This is a list of MFA and PhD Creative Writing Programs from the First Edition of the MFA Handbook (January 2006). Since several new programs seem to be opening each year, I've listed links in the Second Edition to Online Resources.
As an archive, here are the listings from January 2006:
Masters Programs in Creative Writing
ALABAMA
University of Alabama, Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama
http://www.uab.edu/english/grad/concw.html
M.A. in English with a concentration in creative writing. Two years (30 degree hours) in fiction, creative non-fiction, or poetry.
University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
http://www.bama.ua.edu/~writing
MFA, three to four years, (48 degree hours) in digital media, nonfiction, screenwriting, autobiography, poetry and fiction.
Other: “It's our policy to accept only applicants to whom we can pledge financial support for the duration of their programs.”
Auburn University
Auburn, AL
http://www.auburn.edu/english/gs/handbook/index.htm
M.A. in English with creative writing concentration. Two years (24 degree hours).
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL
http://www.southalabama.edu/english/graduate.html
M.A. in English with concentration in Creative Writing, in fiction, nonfiction, or poetry. Two years (36 degree hours).
ALASKA
University of Alaska, Anchorage
Anchorage, Alaska
http://cwla.uaa.alaska.edu/MFAinfo.htm
MFA, two to three years (45 degree hours, and there is a part-time option) in creative nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and drama for stage and screen.
Other: Approximately 60 students attend the program.
University of Alaska, Fairbanks
Fairbanks, Alaska
http://www.uaf.edu/english/
MFA, two years (45 degree hours) in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry
ARIZONA
Arizona State University Tempe
Tempe, AZ
http://www.asu.edu/clas/english/gradstudies/mfa.htm
MFA, two to three years (48 degree hours), in poetry, fiction, or playwriting
Other: The playwriting concentration is 60 degree hours.
University of Arizona Tucson
Tucson, AZ
http://cwp.web.arizona.edu/
MFA, two or more years (36 degree hours) in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction.
Other: Part-time study is possible.
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, Arizona
http://www.nau.edu/english/cw/creative.html
M.A. in English with a Creative Writing Emphasis, in poetry or fiction. Two years (36 degree hours).
ARKANSAS
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Fayetteville, AR
http://www.uark.edu/depts/english/PCWT.html
MFA, three years (60 degree hours) in poetry, fiction, screenwriting, or creative nonfiction.
CALIFORNIA
University of California Davis
Davis, CA
http://www.english.ucdavis.edu/req_MA.htm
M.A. in Creative Writing. Two years (36 degree hours) in fiction, nonfiction or poetry.
University of California Irvine
Irvine, California
http://www.humanities.uci.edu/english/creativewriting/index.html
MFA, two years, in fiction and poetry.
Note: approximately 10 students accepted each year… “All students normally receive some form of financial assistance, and all students receive in-service training in University-level teaching.”
University of California Riverside
Riverside, CA
http://www.students.ucr.edu/catalog/current/crwtgp.html
MFA, three years, in creative writing and writing for the performing arts.
Note: “Offers writers the ability to move fluidly within various arenas of creative writing, including the genres of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, playwriting, and screenwriting, as well as in multimedia studies”
Chapman University
Orange, California
http://www1.chapman.edu/catalog/current/grad/sca.html#MFACW
English Page: http://www.chapman.edu/sca/english/
MFA, three or more years (60 degree credits).
Note: Don’t expect much help from these websites.
California College of the Arts
San Francisco and Oakland, CA
http://www.cca.edu/academics/creativewriting/index.php
MFA, four years, in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and playwriting.
Note: Very much an interdisciplinary program, with required courses in drawing, media history, and a community service internship.
California Institute of the Arts
Valencia, CA
http://www.calarts.edu/~writing/
MFA, two years (44 degree hours), with concentrations in cultural commentary, new fiction, experimental criticism, writing for performance, and writing for interactive media.
University of California, Chico
Chico, CA
http://www.csuchico.edu/catalog/programs/engl/ma_engl.html
M.A. in English with a creative writing pattern. Two or more years (30 degree hours) in
fiction, poetry, or playwriting.
California State University, Fresno
Fresno, CA
http://www.csufresno.edu/crwr/
MFA, two or more years (54 degree hours) in poetry and fiction.
Humboldt State University
Arcata, CA
http://www.humboldt.edu/~english/grad.html
M.A. in English with concentration in Teaching of Writing. Two years (36 degree hours)
Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, CA
http://bellarmine.lmu.edu/english/graduate.htm
M.A. in English with Creative Writing Emphasis. Two years.
Mills College
Oakland, CA
http://www.mills.edu/academics/graduate/eng/degree_requirements.php
MFA, two years, in poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, or children’s literature.
New College of California
San Francisco, California
http://www.newcollege.edu/poetics/index.html
M.A. in Poetics, two years (36 degree hours).
Note: The program is heavily involved with community and environmental groups through the Center for Education and Social Action (CESA).
New College of California
San Francisco, California
http://www.newcollege.edu/poetics/index.html
MFA in Poetics, three or more years (56 degree hours).
Note: The program is heavily involved with community and environmental groups through the Center for Education and Social Action (CESA).
New College of California
San Francisco, California
http://www.newcollege.edu/writingma/index.cfm
M.A./MFA in Writing and Consciousness. Three or more years (54 degree hours).
Note: “Students complete the MA coursework and creative thesis before undertaking the MFA. All courses are held on weekends.”
Saint Mary’s College of California
Moraga, CA
http://www.stmarys-ca.edu/academics/adult_graduate/programs_by_school/school_of_liberal_arts/programs/mfa/programs.html
MFA, two years, in fiction, poetry, or nonfiction.
Note: If you’re intimidated by the long web address, try www.stmarys-ca.edu, and then do a search for creative writing. The program is the first link to appear.
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA
http://mfa.sdsu.edu/ink.html
MFA, three years (54 degree hours), in fiction or poetry.
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA
http://www.sfsu.edu/~cwriting/
M.A. in English, Creative Writing. Two years (30 degree hours) in fiction, poetry, or playwriting.
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA
http://www.sfsu.edu/~cwriting/
MFA, three years (54 degree hours) in fiction, poetry, or playwriting.
University of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
http://artsci.usfca.edu/academics/graduate/writing/overview.html
MFA, two years (33 degree hours) in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction.
Note: Classes meet in the evenings.
San Jose State University
San Jose, CA
http://www2.sjsu.edu/depts/english/MFA/program.html
MFA, three years (48 degree hours) in poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction and scriptwriting.
Note: The program allows students to concentrate in more than one genre.
Stanford University
Stanford, California
http://www.stanford.edu/dept/english/cw/fellowship.html
Stegner Fellowship, two years, in fiction and poetry.
Note: This fellowship is a non-degree program, often thought of as a post-MFA fellowship, though an advanced degree is not required. All students fully funded. Ten fellows accepted each year.
Sonoma State University
Rohnert Park, CA
http://www.sonoma.edu/english/ma.html
M.A. in English with emphasis in creative writing. Two years (34 degree hours)
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
http://www.usc.edu/dept/LAS/mpw/
MPW (Master of Professional Writing), two years (30 degree hours). “An interdisciplinary graduate writing program that offers classes in non-fiction, fiction, poetry, playwriting, and screen and television writing.”
Note: “Classes meet in the late afternoon and evening hours for the convenience of working adults.”
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
http://www.usc.edu/dept/publications/cat95/cntv/cntv10.html
“The Master of Fine Arts with a track in Screenwriting is granted by the School of Cinema-Television. It is a two-year program which concentrates in writing for narrative film and television.”
COLORADO
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado
http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/English/programs/mfa.htm
MFA, two or three years (48 degree hours) in fiction or poetry with electives in creative nonfiction and translation.
University of Colorado, Boulder
Boulder, Colorado
http://www.colorado.edu/English/academic_programs/crw/CWgrad.htm
M.A. in Creative Writing. Two years (30 degree hours) in fiction, poetry, nonfiction, scriptwriting and publishing
University of Denver
Denver, Colorado
http://www.du.edu/english/gradcwr.html
M.A. in English with a concentration in creative writing. Two years in open genres: poetry and prose.
