- Degree Level
- Graduate
- Degrees Offered
- Master of Fine Arts
- Department
- English
- school/college
- College of Arts and Sciences
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing is a terminal, two-year postgraduate degree that focuses on the art and practice of writing. At Arcadia, you choose between programs in fiction or poetry, and graduate with a completed manuscript of publishable quality, written under the guidance of the department’s award winning, diverse faculty.
Arcadia University’s MFA is distinctive in that it incorporates both a dynamic and flexible online learning environment, as well as a study abroad experience. You take between six and nine credits each term, and meet in person for a week-long residency at three different times during the course of study. Asynchronous workshops are conducted online every week during the fall and spring semesters, and are accessible at any time, through all platforms, allowing for a truly portable and flexible classroom. Our low-residency program allows you to tailor your own academic schedule in order to maintain a full-time professional life outside of school.
Studying Creative Writing, you can expect:
- Visiting Writers: Visiting writers work with MFA students at each residency to discuss both craft and business issues in the writing world.
- One-On-One Practicums: Each semester students participate in a series of one-on-one meetings with an instructor to review, edit, and discuss writing in detail.
- Residencies & Study Abroad: Arcadia’s MFA offers three, one week long residencies. Arcadia believes a global perspective is an important facet of writing, so one residency takes place in Edinburgh, Scotland. Our residencies allow students to workshop writing with peers, faculty, and visiting writers.
- Marathon Literary Review: A literary journal established by the first class of Arcadia University’s MFA in Creative Writing. Its editorial staff is made up entirely of MFA students, and they create a publication that showcases the current voices and emerging talent of writers, poets, photographers, and other artists.
- Partial Funding Available: Funding packages ranging up to $4,000 are available. At least four TA positions per cohort will be offered; in order to be considered, you must apply by the priority deadline.
Experiential Learning
“I liked the flexibility of a low-residency MFA program, an increased ability to work during the program to make it a more financially feasible decision, and, of course, the Edinburgh residency.”
What can I do with an MFA in Creative Writing?
An MFA degree in Creative Writing can prepare you for a career in editing, publishing, and teaching.
Editing: A career in editing is an especially appealing option when you gain experience working on a literary journal during your time in our MFA program. Editors can work in a range of settings, including: advertising and public relations agencies, media outlets, nonprofit and government organizations, corporations, and universities.
Publishing: MFA graduates also may pursue a career in publishing, working for a small or large press.
Teaching: The MFA is considered a terminal degree in academia, so you are qualified to teach both creative writing and composition at the university level. With the needed state certifications, you can use your MFA to pursue a career in secondary education. You may also choose to teach in private schools.
Writing: In addition to seeking publication for your own creative work, with your MFA in Creative Writing you can write for magazines, newspapers, companies, and organizations. This includes business, marketing, professional, technical, pharmaceutical and medical writing. Full-time, part-time and freelance opportunities are available.
Dual Degrees of Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and Master of Arts in English
Arcadia’s unique post-graduate dual degree in Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing and Master of Arts (MA) in English allows you to earn two degrees simultaneously through a full-time, three-year program. In the first two years, you’ll engage in both MFA and MA coursework, blending creative writing practice with literary scholarship. The final year is dedicated to completing the remaining MA courses. This integrated approach enhances your creative abilities, supports rigorous academic research, and prepares you for diverse careers in teaching, publishing, marketing, or pursuing a PhD.
