Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

KU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Master’s in Creative Writing Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the MFA in creative writing program will:

• Demonstrate advanced mastery of craft in fiction, poetry, or playwriting through a completed book-length creative thesis.
• Apply critical vocabulary and literary analysis to evaluate both their own work and the work of others.
• Produce and revise substantial original creative writing suitable for publication.
• Deliver constructive critique in workshop settings and engage productively in peer review.
• Develop professional skills related to publishing, teaching writing, and participating in literary communities.
• Situate their creative practice within broader literary traditions and contemporary conversations.

What Careers are Possible with a Master’s in Creative Writing?

Graduates of KU’s master’s in creative writing pursue diverse professional pathways in literary, academic, and media fields. According to Lightcast, skills developed in the MFA in creative writing program align with occupations that require advanced communication, editorial judgment, and creative production. Common career outcomes include:

• Novelist/Poet: Many graduates publish books of fiction or poetry, becoming part of the literary community.
• Editor: Work with publishing houses, literary magazines, or online platforms as an editor, refining written works for publication.
• Writing Instructor: Teach writing at the college level or in creative writing workshops.
• Freelance Writer: Write articles, essays, or other content for various publications or organizations.

Tuition and Financial Aid

KU offers competitive tuition rates for the MFA in creative writing program, and various financial aid opportunities are available. Students may be eligible for teaching assistantships, and fellowships that can significantly reduce the cost of their education. Additionally, federal financial aid options may also be available.

To learn more about tuition, fees, and financial aid options, please visit KU Financial Aid.

Admission Requirements

To apply for the MFA in creative writing program, you must meet the following criteria:

• Bachelor’s Degree: A completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. No specific undergraduate major is required, but a background in literature or writing is beneficial.
• Writing Samples: M.F.A. candidates must submit approximately thirty total pages of prose (fiction or nonfiction); multiple stories or a longer piece are acceptable. Poetry writing candidates should submit approximately fifteen pages of poetry. Screen or Playwriting candidates should submit at least one one-act play.
• Statement of Purpose: Write a personal statement of approximately 500 words outlining your interest in the program, your writing goals, and why KU is the best fit for you.
• Letters of Recommendation: Provide three letters of recommendation from professors.
• Resume: Submit a resume or curriculum vitae.

For more detailed information about the application process, visit English Admissions.

Student Life and Learning Experiences

Students in KU’s MFA in creative writing program participate in a vibrant literary culture that extends beyond the classroom. Regular readings, visiting writer events, and editorial opportunities provide professional exposure and community engagement. Graduate writers often serve as editors or staff members for affiliated literary journals, gaining practical publishing experience that strengthens their resumes.

Workshops remain central to the learning experience. In small, discussion-based settings, students analyze manuscripts, practice detailed revision, and engage in sustained creative dialogue. This collaborative model distinguishes leading creative writing master’s programs and fosters intellectual and artistic growth.

Beyond coursework, students build professional networks through conferences, public readings, and regional literary partnerships. The supportive community ensures writers graduate not only with a completed thesis manuscript but also with meaningful professional connections.

Master’s in Creative Writing Sample Courses

Courses in the MFA in creative writing curriculum may include:

• Reading Novels for Craft
• Writing for Young People
• Speculative Fiction Writing Workshop
• Fiction Writing

Students complete a combination of workshops, literature courses, and thesis hours to fulfill requirements for the master of fine arts in creative writing. For a complete list of courses and to learn more about the curriculum, visit the KU Catalog.

Accreditation & Notes