Note: “Although the Writing Program accepts a small number of MA students, the large majority of students are in the PhD program.”
Naropa University
Boulder, Colorado
http://www.naropa.edu/writingandpoetics/mfawritingprogram.html
MFA in Writing and Poetics, in poetry, prose, or translation. Two years (49 degree hours).
CONNECTICUT
University of Connecticut
Storrs, Connecticut
http://www.longriver.uconn.edu/grad.htm
M.A. or Ph.D. in Literature.
Note: There is no creative writing option or degree. Instead, graduate students “may participate in a creative writing community that serves to supplement their degree programs, and their writing lives.”
Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven, Connecticut
http://www.southernct.edu/departments/english/creativewriting.html
M.A. or M.S. (Master of Science) in English with concentrations in Creative Writing. Two years (33 degree hours). Fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction and novel writing.
Yale University
New Haven, Connecticut
http://www.yale.edu/drama/academics/playwriting/
MFA, three years, in playwriting
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
American University
Washington, DC
http://www.american.edu/cas/lit/mfa-lit.htm
MFA, two years, (48 degree hours) in poetry, fiction, playwriting, and screenwriting.
FLORIDA
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL
http://www.english.ucf.edu/grad/cw.html
MFA, two years (36 degree hours) in fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction
Florida International University (Biscayne Bay Campus)
North Miami, Florida
http://w3.fiu.edu/crwriting/
MFA in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and screenwriting. Three or more years (48 degree hours)
Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida
http://www.english.fsu.edu/crw/index.html
M.A. in English with concentration in Creative Writing, two years, in poetry, fiction, drama, and nonfiction.
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
http://www.english.ufl.edu/crw
MFA, two years (48 degree hours), in fiction and poetry.
Notes: 6-9 students per year in each genre… “All students are supported by a fellowship or teaching assistantship.”
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL
http://www.as.miami.edu/english/mfa.htm
MFA, two years (36 degree hours), in fiction, poetry, or screenwriting.
Note: The MFA in screenwriting is available from the School of Communication. http://com.miami.edu/Graduate/MFAMotionPicturesScreenwriting.htm
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL
http://www.cas.usf.edu/english/grad.html
M.A. in English with Creative Writing Track, in fiction, nonfiction, or poetry. Two years.
Note: A Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing is also offered.
GEORGIA
Georgia College & State University
Milledgeville, GA
http://al.gcsu.edu/cwprogram.htm
MFA, two years (42 degree hours) in fiction, poetry, scriptwriting, and creative nonfiction.
Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA
http://www2.gsu.edu/~wwweng/creative_writing/graduate/mfa.html
MFA, three years (48 degree hours) in poetry and fiction
Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA
http://www2.gsu.edu/~wwweng/creative_writing/graduate/ma.html
M.A. in English with creative writing concentration. Two years (27 degree hours) in fiction and poetry.
University of Georgia
Athens, GA
http://www.english.uga.edu/~creative/graduate/ma.html
M.A. in English with creative writing thesis. Two years in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction.
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GA
http://mapw.kennesaw.edu/
M.A. in Professional Writing, with concentration in Creative Writing, in fiction, poetry, playwriting, and nonfiction. Two years (36 degree hours).
Note: A graduate certificate in Creative Writing is also available.
HAWAII
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Honolulu, HI
http://www.hawaii.edu/graduatestudies/fields/html/departments/efg/english/english.htm
M.A. in English with Concentration in Creative Writing. Two years (27 degree hours) in poetry, fiction, or nonfiction.
IDAHO
Boise State University
Boise, Idaho
http://www.boisestate.edu/english/mfa/
MFA, three years (48 degree hours) in fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry.
Idaho State University
Pocatello, ID
http://www.isu.edu/english/english-MA.html
M.A. in English with creative thesis option in poetry, fiction, or drama.. Two years (33 degree hours).
University of Idaho
Moscow, ID
http://www.class.uidaho.edu/english/CW/mfaprogram.html
MFA, three years (54 degree hours) in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction.
http://www.class.uidaho.edu/english/CW/mfaprogram.html
ILLINOIS
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Chicago, IL
http://www.artic.edu/saic/programs/degrees/graduate/mfaw.html
MFA, three to four years (60 degree hours) in a variety of concentrations including prose, poetry, film and video, new media, hybrid works, and collaborative projects.
Bradley University
Peoria, IL
http://www.bradley.edu/las/eng/eng_graduate.html
M.A. with writing option.
Columbia College Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
http://www.colum.edu/graduate/04-05/gradcrwr.html (Fiction) or http://www.colum.edu/graduate/04-05/gradpoetry.html (Poetry)
MFA in fiction or poetry. M.A. in Teaching of Writing. Three to four years.
Note: The fiction and poetry departments seem to be separate at this school.
Illinois State University
Normal, IL
http://www.english.ilstu.edu/coursecatalog.htm
M.A. in Writing, with concentrations in writing or pedagogy.
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, IL
http://www.uic.edu/depts/engl/programs/grad_english/masters/masters_info.htm
M.A. in English with Specialization in Creative Writing, in fiction or poetry. Two years, (32 degree hours).
Note: Some specifics are subject to change. The website promises “a full-scale curricular revision of the graduate program.”
University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
Urbana, IL
http://www.english.uiuc.edu/mfa/index.shtml
MFA, three years (48 degree hours), in fiction and poetry.
Note: This site actually lists the emails of a half-dozen current students so that prospective students may email them with questions. Impressive.
Northwestern University
Evanston, Illinois
http://www.scs.northwestern.edu/grad/cw/
M.A. in Creative Writing, in fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction. Two or more years.
Note: A part-time evening master's program.
Roosevelt University
Chicago, IL
http://www.roosevelt.edu/cas/sls/writing.htm
MFA, three years (42 degree hours) in fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction.
Note: The program also offers courses in playwriting, screenwriting, and literary magazine production.
Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
Carbondale, Illinois
http://www.siu.edu/departments/english/GraduateStudies/GradIndex%20Spring-05.htm
MFA (studio/academic)
3 years (according to AWP Guide), 48 degree hours
fiction, poetry, or a combination
Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville
Edwardsville, Illinois
http://www.siue.edu/ENGLISH/CW/index.html
M.A. in English, Creative Writing Specialization, in fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. Two years, (30 degree hours).
Western Illinois University
Macomb, IL
http://www.wiu.edu/english/graduate/
M.A. in English, writing option. Two years (33 degree hours).
INDIANA
Ball State University
Muncie, IN
http://www.bsu.edu/shapps/english/cwp/gradcatalog.htm
M.A. in English (Creative Writing). Two years (33 Degree Hours).
Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN
http://web.indstate.edu/english/creative.html
M.A. in English with Specialization in Writing. Two years (32 degree hours).
Note: “Most current graduate students in English, including first-year students, hold assistantships that provide a stipend and a tuition waiver.”
Indiana University
Bloomington, IN
http://www.indiana.edu/~mfawrite/
MFA, three years (60 degree hours) in fiction and poetry.
Note: Twelve graduate students accepted per year. All students funded.
Indiana University
Bloomington, IN
http://www.indiana.edu/~mfawrite/
M.A. in Creative Writing. Two years (30 degree hours) in fiction and poetry.
Note: All students funded.
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, Indiana
http://www.nd.edu/~alcwp/
MFA, two years, in fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction.
Note 1: Ten writers admitted per year.
Note 2: All accepted students receive full tuition waivers.”
Purdue University, MFA
West Lafayette, Indiana
http://www.sla.purdue.edu/academic/engl/CreativeWriting/index.html
MFA, three years (42 degree hours) in fiction and poetry.
IOWA
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa
http://www.engl.iastate.edu/graduatestudies/CWsite/home.html
M.A. in English with Specialization in Creative Writing. Two years (30 degree hours) in fiction, poetry, and nonfiction.
