?

A master’s in creative writing is an advanced degree that helps you develop the skills to write your own novel, poetry, screenplay or nonfiction book. This degree can also prepare you for a career in business, publishing, education, marketing or communications.

In a creative writing master’s degree program, you can expect to analyze literature, explore historical contexts of literary works, master techniques for revising and editing, engage in class workshops and peer critiques, and write your own original work.

Creative writing master’s programs usually require a thesis project, which should be well-written, polished and ready to publish. Typical examples of thesis projects include poetry collections, memoirs, essay collections, short story collections and novels.

A master’s in creative writing typically requires about 36 credits and takes two years to complete. Credit requirements and timelines vary by program, so you may be able to finish your degree quicker.

Specializations for a Master’s in Creative Writing

Below are a few common concentrations for creative writing master’s programs. These vary by school, so your program’s offerings may look different.

This concentration helps you develop fiction writing skills, such as plot development, character creation and world-building. A fiction concentration is a good option if you plan to write short stories, novels or other types of fiction.

A nonfiction concentration focuses on the mechanics of writing nonfiction narratives. If you plan to write memoirs, travel pieces, magazine articles, technical documents or nonfiction books, this concentration may suit you.

Explore the imagery, tone, rhythm and structure of poetry with a poetry concentration. With this concentration, you can expect to develop your poetry writing skills and learn to curate poetry for journals and magazines.

Screenwriting

Screenwriting is an excellent concentration to explore if you enjoy creating characters and telling stories to make them come alive for television or film. This specialization covers how to write shorts, episodic serials, documentaries and feature-length film scripts.

Admission Requirements for a Master’s in Creative Writing

Below are some typical admission requirements for master’s in creative writing degree programs. These requirements vary, so check with your program to ensure you’ve met the appropriate requirements.

• Application for admission
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Transcripts from previous education
• Writing samples
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement or essay

Common Courses in a Master’s in Creative Writing

Story and concept.

This course focuses on conceptualizing, planning and developing stories on a structural level. Learners study how to generate ideas, develop interesting plots, create outlines, draft plot arcs, engage in world-building and create well-rounded characters who move their stories forward.

Graduate Studies in English Literature

Understanding literature is essential to building a career in creative writing. This course prepares you to teach, study literature or write professionally. Expect to discuss topics such as phonology, semantics, dialects, syntax and the history of the English language.

Workshop in Creative Nonfiction

You’ll study classic and contemporary creative nonfiction in this course. Workshops in creative nonfiction explore how different genres have emerged throughout history and how previous works influence new works. In some programs, this course focuses on a specific theme.

Foundations in Fiction

In this course, you’ll explore how the novel has developed throughout literary history and how the short story emerged as an art form. Coursework includes reading classic and contemporary works, writing response essays and crafting critical analyses.

MA in Creative Writing vs. MFA in Creative Writing: What’s the Difference?

While the degrees are similar, a master of arts in creative writing is different from a master of fine arts in creative writing. An MA in creative writing teaches creative writing competencies, building analytical skills through studying literature, literary theory and related topics. This lets you explore storytelling along with a more profound knowledge of literature and literary theory.

If you want your education to take a more academic perspective so you can build a career in one of many fields related to writing, an MA in creative writing may be right for you.

An MFA prepares you to work as a professional writer or novelist. MFA students graduate with a completed manuscript that is ready for publishing. Coursework highlights subjects related to the business of writing, such as digital publishing, the importance of building a platform on social media , marketing, freelancing and teaching. An MA in creative writing also takes less time and requires fewer credits than an MFA.

If you want to understand the business of writing and work as a professional author or novelist, earning an MFA in creative writing might be your best option.

What Can You Do With a Master’s in Creative Writing?

Below are several careers you can pursue with a master’s in creative writing. We sourced salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Postsecondary Creative Writing Teacher

Median Annual Salary: $74,280 Minimum Required Education: Ph.D. or another doctoral degree; master’s degree may be accepted at some schools and community colleges Job Overview: Postsecondary teachers, also known as professors or faculty, teach students at the college level. They plan lessons, advise students, serve on committees, conduct research, publish original research, supervise graduate teaching assistants, apply for grants for their research and teach subjects in their areas of expertise.

Median Annual Salary: $73,080 Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in English or a related field Job Overview: Editors plan, revise and edit written materials for publication. They work for newspapers, magazines, book publishers, advertising agencies, media networks, and motion picture and video production companies. Editors work closely with writers to ensure their written work is accurate, grammatically correct and written in the appropriate style for the medium.

Median Annual Salary: $55,960 Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in journalism or a related field Job Overview: Journalists research and write stories about local, regional, national and global current events and other newsworthy subjects. Journalists need strong interviewing, editing, analytical and writing skills. Some journalists specialize in a subject, such as sports or politics, and some are generalists. They work for news organizations, magazines and online publications, and some work as freelancers.

Writer or Author

Median Annual Salary: $73,150 Minimum Required Education: None; bachelor’s degree in creative writing or a related field sometimes preferred Job Overview: Writers and authors write fiction or nonfiction content for magazines, plays, blogs, books, television scripts and other forms of media. Novelists, biographers, copywriters, screenwriters and playwrights all fall into this job classification. Writers may work for advertising agencies, news platforms, book publishers and other organizations; some work as freelancers.

