best mfa creative writing programs

best mfa creative writing programs

The Benefits of Pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing

1. Overview of MFA Creative Writing Programs

Creative writers who undertake an MFA in Creative Writing program will expectedly immerse themselves in a sequence of writing and reading in many genres, providing constructive criticism to their peers, and being responsive to commitment from schoolwork and attentive faculty. The standard quality of the educational programs across the United States, and the cost of living in the area of study will have substantial effects on how willingly one can commit to an MFA. Each year, some programs fully fund their students while others do not offer any financial support. It is not uncommon for an MFA program to reimburse its students for teaching in undergraduate writing courses, or to have students work as editorial assistants to gain experience in the field of publishing. Internships at various teaching schools and summer abroad programs are offered in some cases. This variety of methods on how to best apply oneself as a writer is a key component to the value of an MFA in Creative Writing. In recent years, most school websites have links to information about current/past students’ writing and publishing, further illustrating the vitality of the program’s philosophy on creative writing, and the success of its graduates. Evidently, the MFA is just the beginning; graduates still need to be involved in a lifestyle conducive to writing and further study in the field.

2. Advantages of Pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing

A master of fine arts program in creative writing is a unique experience, calling for very particular goals and others in admitting candidates. It is these goals and various others depending on the program to which you apply that will preside over your decision to pursue an MFA. Compare this funding for a Ph.D. program in literature. Why you’re doing it has importance of great magnitude. Programs often screen applicants to make sure you’re serious. Some are not cash cows. This is particularly true in the case of the low-residency MFA, such programs often funding one student per cohort. In a tough financial climate, it is obviously hard to justify the value of an MFA. But a creative writing program is ideal. A program that might provide a platform for you to work on your writing through teaching or research in a field of literature can be a great idea. And anyway, many of these programs are merely two-year programs with tuition waivers. The other reality is that there are job seekers who are working for a college education in the late hours. Given this reality, it may be beneficial to take a job in higher education. This usually translates into a teaching position at a college or university. In this day and age, teaching has become a very marketable career. It is easier to buy degrees and credentials today and few jobs are locked in to “traditional” working hours. If you’ve culled a teaching position, that may be your ticket into an MFA program as a part-timer. High level and comprehensive exams often fit this bill. With the way programs are getting, it is possible for a teacher with an MFA from a top 50 program to be a shoo-in for a tenure track job.

3. Top MFA Creative Writing Programs

University of Michigan. The Helen Zell Writers’ Program at the University of Michigan is a two-year residency program. It offers full funding to its students. Students specialize in either fiction or poetry. Each student is paired with a mentor every semester. The students have access to multi-genre courses and workshops in translation. A reading series and a student-run publication provide additional opportunities to learn and connect with other writers. The visiting writers series is a great benefit for those considering an academic career in writing and provides opportunities for students to network.

Johns Hopkins University. The MFA in Fiction and Poetry at Johns Hopkins University is known as The Writing Seminars. The full-time faculty is responsible for teaching workshops, and they work closely with the students. This program is unique in that it allows students to take electives in a variety of areas and disciplines.

Finding the right program can be a challenge for a student. Some may wish to seek a program that is especially strong in a certain area of writing such as poetry or fiction. Others may want to find a program that provides a range of course options so they can explore various writing styles. The programs listed below offer a variety of options for securing an MFA.

4. Success Stories from MFA Graduates

A. Some Notable Successes In Portland State University’s creative writing class of 2006, Matthew Robinson published his debut novel, The Horse Latitudes, in 2006 with St. Martin’s Press. Accolades came in, including glowing mention in The Wall Street Journal and Self magazine. Robinson’s novel is the worthy product of an MFA experience, resulting in work done at a consistently high level over the two years. Anne Chin received her MFA at the University of Victoria. Her poetry is published in journals and chapbooks and has prominently appeared on the radio in native Canadian broadcasts. Equally successful as a scholar and critical writer, Chin is now working on her Ph.D. at UVic, focusing in part on contemporary American poetry.

One of the curiosities of the writing life is how much time people spend telling you how difficult it is. On one hand, of course, it’s true. But when is the last time anyone has ever gone into a field that required a high level of critical thinking and a strong work ethic, and heard only about the positives that they can expect? The truth is, that when any of us set up to do this, which we believe we have been called to do, we imagine that it will be different for us. And the successes of many MFA graduates is strong evidence that it often is.

5. How to Choose the Best MFA Creative Writing Program

The first logical question: Do I need to go to a top tier school in order to make it as a writer? This is a tough question, and will be different for each person. If you have been out of school for a while, and you are only returning to get your personal education up to speed, you may not be so concerned with landing a teaching job at a college or university. You may simply want to generate more interest in your writing and see where it takes you. A top tier school may not be the best place for this. An MFA program is only as good as the time and effort you put into your writing. Going to a top tier school will not only give you connections to land a teaching job, but will also put you in touch with other writers who can help you get your writing published. However, you are the only person who can decide what the end result of an MFA will be for you. If you are unsure over whether or not an MFA will help you achieve your goals, I would suggest a low residency program. (link to true cost) This way you can get your MFA while still having time to work or be at home, and it will obviously cost you less.

Making the decision to go to graduate school is no easy task. You may have an undergraduate degree in creative writing, and now you have found that you would like to take your writing further. Should you get an MFA in Creative Writing? You may feel that it will be hard to find a teaching job, or that it won’t elevate your writing to the next level. But if you do decide to take the plunge, you will certainly question whether or not to apply to only the “top tier” schools, or if the less competitive ones will still offer you what you need to succeed.