University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa
http://www.uiowa.edu/~iww/ (fiction and poetry)
http://www.english.uiowa.edu/nonfiction/ (nonfiction)
http://www.uiowa.edu/%7Etheatre/programs/playwriting.htm (playwriting)
MFA, two to three years (48 degree hours), in fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and playwriting.
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, Iowa
http://www.uni.edu/english/web/GradEnglish.htm
M.A. Major in English, Creative Writing Emphasis, in poetry or fiction. Two years (36 degree hours).
KANSAS
Emporia State University
Emporia, Kansas
http://www.emporia.edu/english/graduate.html
M.A. in English with creative writing study.
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS
http://www.ksu.edu/english/programs/graduatestudies.html
M.A. in English with emphasis in Creative Writing, in fiction, poetry, drama, or nonfiction. Two years (33 degree hours).
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS
http://www.ku.edu/~english/graduate_program.htm
M.A. in English with Creative Writing and Literature option, in fiction, poetry, drama, or nonfiction. Two years.
Wichita State University
Wichita, KS
http://webs.wichita.edu/cwfwww/
MFA, three years (48 degree hours), in fiction or poetry.
Wichita State University
Wichita, KS
http://webs.wichita.edu/?u=english&p=/graduate/maprog
M.A. in English with creative thesis in fiction or poetry. 24 degree hours.
KENTUCKY
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY
http://coldfusion.louisville.edu/webs/a-s/english/grad.cfm?page=masters
M.A. in English with emphasis in Creative Writing. Two years (30 degree hours).
Morehead State University
Morehead, Kentucky
http://www.moreheadstate.edu/units/Graduate/mae.html
M.A. in English with Creative Writing Emphasis, in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. Two years (33 degree hours).
Murray State University
Murray, Kentucky
http://www.murraystate.edu/chfa/english/MA-Creative.htm
M.A. in English with emphasis in Creative Writing, in poetry or fiction. Two years (30 degree hours).
LOUISIANA
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Lafayette, Louisiana
http://english.louisiana.edu/degrees/masters/index.shtml
M.A. in English with Creative Writing Option. Two years (33 degree hours)
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA
http://english.lsu.edu/dept/programs/creative_writing
MFA, three years, in a variety of genres, including fiction, poetry, literary nonfiction, screenwriting, and translation.
Note: 25 to 30 students in the program.
McNeese State University
Lake Charles, LA
http://www.mfa.mcneese.edu/index.htm
MFA, three years (60 degree hours), in poetry or fiction.
University of New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana
http://www.uno.edu/~cww/
MFA in Drama and Communications, Creative Writing. In fiction writing, nonfiction writing, play writing, poetry and fiction, and screen writing. Two or more years (45 degree hours).
MAINE
University of Maine, Orono
Orono, ME
http://www.umaine.edu/english/CW.htm
M.A. in English with concentration in Creative Writing, in fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction. Two years (30 degree hours)
MARYLAND
University of Baltimore
Baltimore, MD
http://raven.ubalt.edu/programs/mfacreativewriting
MFA in Creative Writing and Publishing Arts. Two to three years (48 degree hours) in poetry, fiction, and/or non-fiction.
Note: 15 entering students; no more than 30 at a time enrolled.
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD
http://www.jhu.edu/~writsem/gradprogram05.html
MFA, two years, in fiction and poetry.
Note: “All students will receive financial aid in the form of full tuition and teaching assistantship.”
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD
http://www.jhu.edu/~writsem/gradprogram05.html
M.A. in Science Writing. One year.
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD
http://www.jhu.edu/pgp-as/writing/
M.A. in Writing. This program is intended for part-time students. “Allows students in the Washington-Baltimore region to earn a creative writing at their own speed while maintaining full-time jobs or meeting other obligations.”
University of Maryland
College Park, MD
http://www.english.umd.edu/programs/CreateWriting/index.html
MFA, two years (36 degree hours) in fiction or poetry.
Towson University
Towson, MD
http://wwwnew.towson.edu/english/PW/prowrinf.htm
M.S. (Master of Science) in Professional Writing. Two or more years (36 degree hours).
Note: The program enrolls part-time students and is available through evening and summer schedules.
MASSACHUSETTS
Boston University
Boston, Massachusetts
http://www.bu.edu/writing/index.html
M.A. in Creative Writing in fiction, poetry or playwriting. One year.
Note: 30 students accepted each year.
Boston University
Boston, Massachusetts
http://www.bu.edu/com/filmtv/gradscreenwriting.html
MFA in Screenwriting.
Emerson College
Boston, Massachusetts
http://www.emerson.edu/writing_lit_publishing/index.cfm?doc_id=184
MFA in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, playwriting, and scriptwriting. Three to five years.
Note: There is also an M.A. in Publishing and Writing.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA
http://web.mit.edu/sciwrite/
MS in Science Writing. One year.
University of Massachusetts
Amherst, MA
http://www.umass.edu/english/eng/mfa/main.html
MFA, three to four years (60 degree hours) in fiction or poetry.
University of Massachusetts, Boston
Boston, MA
http://www.umb.edu/academics/departments/english/undergraduate/programscert.html
Certificates in Creative Writing, Professional Writing, and Technical Writing.
University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth
North Dartmouth, MA
http://www.umassd.edu/cas/english/professional_writing/welcomepwp.cfm
M.A. in Professional Writing, two years, with concentrations in journalism, electronic publishing, technical, business, screen, grant, and creative writing.
Northeastern University
Boston, Massachusetts
http://www.vineyardworkshops.neu.edu/program.html
M.A.W. (Master of Arts in Writing).
Note 1: Northeastern University's M.A. in Writing is intended primarily for teachers, elementary through college levels. All courses required for completing the degree are offered at Martha's Vineyard through the Institute on Writing, Reading, and Teaching. The degree may be completed in as few as three to four years, combining intensive summer sessions with writing and research projects conducted during the year.
Note 2: This degree is through Northeastern University. You’ll have to piece together information from the above site as well as http://www.casdn.neu.edu/~english/grad/
MICHIGAN
Central Michigan University
Mt. Pleasant, Michigan
http://www.chsbs.cmich.edu/English_Graduate/creative_writ.htm
M.A. in English Language and Literature with concentration in creative writing. Two years (30 degree hours) in fiction or poetry.
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI
http://www.lsa.umich.edu/english/grad/mfa/
MFA, two years (36 degree hours), in fiction or poetry.
Note: “In the first year, all MFA students accepted into the program are offered from a 71% to a full tuition waiver and corresponding stipend either through a Gradership or by fellowship… Second year support includes a complete tuition waiver, stipend, and health care benefits through a Graduate Student Instructorship.”
Northern Michigan University
Marquette, Michigan
http://www.nmu.edu/mfa/
MFA, three years (48 degree hours) in creative nonfiction, fiction, or poetry.
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI
http://www.english.wayne.edu/Concentrations/creative_writing/
M.A. in English with Creative Writing emphasis, in poetry, fiction, and writing for the theatre. Two years (33 degree hours)
M.A. in English with Technical Writing emphasis. Two years (33 degree hours).
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI
http://www.wmich.edu/english/grad.html
MFA, in fiction, poetry, nonfiction, or playwriting.
Note: This website is very poorly designed. Be sure to click on FAQ, Master of Fine Arts, General Information, and Masters Degree Programs, which are spread all over the page and often open in Word format.
MINNESOTA
Hamline College
Saint Paul, MN
http://www.hamline.edu/gls/current_new/mfa_degree_program.html
MFA, three years (48 degree hours) in poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, children's literature, or any combination of genres.
Note: There is also a Master of Liberal Studies Degree (MALS) where students may concentrate in creative writing along with other interdisciplinary studies.
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Mankato, MN
http://www.english.mnsu.edu/web/gradCreativeWriting.htm
MFA, two to three years (48 degree hours), in poetry and prose.
Minnesota State University, Moorhead
Moorhead, MN
http://www.mnstate.edu/finearts/
MFA, three years (42 degree hours), in poetry, fiction, playwriting, screenwriting, or creative nonfiction.
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN
http://english.cla.umn.edu/creativewriting/programinfo/programinfo.html
MFA, three years (46 degree hours), in poetry, fiction, or literary nonfiction.