Technical Writer

Median Annual Salary: $79,960 Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree Job Overview: Technical writers craft technical documents, such as training manuals and how-to guides. They are adept at simplifying technical information so lay people can easily understand it. Technical writers may work with technical staff, graphic designers, computer support specialists and software developers to create user-friendly finished pieces.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About a Master's in Creative Writing

Is a master’s in creative writing useful.

If your goal is to launch a career as a writer, then yes, a master’s in creative writing is useful. An MA in creative writing is a versatile degree that prepares you for various jobs requiring excellent writing skills.

Is an MFA better than an MA for creative writing?

One is not better than the other; you should choose the one that best equips you for the career you want. An MFA prepares you to build a career as a professional writer or novelist. An MA prepares you for various jobs demanding high-level writing skills.

What kind of jobs can you get with a creative writing degree?

A creative writing degree prepares you for many types of writing jobs. It helps you build your skills and gain expertise to work as an editor, writer, author, technical writer or journalist. This degree is also essential if you plan to teach writing classes at the college level.

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Sheryl Grey is a freelance writer who specializes in creating content related to education, aging and senior living, and real estate. She is also a copywriter who helps businesses grow through expert website copywriting, branding and content creation. Sheryl holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Indiana University South Bend, and she received her teacher certification training through Bethel University’s Transition to Teaching program.

25 Best colleges for Creative Writing in Massachusetts

Updated: February 29, 2024

• Art & Design
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
• Mathematics

Below is a list of best universities in Massachusetts ranked based on their research performance in Creative Writing. A graph of 95.2K citations received by 6.32K academic papers made by 25 universities in Massachusetts was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

Please note that our approach to subject rankings is based on scientific outputs and heavily biased on art-related topics towards institutions with computer science research profiles.

1. Harvard University

For Creative Writing

2. Boston College

3. Boston University

4. University of Massachusetts - Amherst

5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

6. Tufts University

7. University of Massachusetts - Boston

8. Clark University

9. College of the Holy Cross

10. Smith College

11. Northeastern University

12. Brandeis University

13. Wellesley College

14. University of Massachusetts - Lowell

15. Williams College

16. Amherst College

17. Simmons University

18. University of Massachusetts Medical School Worcester

19. Lesley University

20. Emerson College

21. Mount Holyoke College

22. Bridgewater State University

23. Suffolk University

24. Worcester Polytechnic Institute

25. Bentley University

Closest to Massachusetts states to learn Creative Writing

Art & Design subfields in Massachusetts

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• Program in Creative Writing

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UMass Boston

• Creative Writing MFA

Further your commitment to writing as the center of your professional life.

Intensive study and practice of fiction and poetry writing with award-winning and nationally renowned faculty at the most diverse university in new england..

UMass Boston's Creative Writing MFA offers you an intense, 3-year program and focused opportunity to further your commitment to writing as the center of your professional life. Through a combination of mentoring by accomplished faculty in a series of creative writing workshops, courses focused on the study of literature offered through the English MA Program, and electives that include the practice of literary editing, the teaching of creative writing, documentary poetics, the art of memoir, and more—you will have the guidance to develop and shape your work to the full extent of your talent.

All accepted students receive funding. Graduate assistantships offer the opportunity to work with students as teaching assistants and fellows, or in editorial positions with one of our sponsors, including 826 Boston, Hanging Loose Press, Write on the Dot, Consequence Magazine, Breakwater Review, and Arrowsmith Press.

Career Possibilities

Pursue a career as a professional writer, publishing your work in literary journals, magazines. Work as an editor and collaborate with writers to refine their work and shape the final product for publication. These are just a few of the possibilities.

Become a(n):

• Writer/Author
• Literary Agent
• Writing Instructor/Professor

Attend An Info Session     Start Your Application

Plan Your Education

How to apply.

Applicants must meet general graduate admission requirements in addition to the following program-specific requirements:

• A 3.0 GPA overall and in the student’s major
• Two substantive and detailed letters of recommendation, from former teachers familiar with the applicant’s most recent academic and creative work
• A 3-5 page personal statement focusing on the role of the candidate’s reading life in his or her development as a writer. (Note: The general Graduate Admissions application refers to this as a statement of interests and intent. They are one and the same.)
• Applicants must indicate whether they are applying in FICTION or POETRY in their Statement of Purpose. If you want to apply in both genres, include one writing sample in FICTION and one in POETRY and indicate in the Statement of Purpose that the application is for both.
• A writing sample of 10 manuscript pages of poetry or 20 manuscript pages of fiction

Deadlines & Cost

Deadlines: January 15 (priority) for fall. While rare, if space is available, we’ll happily consider applications until June 1 (final deadline).

Application Fee: The nonrefundable application fee is $75. UMass Boston alumni and current students that plan to complete degree requirements prior to graduate enrollment can submit the application without paying the application fee.

Program Cost Information: Bursar's website

Writing Workshops (24 Credits)

Complete one from below four times.

• CW 601 - MFA Poetry Workshop 6 Credit(s) or
• CW 602 - MFA Fiction Workshop 6 Credit(s)

Literature Courses (9 Credits)

Complete three graduate literature courses.

