Best Master’s in Creative Writing (MFA) Online
Best Master’s in Creative Writing Online
Master’s in creative writing programs are ideal for students who love writing and aspire to make a living through the craft.Creative writers build worlds, develop stories, and create characters that engage and entertain readers. Writers often choose genres and stories that relate to their own interests. For instance, a traveler may write creative nonfiction pieces about tourist locations, and writers who are interested in the American West often write western novels.
Creative writing graduates can also pursue careers in other fields. For example, they may write marketing advertisements, political speeches, or technical pieces for instructional manuals. Over half of writers and authors are self-employed.
These careers require editing, writing, and research skills. Editors must also have an understanding of genre fundamentals. To gain the necessary knowledge, students can earn a master’s in creative writing online.
The following guide provides information about the top online writing programs in the country and what you can do with a creative writing degree after graduation.
Best Master’s in Creative Writing Programs Online
What Is an Online Master’s in Creative Writing Degree?
A master’s in writing develops research, writing, and editing skills and explores story elements in different genres. For example, poetry learners study rhyme and meter, while children’s writers explore child psychology and common writing techniques. Required courses often cover character development, setting research, and publishing.
Creative writing programs often include literature courses in which learners analyze famous works for writing insights. Students also create new pieces and critique classmates’ work in writing workshops. These workshops hone writing, editing, and proofreading skills and increase students’ professional networks. Additional requirements may include a thesis, portfolio, or internship.
Admission requirements often include writing samples and personal statements. Ideal applicants have previous writing experience.
Choosing an Online Program
Prospective students should consider program quality and flexibility when choosing a master’s in writing. Learners may prefer departments with published authors as faculty, or they may prefer a program that offers the flexibility of asynchronous courses. They should also consider concentration options, completion times, and tuition costs.
The following guide provides more tips on finding the right program.
What Else Can I Expect From a Master’s in Creative Writing Program?
Online MFA in creative writing programs usually offer concentrations in poetry, fiction writing, and creative nonfiction. Most programs include workshops and lectures on writing concepts like character building and plot development. These programs also introduce learners to different genres and often require a thesis.
Below are three common courses in online writing programs.
Master’s in Creative Writing Curriculum
Literary Genres for Writers
This course covers fiction and related subgenres, such as fantasy, romance, and historical fiction. Students explore the structures and general expectations of these genres. The course may also focus on a single type of writing, such as poetry, memoir, or nonfiction.
Character Development
This course trains students to create effective, believable characters. Coursework may prioritize character realism, consistency, and psychology within the story’s context. Students examine the necessary traits of major and minor characters and build a portfolio of several character outlines.
Writing a Short Story
Learners in this course study short stories and analyze elements of writing styles. Additional topics may include syntax and short story structures. Students create a short story and undergo peer review to receive feedback. Programs may offer similar classes focused on other forms of writing, like nonfiction, poetry, or television writing.
Association of Writers and Writing Programs
AWP provides an online tool that allows users to search for writing programs by location, genre, and degree. The association connects website visitors with writing contests, funding, job opportunities, and avenues to publication. Professionals can also attend the annual AWP book fair and conference or browse the online database to find other meetings.
The Authors Guild supports writers by offering panels, book launches, and book expos. Website visitors can browse contests in fiction, poetry, and translations, or they can seek out fellowships and workshops. Members receive legal assistance for book contracts, access to writing resources, and insurance against copyright disputes.
The Writer’s Center offers writing workshops for specific age groups, including adults, teenagers, and children. Members can also attend book launches and an annual poetry reading. This organization offers editing and project advising and maintains a blog that covers industry topics like publication practices, genre word counts, beta readers, and author experiences.
Careers in Creative Writing
Earning a master’s in creative writing online prepares students to craft creative messages for books, articles, advertisements, speeches, scripts, and social media posts. Graduates can pursue any field that involves message creation and delivery.
The best candidates for writing careers are creative and have a strong grasp on writing structure and effective communication. Creative writers should also understand research methods, work well within deadlines, and be able to accept constructive criticism from editors. Below are a few creative writing jobs that graduates can pursue.
Writers and Authors
Writers and authors research and write pieces for magazines, websites, publishing houses, and blogs, and may also create scripts for television, movies, or plays. They may write books for traditional or self-publishing in genres like fantasy, romance, mystery, and nonfiction.
Authors often polish their works based on editor critiques and may need to market their work as well. Companies usually expect writers to have a college degree and writing experience.
Editors
Editors make publication decisions for companies and help writers develop stories into polished products. These professionals may review small writing issues, like spelling and grammar, or larger issues, like structure, factual accuracy, continuity, and clarity.
Specific job titles include copy editor, publication assistant, and executive editor. Editors often work at newspaper and book publishing companies, or they work freelance.
Earning a master’s in creative writing online gives prospective editors an advantage when competing for jobs.
Public Relations Specialists
Public relations specialists help organizations create and uphold a positive image for the public, affecting their relationship with customers and investors. These professionals create press releases, write speeches, and research consumer preferences through social media. Public relations specialists may also review advertisements and communicate with media outlets about publicity opportunities.
These professionals can find work at advertising, educational, business, and government organizations. They need a bachelor’s in a field like English, journalism, or communication. Employers may also require a portfolio and field experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take to Complete a Master’s in Creative Writing Program?
Most students can earn a master’s in writing in around two years.
What Can I Do With a Master’s in Creative Writing?
This degree prepares students for careers as authors, editors, reporters, and public relations specialists. Graduates can also teach creative writing at colleges.
Is a Master’s in Creative Writing Worth It?
Many writing careers do not require a master’s degree. However, online writing programs help students polish writing skills, which can improve their salary and career prospects.
Can I Teach English With a Creative Writing Degree?
Earning a master’s in writing online qualifies graduates to teach English courses at many colleges, as an MFA is often the minimum qualification for these roles. However, some schools require a doctorate for teaching positions.
What Is a Master’s in Creative Writing?
Online MFA in creative writing programs explore brainstorming, writing, and editing practices for different genres. These programs often culminate in a thesis or portfolio.