Note: “The English Department at the University of Minnesota is committed to providing financial support to MFA students for three full years.”
St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud, MN
http://bulletin.stcloudstate.edu/gb/programs/engl.asp
M.A. in English with Creative Thesis. Two years (36 degree hours)
University of St. Thomas
Saint Paul, MN
http://www.stthomas.edu/english/
M.A. in English with creative writing aspect.
Note: This website was broken at the time of research.
Winona State University
Winona, MN
http://www.winona.edu/english/
M.A. in English with creative writing thesis in “poetry, fiction, creative prose, drama, or (with committee approval) some combination of genres.” Two years (30 degree hours).
Note: Not the best designed site. Go to the English address above, then Graduate, then you’ll need to click on some combination of Overview, Thesis Option, and Graduate Catalog to find the relevant information.
MISSISSIPPI
University of Mississippi
Oxford, MS
http://www.olemiss.edu/depts/english/mfa/home.htm
MFA, three years (42 degree hours), in fiction and poetry.
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS
http://www.msstate.edu/dept/english/CWHome.html
M.A. in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing, in poetry or fiction. Two years, (30 degree hours).
University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
http://usmenglish.com/Graduate%20Links/graduate-MA-requirements.htm
M.A. in English, Creative Writing, in fiction or poetry. Two years (30 degree hours).
MISSOURI
Southwest Missouri State University
Springfield, Missouri
http://www.smsu.edu/English/graduate_degree_programs.htm
M.A. in English, Creative Writing Track. Two years (32 degree hours).
University of Missouri, Columbia
Columbia, MO
http://web.missouri.edu/~cwp/
Creative Writing M.A. in English, two years (30 degree hours) in fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction.
Note: “All Students admitted to the graduate Program in Creative Writing receive either a fellowship or teaching assistantship.”
University of Missouri, Kansas City
Kansas City, Missouri
http://iml.umkc.edu/english/programs/pwe.htm
M.A. in English with a Creative Writing emphasis in fiction or poetry. Two years (33 degree hours).
University of Missouri, St. Louis
St. Louis, Missouri
www.umsl.edu/divisions/artscience/english/creative/master_of_fine_arts.htm
MFA, two years (39 degree hours), in fiction or poetry.
Note: 40 students total in the program.
MONTANA
University of Montana
Missoula, Montana
http://www.umt.edu/english/creative_writing/default.htm
MFA, two years (45 degree hours), in prose and poetry.
Note: Approximately 45 students total in the program.
University of Montana
Missoula, Montana
http://www.umt.edu/evst/students_grad_emphasis_writing.htm
M.S. in Environmental Studies with Emphasis in Environmental Writing.
Two years, (33 degree hours) in Environmental or Nature Writing, or the Writing of Place or Landscape.
NEBRASKA
Creighton University
Omaha, Nebraska
http://mockingbird.creighton.edu/english/grad11.htm
M.A. in English with creative writing track. Two years (33 degree hours) in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction.
University of Nebraska at Kearney
Kearney, NE
http://www.unk.edu/acad/english/courses/creative-writing.html
M.A. in English with Creative Writing emphasis, in Fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, or drama writing. Two years (30 degree hours)
University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Lincoln, Nebraska
http://www.unl.edu/english/programs/creative.htm
M.A. in English with concentration in Creative Writing, in poetry and fiction. Two years (30 degree hours).
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada
http://www.unlv.edu/Colleges/Liberal_Arts/English/
MFA, three years, (54 degree hours) in fiction or poetry.
Note 1: “Almost all our students who wish to be are fully supported by Graduate Assistantships in a thriving teacher-training environment.”
Note 2: “The UNLV program stresses the importance of an international focus in writing. As such, at least six hours may be taken at an approved program overseas for an International Emphasis. Additionally, the Peace Corps Track allows students to simultaneously serve with the Corps and complete the requirements of the program in two years. “
University of Nevada, Reno
Reno, Nevada
http://www.unr.edu/cla/engl/program/graduate/bulletin/ma-engl.html
M.A. in English with a Writing Emphasis, in imaginative or expository writing. Two years or more years (31 degree hours).
NEW HAMPSHIRE
University of New Hampshire
Durham, New Hampshire
http://www.unh.edu/english/graduate/mawrit.html
M.A. in English with Option in Writing, in fiction, nonfiction, or poetry. Two years, 32 degree hours.
Note: The program is considering the addition of an MFA program.
Note 2: Accepts 15-20 students each year.
NEW JERSEY
Rutgers University
Camden, NJ
http://camden-www.rutgers.edu/dept-pages/english/Pages/creative_writing_track.htm
M.A. in English with Creative Writing track. Two years (30 degree hours).
William Paterson University
Wayne, NJ
http://www.wpunj.edu/cohss/english
M.A. in English with concentration in Writing. Two or more years (33 degree hours).
Note: “The department enrolls about 70 graduate students. Nearly all students in the graduate program are employed, most of them full time. They are primarily local area high school teachers and administrators, people who work in the New York/ New Jersey business sector, recent college graduates who are considering careers as writers and editors, or students who will be applying to schools that grant professional or doctoral degrees.”
NEW MEXICO
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, New Mexico
http://www.nmsu.edu/~english/programs/mfacw.htm
MFA in English with Emphasis in Creative Writing, in fiction or poetry. Three years (54 degree hours).
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico
http://www.unm.edu/~english/GraduateStudies/MA/CreativeWriting.htm
M.A. in Creative Writing, in poetry, fiction, or nonfiction. Two or more years (34 degree hours).
Note: Promises an MFA Program soon.
NEW YORK
Binghamton University
Binghamton, NY
http://english.binghamton.edu/gradprog/
M.A. in English with a creative writing concentration in fiction or poetry.
Brooklyn College
Brooklyn, NY
http://depthome.brooklyn.cuny.edu/english/graduate/mfa/geninfo.htm
MFA, two years, in fiction, poetry, and playwriting.
City College of New York, City University of New York
New York, New York
http://www.ccny.cuny.edu/english/creative_writing.htm
M.A. in English Creative Writing. Two years (thirty degree hours) in fiction, poetry, or playwriting.
Columbia University
New York, New York
http://arts.columbia.edu/index.cfm?fuseaction=writing_div.main
MFA, two to three years in fiction, poetry, and nonfiction.
two years, three for teaching assistants
Note: About 70 students admitted each year.
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York
http://www.arts.cornell.edu/english/grad.html
MFA in Creative Writing. Two years in fiction and poetry.
Note: Approximately 8 students accepted per year… All students are fully funded by assistantships… There is also a joint MFA/Ph.D. degree.
Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY
http://www.hofstra.edu/Academics/HCLAS/EAS/EAS_Creative_Writing.cfm
M.A. in English and Creative Writing. Two years (30 degree hours) in poetry, fiction, essay, and playwriting.
Fordham University
New York, New York and Bronx, New York
http://www.fordham.edu/Academics/Programs_at_Fordham_/English/MA_in_English_with_a_8195.html
M.A. in English with a Writing Concentration. Two years in poetry, fiction, memoir, creative non-fiction, or genre writing.
Note: According to the website: “Official approval is pending to institute this new Concentration fully”
Manhattanville College
Purchase, NY
http://www.mville.edu/graduate/ma-w.htm
M.A. in Writing. Two or more years (32 degree hours)
Note: “Courses are scheduled in the evenings, in order to meet the needs of working adults. The program can be completed in two years, though students may work at their own pace.”
The New School University
New York, New York
http://www.nsu.newschool.edu/writing/
MFA, two years (36 degree hours), in fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and writing for children
New York University
New York, New York
http://cwp.fas.nyu.edu/page/grad_programs
M.A. in English with a focus in Creative Writing, two years (32 degree hours), in fiction or poetry.
New York University
New York, New York
http://cwp.fas.nyu.edu/page/grad_programs
MFA, two years (32 degree hours) in fiction or poetry.