Electives (9 Credits)

Complete three from below.

• CW 605 - Memoir Workshop 3 Credit(s)
• CW 606 - Literary Editing and Publishing 3 Credit(s)
• CW 614 - The Teaching of Creative Writing 3 Credit(s)
• CW 675 - Creative Writing Internship 3 Credit(s)
• CW 697 - Special Topics in Creative Writing 1-6 Credit(s)

Students may elect courses offered by other graduate programs with approval from the graduate program director.

• ENGL 459 Seminar for Tutors may be taken for graduate credit (see Undergraduate Catalog)
• ENGL 675 - Reading and Writing Poetry 3 Credit(s)
• ENGL 676 - Reading and Writing Fiction 3 Credit(s)
• ENGL 681 - Advanced Workshop in Poetry 3 Credit(s)
• ENGL 682 - Advanced Workshop in Fiction 3 Credit(s)

Thesis Courses (6 Credits)

Complete the course below both semesters of the third year.

• CW 699 - MFA Thesis 3 Credit(s)

Graduation Criteria

Complete 48 credits from twelve courses including four writing workshops, three literature courses, three electives, and two semesters of thesis workshops.

The MFA degree requires six semesters of full-time study, with 9 credits required in each of the first four semesters, and 6 credits in the final two semesters, during which students will concentrate on completing a thesis in fiction or poetry under the direction of a faculty member. MFA workshops are limited to 12 students, and seminars are limited to 15. Students have the opportunity to interact with writers in our Global Voices Visiting Writer series (recent visitors have been Raquel Salas Rivera and Carole Maso), and work with visiting prose writers - recently these have included Jane Unrue, ZZ Packer, and Fanny Howe.

Capstone: Completion of an MFA thesis of 48 to 64 pages of poetry or 100 to 200 pages of fiction written under the supervision of a thesis advisor, reviewed by a thesis committee, and subject to a public defense.

Statute of limitations: Five years.

Contact & Faculty

Graduate Program Director John Fulton john.fulton [at] umb.edu (617) 287-6700

English & Creative Writing MFA Department englishmfaprogram [at] umb.edu (617) 287-6702

Fiction Faculty

John Fulton , Program Director & Associate Professor Askold Melnyczuk , Professor Eileen Pollack , Visiting Assistant Professor

Poetry Faculty

Jill McDonough , Professor Shangyang Fang , Associate Lecturer

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Learn more about UMass Boston's English department, our programs, and our faculty.

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The study of literature offers students a comprehensive point of view from which they can integrate the diversity of human experiences. Language reveals fascinating truths about the human mind and literature records its preoccupations—intellectual, aesthetic, spiritual, psychological, political, social, historical, and ethical.

The study of literature offers deep schooling in human experience. It is also superb training for any field in which understanding of behavior is valued. Students of literature consistently explore language and the forms of expression, valuable in any future work where precise and effective communication is important. English majors and minors can develop these skills to a considerable degree, and non-majors find that taking even a few well-chosen electives beyond the Core requirement can widen their knowledge of literature and sharpen their linguistic abilities.

The English major at Boston College is designed to introduce students to a wide range of expression in the literary traditions of the past and present. It aims to help undergraduate students develop a strengthened ability to work critically and sensitively with texts in poetry and prose, to write with clarity and grace, and to articulate judgments about literature with an awareness of various critical approaches. English majors will become familiar with some of the major developments in the history of literature in the English language and will have the opportunity to choose from an array of courses covering topics from the medieval period to contemporary cultural studies to a range of transnational literatures.

By the successful completion of the English major at Boston College, students will be able to demonstrate:

• An ability to write clear, coherent, organized, and stylistically correct papers;
• An ability to close-read, interpret, and analyze texts (including poetic texts);
• A knowledge of literary genres and appropriate use of critical terminology;
• A recognition of the historical specificity of literary works and/or other cultural products;
• An awareness that there are a variety of critical approaches to literary and cultural texts.

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Major requirements, english minor, english courses for non-majors.

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Creative Writing Concentration

Summer courses, information for study abroad, honors program, b.a./m.a. program.

The English Department has primary responsibility for two Core requirements—ENGL1010 First-Year Writing Seminar, taught entirely by English Department faculty, and ENGL1080 Literature Core, taught largely by English Department faculty. Because Core classes are restricted to first-year students, students should plan to take both courses during the first year. Courses offered through the Woods College may not be counted toward the English Core, major, or minor.

ENGL1010 First-Year Writing Seminar

The First-Year Writing Seminar helps students use their writing as a source of learning and a form of communication. Designed as a workshop in which each student develops a portfolio of personal and academic writing, the seminar follows a semester-long process. Students write and rewrite essays continuously, discuss their works-in-progress in class, and receive feedback during individual and small group conferences with the instructor. In connection with their writing, students read and discuss a wide range of texts, including various forms of non-fiction prose. In addition to regular conferences, the class meets two hours per week to learn and discuss writing processes and strategies, various genres and rhetorical situations for writing, the evolving drafts of class members, and various forms of conducting and writing research, including an introduction to using the resources at O'Neill Library.

