by UTEP Connect
If you love writing fiction or poetry, or would like to teach others how to develop their creative writing talents, consider earning an MFA in creative writing.
What is an MFA?
MFA is the common abbreviation of a Master of Fine Arts and is an advanced degree in a variety of creative areas. Specifically, an MFA in Creative Writing focuses on the art and practice of writing for those interested in publishing their own original works or in pursuing a teaching career.
A bachelor’s degree is required before beginning a master’s degree program. While master’s in creative writing programs may encourage applicants who have a bachelor’s degree in English or creative writing, degree seekers may come from any field where they want to improve their writing abilities. Writing samples of your own work will be required when applying to an MFA in creative writing programs.
Why would you pursue an MFA?
A master’s in creative writing provides a foundation of theory and form along with workshops to develop your skills and hone your craft. Whether you are looking to get published or to advance your career, an MFA in Creative Writing will help you develop your voice and become a more proficient writer.
What can you do with an MFA?
An MFA in Creative Writing is preferred or required for a variety of careers. If you want to teach creative writing at any level, from elementary school through higher education, a master’s degree will be required, and a Master’s of Fine Arts in Creative Writing sets you apart from the competition.
Many other writing opportunities benefit from having an MFA in Creative Writing. Advertising, technical publications, local newspapers and magazines, and other organizations that require skilled writers often require or prefer applicants with an advanced degree in creative writing.
The salary potential for positions requiring or preferring an MFA in Creative Writing ranges from $50,000 to $75,100 per year.
If you want to become a published author, an MFA in Creative Writing provides advanced study in the craft. The earning potential for writers varies widely depending on genre and how long they’ve been published. It takes time to establish yourself as an author or poet, and many creative individuals build their audience while working in another job.
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the median pay for writers and authors is $61,820 per year in 2017. This includes a wide range of positions creating written content, including advertising, books, magazines, scripts, and blogs. Technical writers have a median pay of $70,930 annually.
What are the advantages of UTEP’s online MFA in Creative Writing?
UTEP’s fully-online Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing lets you earn your graduate degree from anywhere in the world. The curriculum has a strong emphasis on workshops, but there’s no residency requirement, so you can earn your master’s in Creative Writing from Texas without ever leaving home. And our program is the only bilingual MFA in Creative Writing in the U.S. and the world. Classes and discussions are held in English, but creative assignments may be submitted in Spanish, allowing you to write in your native language or expand your ability.
Our students come from a variety of fields, but they all share a common passion – an interest in improving their writing ability. Whether you are interested in establishing yourself as a writer or advancing your teaching career, our online creative writing program lets you gain essential credentials without uprooting your life.
What's Next?
We invite you to explore our online program and see what it will take to make that next step into your profession. If you are interested in learning more about our team and UTEP Connect’s 100% online master’s and graduate certificate programs, reach out. An enrollment counselor will contact you directly.