Queens College, City University of New York
Flushing, New York
http://qcpages.qc.edu/ENGLISH/Graduate/writingma.html
M.A. in Creative Writing, two or more years, 30 degree hours.
Note 1: Classes are held in the evenings.
Note 2: This website will not win the “best designed” or “most informative” contests.
Sarah Lawrence College
Bronxville, NY
http://www.slc.edu/grad_writing
MFA
Note: “Students choose to concentrate in fiction, creative nonfiction or poetry, but they may take craft courses in genres other than their concentration. Students may study either on a full- or part-time basis.”
State University of New York, Albany
Albany, New York
http://www.albany.edu/english/m__a__program.htm
M.A. in English with emphasis in Creative Writing, in poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction. Two years (32 degree hours)
State University of New York at Brockport
Brockport, New York
http://www.brockport.edu/english/
M.A. in English with Creative Writing track. Two years.
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY
http://english.syr.edu/cwp/cwindex.htm
MFA, three years (48 degree hours), in poetry or fiction.
Note: The program offers “particularly strong support in the form of fellowships, scholarships, and teaching assistantships to cover the three years of residency.”
NORTH CAROLINA
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC
http://www.ecu.edu/english/cw/
M.A. in English with Concentration in Creative Writing. Two years (30 degree hours) in poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and scriptwriting.
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, North Carolina
http://www.chass.ncsu.edu/english/englishnew/subpages/graduate/dpgrmf.htm
MFA, two years (36 degree hours) in fiction or poetry.
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC
http://www.chass.ncsu.edu/english/maprog/mma.html
M.A. in English with a concentration in Creative Writing, two years (31 degree hours) in fiction, poetry, or screenwriting.
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, North Carolina
http://www.uncg.edu/eng/mfa/
MFA, two years (36 degree hours), in fiction or poetry.
Note: 10 to 12 students admitted each fall.
University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Wilmington, North Carolina
http://www.uncw.edu/writers/mfa-about.html
MFA, three years (48 degree hours) in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction
Note: 15-20 writers admitted annually
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC
http://www.wcu.edu/as/english
M.A. in English with Creative Writing thesis. Two years (30 degree hours).
NORTH DAKOTA
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, North Dakota
http://www.und.edu/dept/english/GradInfo.html
M.A. in English with creative thesis option.
OHIO
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, OH
http://www.bgsu.edu/departments/creative-writing/home.html
MFA, two years (40 degree hours), in poetry and fiction.
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio
http://asweb.artsci.uc.edu/english/Graduate/gradma.htm
M.A. in English with options in creative writing (fiction or poetry), professional writing or editing and publishing.
Cleveland State University
Cleveland, Ohio
http://www.csuohio.edu/gradcollege/gradbulletin/section02/english.html
MA in English with Creative Writing Concentration. Two years (33 degree hours) in fiction, poetry, or playwriting.
Note: Admission to the creative writing concentration is a separate decision made by the creative writing faculty once a student has been admitted into the M.A. program.
John Carroll University
University Heights, OH
http://www.jcu.edu/graduate/bulletin/bulletin2004/academic/english.html
M.A. in English with Creative Writing Thesis. Two years (30 degree hours)
Note: This website is from the graduate bulletin. The English department site was under construction.
Miami University
Oxford, OH
http://www.units.muohio.edu/english/gradcw/index.html
M.A. in Creative Writing, two years, in poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction.
Note: “Almost all students admitted to the MA program in Creative Writing hold generous Graduate Assistantships.”
Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio
http://english.osu.edu/areas/creative_writing/
MFA, three years (70 degree hours), in poetry, creative nonfiction, or fiction.
Ohio University
Athens, Ohio
http://www.english.ohiou.edu/grad/area/cw/
M.A. in Creative Writing, two years, in poetry, fiction, or nonfiction.
Wright State University
Dayton, OH
M.A. in English with Creative Writing option. Two years (48 degree hours).
http://www.cola.wright.edu/Dept/ENG/grlit.htm
Note: Click on “Elective Options” for creative writing information.
OKLAHOMA
University of Central Oklahoma
Edmond, Oklahoma
the website for this program seems to have disappeared. The school’s website is http://www.ucok.edu/ and a very bare English department page can be found at http://www.libarts.ucok.edu/english/
M.A. in English with creative writing emphasis
Note: The status of this program is unknown. Email correspondence was not returned.
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, Oklahoma
http://english.okstate.edu/grad/index.htm
M.A. in English, two years (30 degree hours).
Note: The OSU program allows for flexibility in combining student interests. Options include: Literature, Creative Writing, Film, Composition, Technical Writing, Linguistics, and Teaching English as a Second Language.
OREGON
Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon
http://oregonstate.edu/dept/english/crw/
MFA, two years, (48 degree hours), in fiction.
Note 1: The program plans to add a poetry component in the near future.
Note 2: There is also a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Study, which includes creative writing as one of four concentrations.
University of Oregon
Eugene, Oregon
http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~crwrweb/
MFA, two years (72 degree hours), in fiction or poetry.
Note: The 72 degree hours is reflective of additional hour credit for workshops and thesis. Students take between two and three classes a quarter.
Portland State University
Portland, Oregon
http://www.english.pdx.edu/grad_wr.html
M.A. in Writing and M.S. (Master of Science) in Writing. Three years, 48 degree hours.
Note: Concentrations in creative, nonfiction, professional and technical writing, and book publishing.
PENNSYLVANIA
Arcadia University
Glenside, PA
http://www.arcadia.edu/academic/default.aspx?pid=561
M.A. in English with writing emphasis. Two years (36 degree hours).
Bucknell University
Lewisburg, PA
http://www.bucknell.edu/Academics/Graduate_Studies/College_of_Arts_and_Sciences/English.html
M.A. in English with creative writing emphasis. Two years.
Pennsylvania State University
University Park, Pennsylvania
http://english.la.psu.edu/area.asp?id=9&
MFA, three-year, (42 degree hours), in fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
http://www.english.pitt.edu/graduate/mfa.html
MFA, three years (36 degree hours) in fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction.
Temple University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
http://www.temple.edu/CreativeWriting/
M.A. in English/Creative Writing, in poetry and fiction. Two years (30 degree hours).
West Chester University
West Chester, PA
http://www.wcupa.edu/_academics/sch_cas.eng/gradprog.htm
M.A. in English with concentration in Creative Writing, in poetry and fiction. Two years (36 degree hours).
RHODE ISLAND
Brown University
Providence, RI
http://www.brown.edu/Departments/Literary_Arts/index.html
MFA in Literary Arts, two years, in fiction, poetry, playwriting, and electronic writing.
Notes: five fiction writers, five poets, three playwrights, one electronic writer accepted… “It is the goal of the Graduate Program in Literary Arts to provide financial aid to all accepted students each year.”
Rhode Island College
Providence, RI
http://www.ric.edu/academics/grad_fas_engcw.html
M.A. in English with concentration in Creative Writing, in poetry, fiction, nonfictional prose, or drama. Two years (30 degree hours).
SOUTH CAROLINA
University of South Carolina
Colombia, SC
http://www.cas.sc.edu/engl/grad/mfa.html
MFA, three years (45 degree hours) in poetry and fiction.
SOUTH DAKOTA
University of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD
http://www.usd.edu/engl/madegree.cfm
M.A. in English with Creative Writing Track. Two years (30 degree hours)
TENNESSEE
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TN
http://www.apsu.edu/langlit/graduate.HTM
Creative Writing English M.A. One or more years (33 degree hours).
The University of Memphis
Memphis, TN
http://www.people.memphis.edu/%7Eegoffice/creative.html
M.A. in Creative Writing, two years (33 degree hours) in poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction.
The University of Memphis
Memphis, TN
http://www.people.memphis.edu/%7Eegoffice/prowriting.html
M.A. in Professional Writing. Two years (33 degree hours).
The University of Memphis
Memphis, TN
http://www.people.memphis.edu/%7Eegoffice/mfa.html
MFA, two or more years (48 degree hours), in poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction.
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Chattanooga, Tennessee
http://www.utc.edu/Academic/English/gprog.html
M.A. in English: Writing, in technical writing, creative writing, and professional writing in journalism, public relations, and business. Two years (33 degree hours).