ENGL1080 Literature Core

In this part of the Core program, students explore the principal motives which prompt people to read literature—to assemble and assess the shape and values of one's own culture, to discover alternative ways of looking at the world, to gain insight into issues of permanent human importance as well as issues of contemporary urgency, and to enjoy the linguistic and formal satisfactions of literary art.

Literature Core will strive to develop the student's capacity to read and write with clarity and engagement, to allow for that dialogue between the past and present we call history, and to provide an introduction to literary genres.

Courses for English Language Learners

The department offers Core level courses in language and literature for English language learners. These classes require department permission for registration. Interested students should contact the ELL Director, Lynne Anderson, for more information:  lynne.anderson@bc.edu .

Students ordinarily begin the English major in their sophomore year, after completing the First-Year Writing Seminar and the Literature Core. In addition to the two 3-credit Core courses, students take 30 credits (in the form of ten 3-credit courses) from the Department’s offerings. These must include ENGL2131 Studies in Poetry (3 credits) and ENGL2133 Studies in Narrative (3 credits), usually taken in sequence in the sophomore year. Both courses train students intensively in the close reading of literary texts and in writing with critical awareness about literature.

To provide a deeper understanding of the foundations of literary traditions, English majors are required to take 6 credits in  earlier literatures in English , to be distributed in the following manner:

• 3 credits in medieval or early-modern literature (before 1700)
• 3 credits in eighteenth or nineteenth-century literature (between 1700–1900)

Students are also required to take a course in Race, Blackness, and Language. This requirement is designed to encourage students to think about how the meaningfulness of literature emerges from the many forces shaping the world as we understand it, focusing on anti-black racism and racial difference. Students will examine issues of race thinking and global relations of power through lenses of ethics, social justice, respect for human dignity, and sustainability.

Students complete the English major by taking 15 credits in elective courses of their choice. Courses offered through the Woods College may not be counted toward the English Core, major, or minor.

During the sophomore year, historical survey courses such as Introduction to British Literature and Culture I and II and the American Literary History sequence may be useful to fill in students' knowledge of the development of English and American literature. Students who have a special interest in American literature are advised to take American Literary History I as a foundation for later courses. Please note that earlier literatures in languages other than English (such as cross-listed courses offered through other departments) will be counted as major electives and not historical distribution requirements. At this point, students should be in a position to begin making their own choices about how they will complete the major requirements, in discussion with their major advisor. They will have many options from among the 30 or more electives the Department offers each semester in English and American literature, in Irish Studies, in writing, in the different genres, and in particular themes.

All majors will be required to take one seminar prior to graduation. The seminar, with its small class size and intensive focus, is designed to foster an intimate learning community where students are encouraged not only to study an issue intensively but also to engage actively in an intellectual exchange with a faculty member and a select group of committed peers. These courses are intended mainly for juniors and seniors, and ordinarily, students are advised to have completed both Studies in Poetry and Studies in Narrative and at least one additional elective before taking a seminar. Students should expect to produce a longer seminar project or research paper (15–20 pages) as well as one or more shorter papers and make at least one oral presentation.

The English minor is comprised of six courses (18 credits) beyond the Core requirements in English. These must include:

• Either ENGL2131 Studies in Poetry or ENGL2133 Studies in Narrative
• A historical foundations course (pre–1700 or pre–1900)
• Four electives from the department offerings.  

Core and Woods College classes may not be counted toward the minor, though additional courses that fulfill the first two requirements may be counted as electives. Students may count up to two courses from study abroad toward the minor, though they must be approved by the department.

​For questions about the English minor, or to declare, please contact Marla DeRosa ( marla.derosa@bc.edu ).

Students majoring in other subjects have always been welcome in English courses for the diversity of viewpoint and variety of knowledge they often bring with them. From the students' point of view, English courses offer the enjoyment of reading good literature; insight into history, culture, and human character; and a chance to polish reading and writing skills.

Interdisciplinary and Related Programs

The English Department is connected to a variety of interdisciplinary programs at Boston College. For details about each program, you can go to the English Department website.

• American Studies Program
• Asian American Studies
• Creative Writing
• Irish Studies
• Medical Humanities 

Secondary Education Major

English majors who are also completing Lynch School of Education and Human Development majors must fulfill more specific major requirements to demonstrate a broad range of knowledge within the discipline. In addition to the First-Year Writing Seminar, the Literature Core, Studies in Poetry, and Studies in Narrative, these students must fulfill the following requirements:

• one pre–1700 course
• one pre–1900 course
• one course on Anglophone or Ethnic American Authors
• one course on Women Authors
• one course on the History of Language/Grammar/Linguistics
• one course in Adolescent and Young Adult Literature
• two English electives  

To acquire sufficient knowledge across this spectrum, Lynch students should consider taking more general survey courses (e.g., Introduction to British Literature and Culture I and II, American Literary History I, II, and III) to fulfill some requirements.

Students with questions about the ENGL/Lynch requirements should contact Marla DeRosa ( marla.derosa@bc.edu ).

The English Department offers a Creative Writing Concentration that allows certain students to intensify and focus their English majors by taking a series of practice-based writing courses along with their literature courses.

