Key Takeaways:
- The University of Texas-El Paso placed #1 on our list of the top online master’s in creative writing, followed by the University of Houston-Victoria.
- From grant writer to ghost writer, author to publisher, and teacher to journalist, there are many career options for a master’s in creative writing graduate. Your career path will determine which online creative writing program is for you.
- According to PayScale, the average salary for master’s in creative writing graduates can vary from $35k to $113k, depending on the career path you choose.
For many aspiring writers, a master’s degree in creative writing might seem out of reach. Perhaps they’ve always wanted to pursue their craft but couldn’t justify the cost. Or maybe they were too busy holding down a day job to fully indulge in their writing work. An affordable online master’s in creative writing program could be just what these budding authors need to embrace the profession of writing.
Methodology
To develop this ranking of the top master’s degrees in creative writing online, our editors performed an exhaustive online search of the active programs currently available from U.S. colleges and universities. This search yielded precisely 20 programs. After applying the affordability filter and then our site-wide graduate program methodology, we were able to narrow the pool to just 10 programs. Below, you will find our picks for the top online master’s in creative writing degree programs.
Featured Programs
#10—Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, New Hampshire
MA in English & Creative Writing
Points: 5
Tuition: $19,467
Southern New Hampshire University offers the most accelerated online master’s in creative writing in our ranking. This 15-month program is available fully online and features four concentration options:
- Fiction
- Poetry
- Screenwriting
- Nonfiction
Course titles may include:
- Contemporary Writers & Publishers
- Seminar in Writing Instruction
- Studies in Place & Setting
- Fiction and Film
SNHU is fully accredited to confer the online master’s degree in creative writing by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Pros:
- Accelerated format
- Diverse curriculum
- Fully online
Cons:
- Less affordable
- Less diverse
#9—Bay Path University
Long Meadow, Massachusetts
MFA in Creative Nonfiction
Points: 6
Tuition: $19,235
Bay Path University offers a rare online MFA in Creative Nonfiction. The program is a fully online option featuring three distinct concentrations:
- Publishing
- Teaching Creative Writing
- Narrative Medicine
The 39-credit hour curriculum consists of online classes such as:
- Travel and Food Writing
- Learning to Teach
- Spiritual Writing Through the Ages
- Writing About Culture, Race, and Identity
Bay Path University is accredited to award this online master’s in creative writing by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Pros:
- Diverse curriculum
- Mentorship program
- Small class sizes
Cons:
- Less affordable
#8—Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Online Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
Points: 6
Tuition: $7,740
The creative writing MFA from Liberty University is a convenient program that can be completed entirely online. It is a transfer-friendly program, enabling students to transfer in up to half of the required credits. Courses are 8 weeks in length and include titles such as:
- Writing Fiction
- Writing as Cultural Engagement
- Editing & Publishing
- Research Methods and Bibliography
A thesis is also required for this 48-credit hour program. Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award this online MFA in creative writing.
Pros:
- 100% online
- Transfer-friendly
- High acceptance rate
Cons:
- Less diverse
#7—Tiffin University
Tiffin, Ohio
Master’s in Humanities: Creative Writing
Points: 7
Tuition: $14,000
The online creative writing master’s program from Tiffin University is technically a Master of Humanities with a concentration in creative writing. This accelerated degree option can be completed entirely online within just 18 months of full-time study. Sample course titles include:
- Graduate Rhetoric and Composition
- Creative Writing: The Short Story
- Ethics in Business and Technical Writing
- Marketing for Publication
Tiffin University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission to confer this online master’s degree in creative writing.
Pros:
- Accelerated format
- Fully online
Cons:
- Less affordable
- Less diverse
#6—Lenoir-Rhyne University
Hickory, North Carolina
MFA in Creative Writing
Points: 8
Tuition: $12,240
The online MFA in Creative Writing from Lenoir-Rhyne University is a flexible graduate degree program that features a unique certificate in narrative healthcare. Students can pursue the program on a part-time or full-time basis and attend lectures synchronously. The curriculum for this 45-credit hour online option includes course titles such as:
- Literary Studies Seminar
- Workshop in Writing Poetry
- Workshop in Writing Fiction
- Workshop in Creative Nonfiction
A creative thesis is also required at the program’s conclusion. Lenoir-Rhyne University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the online creative writing MFA.