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Knoxville, Tennessee
http://web.utk.edu/~english/gs_ma_writing.php
M.A. in English with concentration in Writing, professional and creative. Two years (24 degree hours).
Note: Funding, in the form of teaching assistantships, is strong here, though the standard teaching load is two classes a semester.
TEXAS
Abilene Christian University
Abilene, TX
http://www.acu.edu/academics/cas/english/gradprogram/programtracks/writing.html
M.A. in English, with a Writing Track. Two years (36 degree hours) in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, playwriting, composition, or professional writing.
Baylor University
Waco, TX
http://www.baylor.edu/english/
M.A. in English with creative writing thesis. Two years (30 degree hours).
Note: 10-15 students admitted each year.
Hardin-Simmons College
Abilene, TX.
http://www.hsutx.edu/academics/english/creative_writing/program.html
M.A. in English with Creative Writing Emphasis. Two years (33 degree hours) in poetry and fiction.
University of Houston
Houston, TX
http://www.class.uh.edu/cwp/
MFA, in poetry or fiction. Two years (42 degree hours).
Note: 10 poetry, 10 fiction students accepted each year.
Note 2 : “Our (web)site will be going through a major re-design.”
University of North Texas
Denton, Texas
http://www.engl.unt.edu/grad/grad_MAcreative.htm
M.A. in Creative Writing, two years (36 degree hours), in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, or screenwriting.
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX
http://www.shsu.edu/~eng_www/GradProgram/create.html
M.A. in English with Creative Writing Emphasis. two years (36 degree hours.)
Southern Methodist University
Dallas, Texas
http://faculty.smu.edu/sshepher/gradbroc.htm
M.A. in English Literature and Creative Writing, in fiction or poetry. Two years (30 degree hours).
Texas A&M University
College Station, Texas
http://www-english.tamu.edu/cw/graduate.html
M.A. in English with Creative Writing specialization, in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Two years (30 degree hours).
Note: Funding is very good here, in the form of teaching and program assistantships.
Texas State University
Sam Marcos, Texas
http://mfa.english.txstate.edu/
MFA, three years (48 degree hours), in fiction and poetry.
Note: 90% of students are funded.
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, Texas
http://www.english.ttu.edu/department/read.asp?keyword=me_areas
M.A. in English, with emphasis in Creative Writing, in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Two years (36 degree hours).
University of Texas at Austin (aka the James A. Michener Center for Writers)
Austin, TX
http://www.utexas.edu/academic/mcw/
MFA, three years (54 degree hours), in fiction, poetry, screenwriting, and playwriting (students focus on at least two).
Note: This is the best funding in the country, with each student receiving full tuition waiver and stipend.
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX
http://www.utexas.edu/cola/depts/english/programs/creativewriting/
M.A. in Creative Writing, in fiction and poetry. Two years (33 degree hours).
University of Texas at Dallas
Richardson, TX
http://www.utdallas.edu/~nelsen/creativity.html
M.A. with emphasis in Creative Writing, in fiction, poetry, biography, drama, and translation. Two years (30 degree hours).
University of Texas, El Paso
El Paso, TX
http://www.utep.edu/cw/
Bilingual MFA, in English and Spanish poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, translation, screenwriting or playwriting. Three years, 48 degree hours.
UTAH
Brigham Young University
Provo, UT
http://english.byu.edu/emphasis/creative%20writing/gspage.htm
M.A. in English with creative writing emphasis.
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT
http://www.english.utah.edu/graduate_studies/index.html
MFA, two years (33 degree hours) in fiction and poetry.
VERMONT
None
VIRGINIA
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA
http://creativewriting.gmu.edu/
MFA, three years, in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction.
George Mason University
Fairfax. VA
http://english.gmu.edu/graduate/ma.html
M.A. in English with Concentration in Professional Writing and Editing.
M.A. in English with Concentration in Teaching of Writing and Literature.
Certificate: Professional Writing and Editing.
The M.A.s are two years (30 degree hours). The Certificate is 18 degree hours.
Hollins University
Roanoke, VA
http://www.hollins.edu/grad/eng_writing/eng_writing.htm
MFA, two or more years (48 degree hours) in poetry, creative non-fiction, plays, novels, short fiction, and children’s literature.
Note: Twelve students accepted each year.
Hollins University
Roanoke, VA
http://www.hollins.edu/grad/childlit/childlit.htm
M.A. and MFA in children’s literature.
Note: These are summer-only programs that last from three to five summers.
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA
http://www.jmu.edu/english/dept/grad.html
M.A. in English with Creative Writing Thesis. Two years (33 degree hours) in fiction or poetry, with some flexibility for other genres.
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, Virginia
http://al.odu.edu/mfacw/
MFA, three years (54 degree hours), in nonfiction, dramatic writing, poetry, and fiction.
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
http://www.has.vcu.edu/eng/graduate/mfa.htm
MFA, three years (48 degree hours), in fiction and poetry
Note: Courses are “available that focus on writing drama, nonfiction, and screenplays, as well as courses that provide practical experience in editing.”
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA
http://www.engl.virginia.edu/cwp/
MFA, two years (24 degree hours), in fiction and poetry.
Note 1: Admits seven fiction writers and five poets each year.
Note 2: All students fully funded with writing and teaching fellowships.
Virginia Tech University
Blacksburg, VA
http://www.english.vt.edu/cw/mfa/
MFA, three years (48 degree hours), in fiction, poetry, and playwriting.
WASHINGTON STATE
Eastern Washington University (aka the Inland Northwest Center for Writers)
Spokane, Washington
http://www.ewu.edu/x623.xml
MFA in poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction. Students may attend part-time. Three to six years (72 degree hours).
Washington University
St. Louis, MO
http://www.artsci.wustl.edu/~english/writing/
MFA, two years (39 degree hours) in fiction and poetry.
Note 1: Around ten students enrolled each year.
Note 2: All students fully funded.
Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA
http://www.ac.wwu.edu/~enggrad/
M.A. in English with concentration in Writing, in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Two years (45 degree hours).
WEST VIRGINIA
West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV
http://www.as.wvu.edu/english/grad/masters.html
M.A. in English, emphasis in Creative Writing.
West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV
http://www.as.wvu.edu/english/cw/mfa.html
MFA, two or more years, in fiction, nonfiction, or poetry.
Note: “Most students admitted into the M.F.A. program receive Graduate Teaching Assistantships that include a stipend (this year $6,264) plus a tuition waiver.
WISCONSIN
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Madison, WI
http://creativewriting.wisc.edu
MFA, two years, in fiction and poetry.
Note 1: “All students will receive two-year teaching assistantships that include annual stipends.”
Note 2: Twelve students total.
Note 3: Students in different genres apply in different years (odd/even). Consult the website for more information.
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Madison, WI
http://www.wisc.edu/english/cw/
M.A. in English with Creative Writing component. Fiction, nonfiction, and poetry
Note: Look under “Creative Writing for Literary Studies Students” on the creative writing webpage.
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Madison, WI
http://creativewriting.wisc.edu
Six Writer-in-Resident Fellowships are also available for selected post-MFA or Ph.D. students from any program. One year, in poetry and fiction.
University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI
http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/English/cw/index.html
M.A. in English with Creative Writing Emphasis, in poetry and fiction. One or more years (24 degree hours)
WYOMING
University of Wyoming
Laramie, WY
http://uwacadweb.uwyo.edu/creativewriting/
MFA, two years (40 degree hours), in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction.
University of Wyoming
Laramie, WY
http://uwacadweb.uwyo.edu/english/graduate/graduate_sub.asp
M.A. in English with concentration in Creative Writing. Two years (30 degree hours).
Masters Programs Outside the U.S.
