
University of South Florida

Florida
,United States

Program Name
MFA in Creative Wrting
Overview

The MFA in Creative Writing at the University of South Florida is meticulously designed to cultivate the next generation of creative thinkers and writers. This program stands out not just due to its strong emphasis on the art of writing, but also because of its rigorous curriculum that encourages both creative expression and scholarly inquiry. Students engage with a range of genres, from fiction and poetry to screenwriting and creative nonfiction, allowing them to refine their unique voices while mastering the technical skills necessary for impactful storytelling. The University of South Florida's esteemed faculty, comprised of published authors and industry veterans, mentor students through workshops, one-on-one critiques, and collaborative projects, providing the rigorous training essential for a successful writing career.
With a curriculum that spans over the course of 30 credit hours, students dive deep into both the theoretical and practical aspects of creative writing. Courses include advanced workshops in various genres, studies in literature that inform their craft, and classes that explore the business of writing, including publishing strategies and marketing. Additionally, students will explore the intersection of writing with modern technology through the Media and Creative Technologies specialization. This aspect of the program not only prepares graduates for traditional writing roles but also equips them to adeptly navigate the evolving landscape of digital storytelling.
Research opportunities are abundant within this program, allowing students to engage in projects that connect creative writing with broader social issues, cultural studies, and emerging media. The university prides itself on fostering a collaborative environment, encouraging students to work alongside faculty on research initiatives and creative projects that might lead to publication or presentation at national conferences. The state-of-the-art facilities provide access to cutting-edge technology and resources, ensuring that students have everything they need to succeed in their creative pursuits.
The university also emphasizes the importance of real-world experience, facilitating numerous internship opportunities that enable students to gain practical insights into the writing industry. Partnerships with local and national organizations allow students to connect with established professionals and gain valuable experience in editorial roles, publishing houses, and media companies. This commitment to hands-on learning significantly enhances graduates' employability, with many finding roles in publishing, education, content creation, and other related fields shortly after graduation.
Career pathways for graduates of the MFA in Creative Writing program are diverse and promising. Many alumni have gone on to publish award-winning novels, poetry collections, and essays, while others have secured teaching positions at esteemed universities and colleges. The skills learned in this program are adaptable and applicable across various industries, including journalism, advertising, and marketing, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the job market. Alumni success stories, showcasing accomplished writers and educators who credit their skills and opportunities to their experiences at USF, serve as a testament to the program's quality and effectiveness.
Why Study MFA in Creative Writing at University of South Florida?
- Distinguished Faculty: Learn from award-winning authors and industry experts who actively publish and engage in creative practices.
- Diverse Curriculum: A comprehensive course structure that includes workshops in various genres, literary studies, and business-oriented writing courses.
- Research Opportunities: Engage in exciting research projects that connect creative writing with social issues and emerging technologies.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Access to modern labs and resources to support innovative research and creative endeavors.
- Career Support: Strong job placement programs and partnerships with the publishing industry ensure high employability for graduates.
- Vibrant Community: Join a multicultural environment with a notable percentage of international students, fostering diverse perspectives and networking opportunities.
In addition to the comprehensive curriculum and opportunities for skill development, prospective students should be aware of the eligibility criteria for admission to the MFA in Creative Writing program. Applicants are typically required to submit a writing sample that demonstrates their creative abilities, along with letters of recommendation and a personal statement outlining their goals and motivations for pursuing their studies. The program may also require standardized language test scores for international students, including a minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS, 53 on the PTE, or 79 on the TOEFL.
This well-rounded approach ensures that students are not only prepared for their academic journey but also equipped for their future careers. The MFA in Creative Writing at the University of South Florida ultimately offers a transformative educational experience that nurtures creative talent and fosters professional growth, making it an exemplary choice for aspiring writers.