• The creative writing concentrator undertakes a 36-credit English major instead of the usual 30 credits. At least 9 of these credits must be writing workshops in any genre, selected with the help of the student's concentration advisor.

All concentrators also attend monthly social gatherings to read new work and share news about literary activity on campus. English majors may declare the Creative Writing Concentration up through first semester of junior year, after receiving a grade of A- or better in one of the Department's creative writing workshops. The period for declaring the Concentration runs through the end of add/drop week of each semester. Eligible English majors wishing to declare should see Marla DeRosa in Stokes S493.

A limited number of summer courses may be counted toward the English major or minor.

These include summer English courses taught abroad by our faculty through the Office of International Programs, as well as electives taught through the MCAS English Department. 

Please contact Marla DeRosa ( marla.derosa@bc.edu ) for questions about summer courses.

English majors should complete (at minimum) the required Studies in Poetry and Studies in Narrative prior to study abroad, while minors should complete at least one of those requirements. Majors will need to have their preliminary application for study abroad approved by the department. Majors may count up to six credits per semester abroad for the major (12 credits maximum); minors may count six credits total. These courses may fulfill historical requirements or major electives. All courses taken abroad must be approved by the department in order to be counted toward the major or minor. A course syllabus is required for major/minor approval. This syllabus must include the writing requirements for the course, and courses cannot be approved without this information. Please note that the number of credits awarded per course is determined by the Office of International Programs.

Students may study abroad for either or both semesters but must contact Marla DeRosa ( marla.derosa@bc.edu ). 

The English Department offers an honors program for English majors. Students admitted to the program will write an honors thesis senior year, either a critical study or a creative project, for 6 credits total toward the major. Students contemplating an honors thesis are encouraged to take a seminar during their junior year. A description of this program is available on the department website.

The English Department at Boston College offers a B.A./M.A. Program that allows selected students to earn both a B.A. and an M.A. in English in five years. Enrolled students will start earning graduate credit as a senior, then complete the M.A. in a fifth year of full-time study. The purpose of the program is to allow students a greater opportunity for concentrated study and research training.

Requirements

Students in the B.A./M.A. program must meet all the specific course requirements for the undergraduate major as well as the formal requirements for the M.A., including the completion of Introduction to Advanced Research or its equivalent, demonstrated proficiency in a foreign language, a theory course, and a comprehensive exam. This requires overloading courses in the senior year, when BA/MA students take four courses that count towards the MA, at least two of which must be designated as graduate, or hybrid graduate/undergraduate, courses. Please see the English Department website for detailed information about the requirements specific to this program.

Students interested in the program should consult the Director of the M.A. Program , to discuss whether this version of the M.A. is right for their individual goals. Admission to the program requires a GPA of 3.3 overall and a 3.6 in the English major. The Director will review the student's academic record and, if appropriate, facilitate the application process. Students in the program will not be eligible for TF/TA positions or graduate financial aid. Students in the program will not be charged graduate tuition for the two overload graduate courses taken in the senior year.

How to Apply:

Students must submit applications by March 31 of the junior year. The required application materials are a personal statement, a writing sample, three letters of recommendation, and an official transcript. The application fee will be waived. Please take a look at the  Graduate School of the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences Admissions  page for application instructions and e-mail gsasinfo@bc.edu with any questions on how to upload materials.

Do not send any materials to the English Department.

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Admission Steps

Professional creative writing - literary genres in book publishing certificate, admission requirements.

Terms and Deadlines

Degree and GPA Requirements

Prerequisites

Additional standards for non-native english speakers, additional standards for international applicants.

For the 2024-2025 academic year

Fall 2024 quarter (beginning in September)

Final submission deadline: July 26, 2024

International submission deadline: June 4, 2024

Winter 2025 quarter (beginning in January)

Final submission deadline: November 22, 2024

International submission deadline: September 9, 2024

Spring 2025 quarter (beginning in March)

Final submission deadline: February 14, 2025

International submission deadline: December 9, 2024

Summer 2025 quarter (beginning in June)

Final submission deadline: May 2, 2025

International submission deadline: February 24, 2025

Final submission deadline: Applicants cannot submit applications after the final submission deadline.

Degrees and GPA Requirements

Bachelors degree: All graduate applicants must hold an earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited college or university or the recognized equivalent from an international institution.

Grade point average: The minimum undergraduate GPA for admission consideration for graduate study at the University of Denver is a cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits (approximately two years of work) for the baccalaureate degree. An earned master’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution supersedes the minimum standards for the baccalaureate. For applicants with graduate coursework but who have not earned a master’s degree or higher, the GPA from the graduate work may be used to meet the requirement. The minimum GPA is a cumulative 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all graduate coursework undertaken.

Program GPA requirement: The minimum undergraduate GPA for admission consideration for this program is a cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale

Applicant must have successfully completed or be admitted to the Denver Publishing Institute course.

Official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), C1 Advanced or Duolingo English Test are required of all graduate applicants, regardless of citizenship status, whose native language is not English or who have been educated in countries where English is not the native language. Your TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced/Duolingo English Test scores are valid for two years from the test date.