Note: I have seen information about writing programs in Mexico, England, Scotland, Ireland, Norway, Spain, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines. It was difficult however to track down the relevant information, and I was not clear as to whether these programs accepted students from outside the host country. In any case, the best site on the web for information about these programs is “Creative Writing Graduate Programs Outside U.S.A.” where there is basic information, plus lists of email contacts. The address is http://www.gradschools.com/listings/out/creative_write_out.html
CANADA
University of Alberta, Edmonton
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
http://www.humanities.ualberta.ca/english/maprogram.html
M.A. in English with creative thesis. One to two years.
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, B.C. Canada
http://www.creativewriting.ubc.ca/
MFA, two years, in fiction, poetry, non-fiction, writing for children, translation, stage play, radio, screenwriting, or song lyric and libretto.
University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta Canada
http://www.english.ucalgary.ca/creative/
M.A. in English with creative writing option, two years, in fiction and/or poetry.
Note: There is a strongly worded statement on the website that indicates that very few students are allowed to pursue a creative writing project.
Concordia University
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
http://artsandscience.concordia.ca/English/Program_Information.html
M.A. in English with Creative Writing Option. Two or more years in fiction, poetry, and playwriting.
University of New Brunswick
Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
http://www.unbf.ca/english/graduate/gradma.htm
M.A. in English with a Concentration in Creative Writing, in poetry, drama, fiction, or nonfiction. Two years, (24 degree hours).
University of Windsor
Windsor, ON, Canada
http://www.uwindsor.ca/english
M.A. in English Literature and Creative Writing
Note: The web address for the creative writing option is three lines long. So, navigate to the above address and then take the path (on the left) Programs in English--> Graduate Studies.
UNITED KINGDOM
Bath Spa University College
Newton Park, Bath, England
http://ecs.bathspa.ac.uk/prospective/postgrad/MA_creative_writing/overview.html?pagevalue=one
M.A. in Creative Writing, one year, in poetry, novel, scriptwriting, and writing for young people.
Cardiff University
Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
http://www.cf.ac.uk/encap/creativewriting/index.html
M.A. in the Teaching and Practice of Creative Writing. One year in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, or scriptwriting
Note: There were references to a M.Phil in Creative Writing degree on the website, but there were no links and an intensive search found no page to describe such a degree.
Lancaster University
Lancaster, UK
http://www.lancs.ac.uk/depts/cw/ma1intro.htm
M.A. in Creative Writing. One to two years.
Note: This is not your average graduate program. You’ll have to visit the site to see what I mean. Definitely interesting.
Nottingham Trent University
Nottingham, England
http://human.ntu.ac.uk/study_here/postgrad/writing/
M.A. in Creative Writing, two years, in fiction, poetry, scriptwriting, children’s and young adult fiction, creative nonfiction, or new media writing.
IRELAND
Trinity College
Dublin, Ireland
http://www.tcd.ie/OWC/courses/creative/index.html
M.Phil. in Creative Writing. One year, in fiction or poetry.
Low Residency MFA Programs
I’ve decided against organizing Low Residency Programs by region. While most programs will require one to two multiple-day residencies on campus, the real point of taking a Low-Residency program is of course to allow the student to stay where he or she currently resides (or intends to travel to). Please also note: the length of Low-Residency programs (my notations such as “two or more years” etc.) varies, as each program allows for some form of flexibility in completing the degree over a longer term.
Antioch University
Los Angeles, CA
http://www.antiochla.edu/programs_mfa.shtml
MFA, 2-3 years in Poetry, Fiction and Non Fiction (A dual concentration is available)
Antioch College, McGregor
Yellow Springs, Ohio
http://www.mcgregor.edu/ilps/cw/index.html
MFA in fiction, poetry, nonfiction, playwriting, or screenwriting
Bennington College
Bennington, VT
http://www.bennington.edu/graduate/low_residency/menu.htm
MFA, 2 years in poetry, fiction or non-fiction
British Columbia
Vancouver, BC, Canada
http://www.creativewriting.ubc.ca/programs/lowres.cfm
MFA, 2 or more years, fiction, poetry, or non-fiction
Carlow College
Pittsburgh, PA and Carlow, Ireland
http://gradstudies.carlow.edu/mfa_writing.html
MFA, two and a half years (36 degree hours) in fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction
University of Denver
Denver, Colorado
http://www.universitycollege.du.edu/program/academic/oncampus/gis/degreeplansoverview.asp?DegreePlanID=42
A Certificate of Advanced Study in fiction, poetry or non-fiction
Fairleigh Dickinson
Madison, NJ
http://alpha.fdu.edu/becton/writeMFA/overview.html
MFA, two or more years, in fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction
Goddard College
Plainfield, VT
http://www.goddard.edu/academic/MFAcreativewriting.html
MFA, two or more years (48 degree hours) in poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, memoir, playwriting, screenwriting, or cross genre.
Goucher College
Baltimore, MD
http://www.goucher.edu/mfa/index.cfm
MFA, two or more years (36 degree hours) in creative nonfiction
Lancaster University
Lancaster, UK
http://www.lancs.ac.uk/depts/cw/ma1dist.htm
M.A. in Creative Writing. Distance Learning.
Note: This is not your average graduate program. You’ll have to visit the site to see what I mean. Definitely interesting.
Lesley University
Cambridge, MA
http://www.lesley.edu/gsass/creative_writing/
MFA, two-years in poetry, creative nonfiction, fiction, and children's literature.
Murray State University
Murray, KY
http://www.murraystate.edu/chfa/english/mfa/
MFA, two years or more years (48 degree hours) in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction.
Naropa University
Boulder, CO
http://www.naropa.edu/mfaonline/
MFA, three years (49 degree hours) in creative writing (no concentration).
University of Nebraska
Omaha, NE
http://avalon.unomaha.edu/unmfaw/
MFA, two or more years (60 degree hours) in fiction, poetry, or nonfiction
New England College
Henniker, NH
http://www.nec.edu/graduate/mfa/mfa.html
MFA, three years (64 degree hours) in poetry.
New Orleans University
New Orleans, LA
http://lowres.uno.edu/lowres.htm
MFA, two to four years (45 degree hours) in fiction, poetry, screenwriting, and playwriting.
Other: Has an interesting study-abroad program in Spain, France, and Italy.
Pacific University (aka Mountain Writers Series)
Forest Grove, OR
http://www.pacificu.edu/as/mfa/index.cfm
MFA, two to three years in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction.
Pacific Lutheran University, (aka The Rainier Writing Workshop)
Tacoma, WA
http://www.plu.edu/~mfa/
MFA, three years in fiction, poetry, and non fiction.
Queens University of Charlotte
Charlotte, NC
http://www.queens.edu/graduate/programs/creative_writing.asp
MFA, two years in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction.
Seattle Pacific University
Seattle, WA
http://www.spu.edu/prospects/grad/academics/mfa/index.asp
MFA, three or more years (64 degree hours) in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction.
Other: The program seeks writers who with to “place their work within the larger context of the Judeo-Christian tradition of faith.”
Seton Hill – popular fiction
Greensburg, PA
http://www.setonhill.edu/academics/wpf_homepage.cfm?ACID=102
M.A. in Writing Popular Fiction, two years (36 degree hours) with concentrations in mystery, romance, science fiction, horror, fantasy, and children and adolescent fiction.
University of Southern Maine, (aka Stonecoast)
Portland, ME
http://www.usm.maine.edu/stonecoastmfa/
MFA, two years (60 degree hours) in poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and popular fiction.
Spalding University
Louisville, Kentucky
http://www.spalding.edu/mfa
MFA, two or more years (64 degree hours) in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, writing for children, playwriting/screenwriting
Vermont College
Montpelier, VT
http://www.tui.edu/prospective/ma/default.asp?strLink=K.2.2.3
MFA in Writing, two years, 64 degree hours, in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction.
MFA in Children’s Fiction, two years, 64 degree hours
Warnborough University, UK
Warnborough University is incorporated in the Republic of Ireland as an independent global university for onsite and distance learning.
http://www.warnborough.edu/faculties/arts/mcreative.htm
M.A. in Creative Writing, two years (40 degree hours), in poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, or playwriting.
MFA, two or more years (80 degree hours), in poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, or playwriting.
Ph.D. in Creative Writing in poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, or playwriting.