Pros:
- Dynamic curriculum
- Part-time option
- A Top-40 regional university (South)
Cons:
- Less flexible
#5—Concordia University – St. Paul
St. Paul, Minnesota
Creative Writing MFA
Points: 8
Tuition: $8,550
The online creative writing MFA offered by Concordia University-St. Paul is a dynamic program that prepares graduates for an array of different careers in writing. This workshop-based program features course titles such as:
- Studies in the Craft of Creative Writing
- The Culture of Writing, Editing, and Publishing
- Studies in Contemporary Poetry
- Research and Writing about Literature
Each course is taught by a published writer/faculty member. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited Concordia University-St. Paul to confer the online master’s degree in creative writing.
Pros:
- Top-ranked regional university
- Fully online
Cons:
- Prescribed curriculum
- Required thesis
#4—Lindenwood University
St. Louis, Missouri
MFA in Writing
Points: 9
Tuition: $8,550
The online MFA in creative writing from Lindenwood University is offered in both a fully online and hybrid format. Available through the university’s College of Arts and Humanities, the 48-credit hour graduate program features four distinct concentrations:
- Fiction
- Poetry
- Creative Nonfiction
- Young Adult/Middle Grade
Depending on the emphasis they choose, enrolled students may take online courses such as:
- Nonfiction: The Poetics of Memoir
- Poetry: The Contemporary Narrative Poem
- Fiction: The Elements of Short Fiction
- Submitting Work for Publication
In addition to online coursework, a thesis is required as the culminating element of the program. Lindenwood University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Pros:
- Multiple concentrations available
- Flexible delivery
Cons:
- Thesis required
- Less diverse
#3—University of New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana
Online MFA in Creative Writing
Points: 10
Tuition: $6,090
The flexible online MFA in Creative Writing from the University of New Orleans can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. The 45-credit hour program is studio/research-based and taught by the same faculty members as the on-campus program. Once enrolled, students will take classes such as:
- Craft of Fiction
- Remote Poetry Workshop
- Revisiting Southern Gothic
- The Long Poem
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools has accredited the University of New Orleans to award this master’s program in creative writing online.
Pros:
- Part-time option
- Affordability
- Nationally ranked fine arts program
Cons:
- Competitive admissions
#2—University of Houston – Victoria
Victoria, Texas
Master’s in Creative Writing
Points: 11
Tuition: $6,618
The University of Houston-Victoria offers an elective-rich online master’s in creative writing that can be customized to your career goals. Students can choose a fully online or low-residency program as they work toward the 36-credit hour requirement. Aside from the required thesis courses, the curriculum is self-designed through the selection of elective classes. Some of these electives include:
- Introduction to Publishing
- Style and Editing
- The Business of Books
- American Literary History
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has accredited UH-Victoria to award this master’s in creative writing online or on campus.
Pros:
- Flexible delivery
- Diverse curriculum
- A Top-50 public school
Cons:
- Rigorous admissions requirements
- Less structured
#1—University of Texas – El Paso
El Paso, Texas
MFA in Creative Writing
Points: 11
Tuition: $5,865
Offered through the university’s College of Liberal Arts, the online master’s in creative writing program from the University of Texas-El Paso is both rigorous and highly competitive. Designed for writers with aspirations to teach at the university level, the program requires 48 credit hours of online coursework. Required course titles include:
- Forms and Techniques of Fiction
- Writing the Novel
- Advanced Creative Nonfiction
- The Politics of Narration
To fulfill the thesis portion of the program, students will submit an original full-length manuscript of poetry or prose. Those who wish to study abroad may also consider UTEP’s low residency program in creative writing. UTEP is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Pros:
- Affordability
- Fully online
- Diverse student body
Cons:
- Competitive admissions
About Online Master’s in Creative Writing Degree Programs
Writers today have more professional opportunities than ever before. With the advent of internet publishing came myriad applications for digital content, which transformed this occupational field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for writers and authors are now growing about as fast as the average for other occupations. There are many different types of writers, including fiction writers, screenwriters, bibliographers, journalists, bloggers, copywriters, and more.
Creative Writing Master’s Programs: Admissions Requirements
The application process for an online master’s in creative writing may be a bit different compared to that of other graduate programs. Though some of the requirements are similar, there tends to be more of an emphasis on the writing samples and statements of purpose as opposed to other parts of the application. Here are some of the most common admissions requirements for these types of programs:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school
- Undergraduate transcript
- Completed application and fee
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Portfolio of professional writing
- GRE scores
- Resume or CV
Many master’s of creative writing programs prioritize the writing portfolio as the most important part of the application, followed by the statement of purpose. For these programs, schools want to ensure they have a cohort of driven, talented writers with the most promise for successful writing careers.