The minimum TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced/Duolingo English Test score requirements for this degree program are:

Minimum TOEFL Score (Internet-based test): 80 with minimum of 20 on each subscore

Minimum IELTS Score: 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 on each band score

Minimum C1 Advanced Score: 176

Minimum Duolingo English Test Score: 115 with a subscore minimum of 105 for Literacy, Comprehension, and Conversation and minimum subscore of 95 for Production

English Conditional Acceptance Offered: No, this program does not offer English Conditional Admission.

Read the English Language Proficiency policy for more details.

Read the Required Tests for GTA Eligibility policy for more details.

Per Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) regulation, international applicants must meet all standards for admission before an I-20 or DS-2019 is issued, [per U.S. Federal Register: 8 CFR § 214.3(k)] or is academically eligible for admission and is admitted [per 22 C.F.R. §62]. Read the Additional Standards For International Applicants policy for more details.

Application Materials

Transcripts.

Writing Sample

We require a scanned copy of your transcripts from every college or university you have attended. Scanned copies must be clearly legible and sized to print on standard 8½-by-11-inch paper. Transcripts that do not show degrees awarded must also be accompanied by a scanned copy of the diploma or degree certificate. If your academic transcripts were issued in a language other than English, both the original documents and certified English translations are required.

Transcripts and proof of degree documents for postsecondary degrees earned from institutions outside of the United States will be released to a third-party international credential evaluator to assess U.S. education system equivalencies. Beginning July 2023, a non-refundable fee for this service will be required before the application is processed.

Upon admission to the University of Denver, official transcripts will be required from each institution attended.

Résumé Instructions

The résumé (or C.V.) should include work experience, research, and/or volunteer work.

Writing Sample Instructions

Graduate Certificates in Professional Creative Writing require a sample of your creative writing, preferably in the genre of the certificate to which you are applying. The sample may comprise 2-3 double-spaced pages of prose (fiction or creative nonfiction), 30-40 single- or double-spaced lines of poetry, or 1-2 single-spaced pages of dramatic writing (monologue, play, or screenplay). NOTE: Applicants may submit the personal statement from their Denver Publishing Institute application to satisfy the writing sample requirement.

Start the Application

Online Application

Financial Aid Information

Start your application.

Your submitted materials will be reviewed once all materials and application fees have been received.

Our program can only consider your application for admission if our Office of Graduate Education has received all your online materials and supplemental materials by our application deadline.

Application Fee: $50.00 Application Fee

International Degree Evaluation Fee: $50.00 Evaluation Fee for degrees (bachelor's or higher) earned from institutions outside the United States.

Applicants should complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 15. Visit the Office of Financial Aid for additional information.

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MFA in Creative Writing

The MFA in Creative Writing is a small, intensive one-year program that is completed over two to three terms. The program is designed to help students become better writers of original prose or poetry and to produce readers and critics of the highest quality. Our program also strives to help students improve as creative writing instructors.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the Creative Writing MFA program, all students should be able to:

• If they are fiction writers: write and revise original fiction that has a compelling and original voice; interesting, well-developed characters; a clear narrative arc; and emotional resonance. It should reflect an awareness of previous and current achievement in fiction.
• If they are poets: write and revise original poetry that uses language, image, voice, and form in interesting ways that reflect an awareness of previous and current poetic achievement.
• Provide constructive, insightful, and helpful criticism of their peers’ original fiction or poetry.
• Closely read and critique literature with a particular eye for the way(s) in which their own creative work can benefit from the work of writers before them.
• Effectively teach creative writing and literature at the high school and/or college level.
• Demonstrate an understanding (through the world language requirement, including the option of taking Translation Seminar) of the resources available to their own creative work in the literatures of other countries.
• Through Global Fellowship travel, explore and reflect upon the cultural, historical, geographical, and linguistic landscapes of a country of their choice outside of the United States for up to three months.

Course Requirements

The MFA is an eight-course, 32-unit degree, including four workshops, four graduate literature courses, and completion of a world language requirement.

At least four of the courses taken must be workshops the genre in which the student is admitted (either fiction or poetry). The four remaining courses are normally graduate-level literature courses, some of which may be completed during the BU summer session(s). Students must receive a grade of at least B– in these courses.

It is possible to take a course (or courses) in a subject or discipline other than literature, provided that these are demonstrably essential to the student’s creative work, and show a strong emphasis in reading literary, as distinct from purely scholarly or academic, texts. Such courses are subject to the approval of the program director.

Language Requirement

Each student who has not previously completed at least two college courses of intermediate study in a non-English world language or is not already multilingual may fulfill the language requirement in one of the following ways:

• Satisfactory completion of CAS TL 540 (the Translation Seminar) (it should be noted that proficiency in a second language is listed as a prerequisite for the course) and its corequisite CAS TL 542 (Literary Translation). Students who choose this option may first wish to consult the Translation Seminar instructor; they must also choose a mentor from the language department for the source language from which they are working.
• Satisfactory completion of a BU course in a non-English world language, usually taught in that language (for example, CAS LF 350 Introduction to French Texts), or a 500-level reading course in a world language (texts and instruction usually in that language), subject to approval by the Creative Writing Program Director.
• Passing CAS LF 621 Reading French, CAS LG 621 Reading German, CAS LI 621 Reading Italian, or CAS LS 621 Reading Spanish. These reading knowledge-only courses are offered Pass/Fail for no academic units, and enrollment is limited.
• Passing a Translation Exam proctored by a Creative Writing Department administrator or faculty member and graded by an expert in the language being translated.