Note 1: Students may study in more than one genre.
Note 2: The program is distance-learning, rather than low-residency.
Warren Wilson College
Asheville, NC
http://www.warren-wilson.edu/~mfa/
MFA, two years, in fiction and poetry
Western Connecticut State University.
Danbury, CT
https://www.wcsu.edu/english/mfa/
MFA in Professional Writing. Two years.
Note: The program offers study in multiple genres.
Whidbey Writers Workshop
Whidbey Island, WA
http://www.writeonwhidbey.org/mfa/index.htm
MFA. Children's literature, creative nonfiction, fiction, and poetry.
Note: “Students may work at their own pace, taking from two to six years to complete the program.”
Wilkes University
Wilkes-Barre, PA
http://www.wilkes.edu/creativewriting/default.asp
MFA, two years (30 degree hour) in fiction, poetry, screenwriting, playwriting, and creative nonfiction.
Creative Writing Ph.D. Programs
Since there are relatively few Ph.D. programs with Creative Writing aspects (at least compared to M.A. and MFA programs), I’ve listed these by area of the country and area of the world.
NORTHEAST
Binghamton University
Binghamton, NY
http://english.binghamton.edu/gradprog/
Ph.D. in English with creative dissertation in fiction or poetry.
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
http://www.arts.cornell.edu/english/phd.html
MFA/Ph.D. program in English and Creative Writing.
Note: This is a joint degree program offered to only one or two students per year. The Ph.D. dissertation is not in creative writing.
State University of New York, Albany
Albany, New York
http://www.albany.edu/english/ph__d__program.htm
Ph.D. in English with creative dissertation, in poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction.
SOUTHEAST
Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida
http://www.english.fsu.edu/crw/index.html
Ph.D. in English with Creative Dissertation in poetry, fiction, drama, and nonfiction.
Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA
http://www2.gsu.edu/~wwweng/creative_writing/graduate/phd.html
Ph.D. in Creative Writing in fiction and poetry.
University of Georgia
Athens, GA
http://www.english.uga.edu/~creative/graduate/phd.html
Ph.D. in English with creative writing dissertation, in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Lafayette, Louisiana
http://english.louisiana.edu/degrees/masters/index.shtml
Ph.D. in English with Creative Writing concentration.
University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
http://usmenglish.com/Graduate%20Links/graduate-PhD-requirements.htm
Ph.D. in English, area of study in Creative Writing, in fiction or poetry.
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Knoxville, Tennessee
http://web.utk.edu/~english/gs_phd_creative.php
Ph.D. in English with Creative Thesis.
Note: Funding, in the form of teaching assistantships, is strong here, though the standard teaching load is two classes a semester.
MIDWEST
Ball State University
Muncie, IN
http://www.bsu.edu/shapps/english/cwp/gradcatalog.htm
Doctoral Cognate in Creative Writing. 15 degree hours.
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio
http://asweb.artsci.uc.edu/english/Graduate/gradphd.htm
Ph.D. in English with a creative dissertation option.
Illinois State University
Normal, IL
http://www.english.ilstu.edu/graduate/phdengstudies.htm
Ph.D. in English with creative dissertation.
University of Illinois, Chicago
Chicago, IL
http://www.uic.edu/depts/engl/programs/grad_english/grad_english.htm
Ph.D. in English with Creative Writing specialization.
University of Missouri Columbia
Columbia, MO
http://www.missouri.edu/~cwp/
Creative Writing Ph.D. in English. Fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction.
Note: “All Students admitted to the graduate Program in Creative Writing receive either a fellowship or teaching assistantship.”
University of Nebraska
Lincoln, NE
http://www.unl.edu/english/graduate/grad_PhDdegrees.html
Ph.D. in Creative Writing
Note: Funding seems very good here, in the form of teaching assistantships.
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, North Dakota
http://www.und.edu/dept/english/GradInfo.html
Ph.D. in English with creative thesis option.
Ohio University
Athens, Ohio
http://www.english.ohiou.edu/grad/area/cw/
Ph.D. in Creative Writing, in poetry, fiction, or nonfiction.
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, Oklahoma
http://english.okstate.edu/grad/index.htm
Ph.D. in English.
Note: The OSU program allows for flexibility in combining student interests. Options include: Literature, Creative Writing, Film, Composition, Technical Writing, Linguistics, and Teaching English as a Second Language.
University of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD
http://www.usd.edu/engl/phddegree.cfm
Ph.D. in English with Creative Writing Emphasis.
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI
http://www.wmich.edu/english/gradhandbook/index.htm#doctoral
Ph.D. in English with Creative Writing emphasis, in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and playwriting.
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Madison, WI
http://www.wisc.edu/english/cw/
Ph.D. in English with minor in Creative Writing. Fiction, nonfiction, and poetry
Note: Look under “Creative Writing for Literary Studies Students” on the creative writing webpage.
University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI
http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/English/cw/index.html
Ph.D. in English with Creative Writing Emphasis. Poetry and fiction.
M.A. in English with Creative Writing Emphasis, in poetry and fiction. One or more years (24 degree hours)
SOUTHWEST
University of Houston
Houston, TX
http://www.class.uh.edu/cwp/
Ph.D. in Literature and Creative Writing, in fiction or poetry.
Note: “Our (web)site will be going through a major re-design.”
University of North Texas
Denton, Texas
http://www.engl.unt.edu/grad/grad_PhDdegreedesc.htm#PhD_requirements
Ph.D. in English, with focus in Creative Writing.
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, Texas
http://www.english.ttu.edu/cw/phd.htm
Ph.D. in English, with concentration in Creative Writing, in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.
University of Texas at Dallas
Richardson, TX
http://www.utdallas.edu/~nelsen/creativity.html
Ph.D. in Writing and Translation with creative thesis, in fiction, poetry, nonfiction, drama, screenwriting, and translation.
WEST
University of Denver
Denver, Colorado
http://www.du.edu/english/gradcwr.html
PhD in English with a concentration in Creative Writing, in open genres: poetry and prose.
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Honolulu, HI
http://www.hawaii.edu/graduatestudies/fields/html/departments/efg/english/english.htm
Ph.D. in English with Concentration in Creative Writing, in poetry, fiction, or nonfiction.
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada
http://www.unlv.edu/Colleges/Liberal_Arts/English/
Ph.D. in Literature with Creative Dissertation. In fiction or poetry.
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
http://www.usc.edu/dept/LAS/english/creative_writing/
Ph.D. in Literature and Creative Writing. Fiction or poetry.
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT
http://www.english.utah.edu/graduate_studies/phd_creative_writing.html
Ph.D. in Literature with Creative Writing emphasis. Fiction and poetry
CANADA
University of Calgary
Calgary, AB Canada
http://www.english.ucalgary.ca/creative/
Ph.D. with creative writing option.
Note: “Students should note that because of the high standards expected for such a project and the Department's limited resources in the area of creative writing, very few students will be able to undertake this creative alternative.”
IRELAND
Warnborough University
Warnborough University is incorporated in the Republic of Ireland as an independent global university for onsite and distance learning.
http://www.warnborough.edu/faculties/arts/mcreative.htm
Ph.D. in Creative Writing in poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, or playwriting.
Note 1: Students may study in more than one genre.
Note 2: The program is distance-learning, rather than low-residency.
UNITED KINGDOM
Bath Spa University
Newton Park, Bath, England
http://ecs.bathspa.ac.uk/prospective/postgrad/PHD_creative_writing/overview.htm?pagevalue=one
Ph.D. Creative Writing in fiction, poetry, or playwriting.
Cardiff University
Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/index.html
Note: There is supposedly a Ph.D. in Creative and Critical Writing at Cardiff. After an exhaustive and frustrating search of the website, I finally gave up the search. I’d expect potential students will do the same until the university provides information in a clear and accessible way. An email to the English Department was not returned.
Lancaster University
Lancaster, UK
http://www.lancs.ac.uk/depts/cw/phd.htm
Ph.D. in Creative Writing.
Note: This is not your average graduate program. You’ll have to visit the site to see what I mean. Definitely interesting.