Duration
30 Months
Ranking
#97
US World and News Report
Class Profile
Diversity
Others:
14%California:
15%Texas:
9%New York:
10%Florida:
45%Illinois:
7%Eligibility Criteria
English Proficiency Tests
IELTS
6.5
PTE
53
TOEFL
79
Application Requirements
Here's everything you need to know to ensure a complete and competitive application—covering the key documents and criteria for a successful submission.

Application Fee: 30
Application Deadlines
Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees
$15,858 / year
FAQs
To apply for the MFA in Creative Writing at the University of South Florida, prospective students must meet the following admissions requirements:
- Writing Sample: Applicants are required to submit a writing sample that showcases their creative abilities.
- Letters of Recommendation: A set of letters of recommendation is needed to support the application.
- Personal Statement: Students must provide a personal statement outlining their goals and motivations for pursuing the MFA.
- Standardized Language Test Scores: For international students, standardized test scores may be required, including a minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS, 53 on the PTE, or 79 on the TOEFL.
The MFA in Creative Writing program at the University of South Florida is structured to encompass a total of 30 credit hours. The curriculum includes:
- Advanced Workshops: Courses focusing on various genres such as fiction, poetry, screenwriting, and creative nonfiction.
- Literature Studies: Classes that explore literature, providing a foundation that informs students' writing craft.
- Business of Writing: Courses covering publishing strategies and marketing to equip students with necessary industry knowledge.
- Media and Creative Technologies Specialization: An option to explore the intersection of writing with modern technology, preparing students for digital storytelling roles.
The MFA in Creative Writing program utilizes a variety of teaching methods to enhance learning and creative growth:
- Workshops: Students participate in workshops that emphasize peer feedback and collaborative learning.
- One-on-One Critiques: Personalized feedback from faculty mentors helps students refine their writing.
- Collaborative Projects: Opportunities to work on joint projects with faculty and peers, promoting a collaborative environment.
- Research Initiatives: Students can engage with faculty on research projects that connect creative writing with social issues and emerging media.
Graduates of the MFA in Creative Writing program at the University of South Florida have diverse and promising career pathways. Many alumni have achieved success in various fields:
- Published award-winning novels, poetry collections, and essays.
- Secured teaching positions at esteemed universities and colleges.
- Transitioned into roles within journalism, advertising, and marketing.
The skills acquired in this program are adaptable, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the job market, with many finding employment shortly after graduation.
The MFA in Creative Writing program at the University of South Florida is distinguished by several unique features:
- Distinguished Faculty: Students learn from award-winning authors and industry experts who are actively engaged in creative practices.
- Diverse Curriculum: A comprehensive course structure that includes workshops in various genres, literary studies, and business-oriented writing courses.
- Research Opportunities: Students can participate in innovative research projects that connect creative writing with social issues and emerging technologies.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Access to modern labs and resources to support innovative research and creative endeavors.
The University of South Florida emphasizes practical experience through various initiatives:
- Internships: Numerous internship opportunities are facilitated to provide students with practical insights into the writing industry.
- Partnerships: Collaborations with local and national organizations enable students to connect with established professionals.
- Editorial Roles: Experience in publishing houses and media companies is made accessible, enhancing students' employability.
The MFA in Creative Writing program fosters a vibrant and collaborative community:
- Multicultural Environment: Students join a diverse cohort with a notable percentage of international students, promoting varied perspectives.
- Networking Opportunities: The community encourages interactions among students, faculty, and industry professionals, enhancing networking potential.
Choosing the MFA in Creative Writing at the University of South Florida offers numerous benefits:
- Distinguished Faculty: Learn from acclaimed authors and experts in the field.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: A diverse and thorough course structure that prepares students for various writing careers.
- Research Opportunities: Engage in impactful research projects connecting writing with broader social issues.
- Career Support: Strong job placement programs enhance graduates' employability.
- Vibrant Community: A multicultural environment that fosters diverse perspectives and collaboration.
This well-rounded approach ensures that students are well-prepared not only for their academic journey but also for their future careers.
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