Completion of a substantial master’s thesis in fiction or poetry is required for all students. The thesis should consist of a minimum of 95 pages of prose or 35 pages of poetry and must be read and signed by two members of Boston University faculty.

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Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

Program overview.

Named one of the “Five Innovative/Unique Programs” creative writing programs by The Atlantic , the master of fine arts in creative writing is one of two programs offered by UNLV’s Creative Writing International Program with genre concentrations in fiction, literary nonfiction, and poetry. By providing an innovative curriculum and fostering an educational environment where students can perfect their art, our graduates become globally-engaged writers that demonstrate socially-engaged and active writing practices.

Program Outcomes

Students receive a strong theoretical foundation in their selected genre concentration, as well as an appreciation for the art and theory across various genres, thereby expanding their creative abilities. Moreover, they develop a nuanced understanding of canonical contexts and the historical evolution of literature, which provides valuable insights into new writing. Through exposure to international writing and literary translation, students cultivate a practical appreciation for diverse linguistic traditions beyond English, enriching their creative perspectives. 

A high percentage of our graduates have widely published fiction, literary nonfiction, journalism, and poetry with mainstream presses, indie presses, and nationally esteemed venues such as:

• W. W. Norton & Company
• Grove Press
• The Best American Poetry
• McSweeney’s
• The New York Times
• The Los Angeles Times

Program Structure

Our students follow a three-year course of study that includes writing workshops, genre forms courses, literature classes, a residency abroad, completion of a literary translation, and completion of a book-length manuscript that meets the standard of publishable works. Students also have the opportunity for teacher training and practical experience in literary publishing.

Additionally, our department, in partnership with the Black Mountain Institute, offers the Doctorate of Philosophy in English with a Creative Dissertation, supported by a graduate assistantship combined with the Black Mountain Institute fellowship.

Program Funding

All MFA students are fully funded by UNLV and the Black Mountain Institute (BMI) for three years of study towards their degrees. 

• Graduate Assistantships of $21,000/year 
• Opportunities for additional funding from BMI
• In-state tuition 
• Student health insurance.

Duties for the Graduate Assistantship are 20 hours per week, usually fulfilled through a combination of teaching, tutoring in the Writing Center, and working for English Department or Black Mountain Institute publications.

Our Faculty

Maile chapman, ph.d..

Wendy Chen, Ph.D.

Claudia Keelan

Roberto Lovato

David Morris, MFA

Douglas A. Unger

The MFA Student Experience

The UNLV creative writing program offers a supportive and immersive experience to its students. From day one, students become part of a vibrant community of writers where creativity thrives and collaboration flourishes. Whether students aspire to publish their writing, pursue further study, or embark on diverse career paths within the literary world, UNLV provides the resources, support, and community they need to thrive and succeed.

Activities and Events With the Black Mountain Institute

The UNLV Department of English has a longstanding relationship with the Beverly Rogers, Carol C. Harter Black Mountain Institute (BMI). This allows our students to receive opportunities to engage in creative and literary activities with visiting BMI fellows in socially meaningful literary events for the city of Las Vegas and its greater community. Recent BMI fellows and national and international award-winning visitors include:

• Percival Everett
• Melissa Febos
• Layli Long Soldier
• Jaquira Díaz
• Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

See the Black Mountain Institute's website for more information.

Academic and Literary Journals

The creative writing concentration helps students develop their writing craft and critical thinking skills through a workshop setting and literature courses. It equips them with professional skills for various industries and prepares them for graduate studies in English and creative writing.

Founded by M.F.A. alumna Kat Kruse in 2010, Neon Lit is a completely student-run reading series featuring writing of students currently in the Creative Writing programs at UNLV. Events are held on the last Friday of each month usually at the Writer’s Block, an independent bookstore and community center in downtown Las Vegas. See Neon Lit’s website and YouTube Channel for more information.

Writing Series

Breakout writers series.

The “Breakout Writers Series” or Emerging Writers Series features writers just emerging on the literary scene. Writers who visit and read for this series are chosen entirely by the students in the M.F.A. and Ph.D. programs.

Alumni Reading Series

The yearly Alumni Reading Series celebrates the literary successes of graduates of the program. Recent alumni readers include Marianne Chan, Jean Chen Ho, Clancy McGilligan, Alissa Nutting, Juan Martínez, Sasha Steensen, and Mani Rao.

Admission Requirements

• Fiction: 20-30 pages
• Literary nonfiction: 20-30 pages
• Poetry: 10-15 pages
• A letter of application to the Graduate Committee detailing a statement of purpose and reasons for choosing UNLV
• Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities 
• Two letters of recommendation

Applicants must choose the International Focus subplan, unless they have already been accepted to the Peace Corps Master's International Partnership program.

