Best Master's in Creative Writing (MFA) Online
Updated September 21, 2023
Reviewed by
Our Integrity Network
TheBestSchools.org is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.
Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:
- Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
- Provide specific, corrective feedback.
- Identify critical information that writers may have missed.
Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for TheBestSchools.org as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.
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.
Featured MFA Programs
Best Master’s in Creative Writing Programs Online
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Master’s in Creative Writing (MFA) Online
The University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Texas at El Paso hosts a top-ranked creative writing program. The MFA in creative writing builds specialized skills for advanced practice, preparing graduates for leadership positions with increased salary potential. After earning a master's degree, candidates can also pursue careers in new industries.
The master's curriculum explores theoretical and practical perspectives in the field. Learners take electives and other specialized courses to gain career-specific training. Applicants without a background in creative writing may need to complete prerequisite courses before enrolling in the master's program.
Online enrollees add to their resume by pursuing internship opportunities at approved locations in their local area. Graduate students also participate in networking events to expand their professional connections.
The University of Texas at El Paso at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 100%
Total Online Master's Programs: 14
Program Name: MFA in creative writing
Graduate Tuition In State: $5,497
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $14,766
#2 Best Master’s in Creative Writing (MFA) Online
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Omaha, NE - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Nebraska at Omaha offers an online creative writing program. Individuals prepare for advanced roles in the field during the rigorous master of fine arts in writing program. After completing a master's degree, candidates often advance in their current field or pursue new opportunities.
The master's curriculum emphasizes research methods and analytical skills. Learners focus the program with electives or a concentration. The master's program builds on undergraduate training or professional experience in writing.
Online enrollees gain real-world experience through internships offered in their local area. Experiential learning opportunities and networking events help graduate students expand their professional network.
University of Nebraska at Omaha at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 83%
Total Online Master's Programs: 6
Program Name: Master of fine arts in writing
Graduate Tuition In State: $5,558
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $14,440
#3 Best Master’s in Creative Writing (MFA) Online
Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The online master's in creative writing program, offered by Saint Leo University, ranks as a top program in the field. The creative writing master's program helps graduates move into leadership roles and increase their earning potential. Earning a master's degree can also help candidates pursue new career opportunities.
The master's curriculum emphasizes practical and theoretical approaches to creative writing. Learners take electives and other specialized courses to gain career-specific training. The master's program recommends a background in creative writing for applicants.
Online enrollees participate in internship programs at approved locations in their local area. Graduate students also attend networking events to expand their professional connections.
Saint Leo University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, not-for-profit, four-year
Admission Rate: 72%
Total Online Master's Programs: 27
Program Name: Master's in creative writing
Graduate Tuition In State: $7,296
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $7,296
#4 Best Master’s in Creative Writing (MFA) Online
Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Central Washington University, located in Ellensburg, enrolls master's students in its online creative writing program. The MA in professional and creative writing builds specialized skills for advanced practice, preparing graduates for leadership positions with increased salary potential. After completing a master's degree, candidates often pursue career advancement in their current field or a new one.
The master's curriculum emphasizes the best practices in creative writing. Learners choose electives and concentrations to prepare for focused career paths. The master's program recommends that applicants have a background in creative writing.
Online enrollees complete internship requirements at approved sites in their own community. Graduate students expand their professional networks through internships and online events.
Central Washington University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 85%
Total Online Master's Programs: 17
Program Name: MA in professional and creative writing
Graduate Tuition In State: $9,582
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $22,449
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 Authorsresearch 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
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
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.
Featured MFA Programs
Related Articles
More topic-relevant resources to expand your knowledge.
Popular with our students.
Highly informative resources to keep your education journey on track.
Take the next step toward your future with online learning.
Discover schools with the programs and courses you’re interested in, and start learning today.
