There is an extensive variety of diplomas and degrees you can pursue once you have obtained an undergraduate degree.
Although it’s not mandatory to get a postgraduate degree, there are significant advantages of getting one depending on your personal preferences, the career path you choose, and the time and money you are willing to invest in your professional career.
We’ll focus on what an MFA in Creative Writing is and how much it can cost, in the next few sections.
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What is an MFA?
The acronym MFA means Master of Fine Arts, which is an advanced degree that is specific for several subjects within the creative arts, such as visual arts, performing arts, design, and creative writing.
An MFA is not the same as an MA, or Master of Arts; this one refers to an ample variety of subjects different from the creative arts.
In this area, an MFA is generally called a ‘terminal degree’.
But what does this mean?
What Is a Terminal Degree?
A terminal degree means that you have reached the highest level of education on a certain subject or area.
Depending on the field, the name of the terminal degree can vary.
The most common terminal degrees are PhD or Doctor of Philosophy, EdD or Doctor of Education, and MFA, which is Master of Fine Arts, as we previously mentioned.
What is an MFA in Creative Writing?
An MFA in Creative Writing puts the emphasis on improving your writing, editing, and communication skills, whether you want to pursue a career as a writer, an editor, or stay in the academic world as a professor.
Fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry are usually the three main specializations in an MFA in Creative Writing.
Yet this doesn’t mean they don’t cover other subjects, such as teaching or screenwriting.
The concentrations available though will vary according to the university where you want to study.
Why Study an MFA in Creative Writing?
As a terminal degree, getting an MFA in Creative Writing means that you will have the maximum degree awarded in your area, thus improving not only your knowledge and expertise in a wide variety of writing fields but also enhancing the opportunities of getting the job you have always wanted.
Most of these degrees also offer a chance to experience working in academia by teaching introductory classes, which could be a great way to develop other skills, whether you want to continue as a professor or not.
Another advantage of obtaining an MFA in Creative Writing is that you will be surrounded by a large community of writers and artists, which will help you learn through their experience and additionally, make connections in the field.
How Long Does It Take to Get an MFA in Creative Writing?
In some cases, it can take a year or even three years to get an MFA in Creative Writing, but the majority of full-time programs tend to last two years.
However, this can change depending on the university and the type of program you choose.
How to Choose an MFA in Creative Writing?
There are several factors you must consider when trying to choose a university and program that fits best for you.
One of the first things you must take into account is your future career path. In what area do you want to focus?
Universities tend to specialize in particular subjects, so this could be a good way to start filtering which programs are better for you.
Another main factor is the type of program.
Do you have enough time in your daily schedule to study full-time or do you want to be able to work and study at the same time?
If this is the case, there are part-time and online options that will help you to manage both activities at the same time.
Furthermore, you should think about your budget.
Is the university you want to study in the same city where you live?
Can you or your family afford this cost?
If not, can you apply for a scholarship or some other type of financial aid?
These factors will help you to come up with a set of options on where you want and can study.
How Much Does an MFA in Creative Writing Cost?
The tuition fees of studying an MFA in Creative Writing will vary depending mostly on the university and program you choose, as well as the city where you live.
Mandatory fees are usually from $700 to $2,000, and health insurance is on average from $2,500 to $3,500.
On average, you could spend between $15K and $35K per year just for tuition fees.