International Applicants

Each year, our program admits several international writers with high competency in writing in English that immensely contribute to our literary community. Our diverse student body fosters a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives, creating a dynamic learning environment that prepares graduates for success in the global literary landscape. Furthermore, UNLV's creative writing program values inclusivity and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to contribute to the vibrant tapestry of voices within our community.

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UMass Boston

• Creative Writing MFA

Further your commitment to writing as the center of your professional life.

Intensive study and practice of fiction and poetry writing with award-winning and nationally renowned faculty at the most diverse university in new england..

UMass Boston's Creative Writing MFA offers you an intense, 3-year program and focused opportunity to further your commitment to writing as the center of your professional life. Through a combination of mentoring by accomplished faculty in a series of creative writing workshops, courses focused on the study of literature offered through the English MA Program, and electives that include the practice of literary editing, the teaching of creative writing, documentary poetics, the art of memoir, and more—you will have the guidance to develop and shape your work to the full extent of your talent.

All accepted students receive funding. Graduate assistantships offer the opportunity to work with students as teaching assistants and fellows, or in editorial positions with one of our sponsors, including 826 Boston, Hanging Loose Press, Write on the Dot, Consequence Magazine, Breakwater Review, and Arrowsmith Press.

Career Possibilities

Pursue a career as a professional writer, publishing your work in literary journals, magazines. Work as an editor and collaborate with writers to refine their work and shape the final product for publication. These are just a few of the possibilities.

Become a(n):

• Writer/Author
• Literary Agent
• Writing Instructor/Professor

Attend An Info Session     Start Your Application

Plan Your Education

How to apply.

Applicants must meet general graduate admission requirements in addition to the following program-specific requirements:

• A 3.0 GPA overall and in the student’s major
• Two substantive and detailed letters of recommendation, from former teachers familiar with the applicant’s most recent academic and creative work
• A 3-5 page personal statement focusing on the role of the candidate’s reading life in his or her development as a writer. (Note: The general Graduate Admissions application refers to this as a statement of interests and intent. They are one and the same.)
• Applicants must indicate whether they are applying in FICTION or POETRY in their Statement of Purpose. If you want to apply in both genres, include one writing sample in FICTION and one in POETRY and indicate in the Statement of Purpose that the application is for both.
• A writing sample of 10 manuscript pages of poetry or 20 manuscript pages of fiction

Deadlines & Cost

Deadlines: January 15 (priority) for fall. While rare, if space is available, we’ll happily consider applications until June 1 (final deadline).

Application Fee: The nonrefundable application fee is $75. UMass Boston alumni and current students that plan to complete degree requirements prior to graduate enrollment can submit the application without paying the application fee.

Program Cost Information: Bursar's website

Writing Workshops (24 Credits)

Complete one from below four times.

• CW 601 - MFA Poetry Workshop 6 Credit(s) or
• CW 602 - MFA Fiction Workshop 6 Credit(s)

Literature Courses (9 Credits)

Complete three graduate literature courses.

Electives (9 Credits)

Complete three from below.

• CW 605 - Memoir Workshop 3 Credit(s)
• CW 606 - Literary Editing and Publishing 3 Credit(s)
• CW 614 - The Teaching of Creative Writing 3 Credit(s)
• CW 675 - Creative Writing Internship 3 Credit(s)
• CW 697 - Special Topics in Creative Writing 1-6 Credit(s)

Students may elect courses offered by other graduate programs with approval from the graduate program director.

• ENGL 459 Seminar for Tutors may be taken for graduate credit (see Undergraduate Catalog)
• ENGL 675 - Reading and Writing Poetry 3 Credit(s)
• ENGL 676 - Reading and Writing Fiction 3 Credit(s)
• ENGL 681 - Advanced Workshop in Poetry 3 Credit(s)
• ENGL 682 - Advanced Workshop in Fiction 3 Credit(s)

Thesis Courses (6 Credits)

Complete the course below both semesters of the third year.

• CW 699 - MFA Thesis 3 Credit(s)

Graduation Criteria

Complete 48 credits from twelve courses including four writing workshops, three literature courses, three electives, and two semesters of thesis workshops.

The MFA degree requires six semesters of full-time study, with 9 credits required in each of the first four semesters, and 6 credits in the final two semesters, during which students will concentrate on completing a thesis in fiction or poetry under the direction of a faculty member. MFA workshops are limited to 12 students, and seminars are limited to 15. Students have the opportunity to interact with writers in our Global Voices Visiting Writer series (recent visitors have been Raquel Salas Rivera and Carole Maso), and work with visiting prose writers - recently these have included Jane Unrue, ZZ Packer, and Fanny Howe.

Capstone: Completion of an MFA thesis of 48 to 64 pages of poetry or 100 to 200 pages of fiction written under the supervision of a thesis advisor, reviewed by a thesis committee, and subject to a public defense.

Statute of limitations: Five years.

Contact & Faculty

Graduate Program Director John Fulton john.fulton [at] umb.edu (617) 287-6700

English & Creative Writing MFA Department englishmfaprogram [at] umb.edu (617) 287-6702

Fiction Faculty

John Fulton , Program Director & Associate Professor Askold Melnyczuk , Professor Eileen Pollack , Visiting Assistant Professor

Poetry Faculty

Jill McDonough , Professor Shangyang Fang , Associate Lecturer

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