Online Master’s Degree in Creative Writing: Curriculum
You can expect the curriculum for your master’s in creative writing program to be unique. Most of these programs are highly curated, and it’s not likely you’ll take the same courses as someone attending a different school, even if they’re enrolled in the same degree program. Moreover, these creative writing programs are often customizable, enabling students to select a concentration or area of emphasis. Even so, we’re listing some sample courses taken from real online master’s in creative writing programs to give you an idea of the breadth and scope of the kinds of courses you can expect to take.
Sample Courses
- Advanced Creative Nonfiction
- Forms and Techniques of Poetry
- Workshop in Writing Fiction
- LGBTQ Literature and Theory
- Revisiting Southern Gothic
- Nature and Environmental Writing
- Literary Theory and Practice
- Studies in the Contemporary Novel
- Researching and Writing About Literature
- Digital Publishing
- Contemporary Women’s Stories
- Editing, Layout, and Publishing
- Genre Studies
- Nonfiction: Writing a Nonfiction Book
- MFA Goes to Work: Creative Writing in Careers
Concentrations/Areas of Emphasis
Many online master’s in creative writing programs allow students to elect a specific concentration or area of emphasis. Usually, these specialties are aligned with the genre of writing the student focuses on or their career goals in the writing profession. Here are some examples:
- Poetry
- Fiction
- Teaching Creative Writing
- Creative Nonfiction
- Young Adult
- Publishing
- Screenwriting
- Narrative Medicine
The Thesis
When you think of a thesis, you typically imagine a long, in-depth research paper. The thesis element of a master’s in creative writing program is somewhat different, though. This type of thesis is a piece of original creative writing authored by the student. It could be a book of poetry, a memoir, or even a novel. It may also include commentary from the writer and/or a description of the writing process. Not all online creative writing master’s programs require a thesis, but many do.
Types of Creative Writing Master’s Programs
Part-Time Programs
As you peruse the programs in this ranking, you might notice that some colleges and universities offer their online master’s in creative writing on a part-time basis. If you have a busy schedule already, then these programs may be ideal for you. Just keep in mind that a part-time degree program will inevitably take longer to complete than a full-time or accelerated option.
Hybrid or Low-Residency Options
For this ranking of online master’s in creative writing programs, our editors took care to only include those programs that can be completed entirely online. Be aware, though, that there are programs out there that are advertised as online master’s degrees in creative writing but actually require some on-campus visits. Be sure to read the fine print or, better yet, speak to an admissions counselor about the possibility of on-campus residencies, workshops, or orientations.
Synchronous Programs
Even those programs that are offered 100% online can differ in terms of their flexibility. Be on the lookout for master’s degree programs in creative writing that are delivered synchronously. While it can be a benefit, it can be helpful to know ahead of time that these types of programs require students to attend live lectures and other class meetings at specific times of the day. As a result, synchronous programs can be less convenient than asynchronous master’s in creative writing programs.
Frequently-Asked Questions About Online Master’s in Creative Writing Programs
It’s not uncommon to have questions about your degree program prior to enrollment. After all, the more information you have, the better your position to make an informed decision. Here are some of the most common questions prospective students ask about master’s degrees in creative writing online. The information provided below is intended as general information. It does not replace advice from an admissions counselor or information gathered from a specific program’s website.
Q: How much does an online master’s degree in creative writing cost?
A: As with other types of degree programs, tuition will vary from one school to the next. In the research for this ranking, our editors identified programs with costs ranging from less than $6,000 per year to more than $60,000 annually. Scholarships and other forms of financial aid may be available, depending on the program and school.
Q: How long does it take to earn a creative writing master’s degree online?
A: Master’s degree programs typically take two years to complete, but this can vary. Some online creative writing master’s programs follow accelerated formats and can be completed in as few as 15 months. Others are part-time programs that may take much longer to finish.
Q: Are master’s programs in creative writing hard to get into?
A: They can be, yes. Some programs are more selective than others. You can expect to be required to demonstrate some talent and proficiency in creative writing as part of the application process.
Career Questions for Master’s in Creative Writing Graduates
Q: What can I do with a master’s in creative writing?
A: There are many different career paths you can take with a master’s in creative writing. For example, you can teach creative writing at the university level, work for a publishing agency, or embark on a freelance career.
Q: Will I be able to get a job as a writer?
A: There is a growing need for authors and writers, thanks to the bourgeoning field of online publishing. The BLS projects this occupational field will expand by 4% by 2032. This is an average growth projection compared to other industries in the United States.
Q: How much will I make with a master’s degree in creative writing?
A: Your earnings will vary depending on where you work. The BLS estimates that authors and writers make $73,690 annually, on average. The top 10% of earners make almost double, though. With an advanced degree in the field, you’ll be positioned to earn the most competitive wages.
Sources
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook
- National Center for Education Statistics: College Navigator