QS Rank:

601

University of Tennessee at Knoxville

Tennessee
,United States

Program Name
Masters in Creative Writing

Deadline
December 01st, 2023
Overview

The Master of Creative Writing program at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville is a premier educational journey designed for aspiring authors, poets, and playwrights who wish to deepen their craft and prepare for a vibrant career in the literary arts. This program stands out on the global stage, consistently earning recognition as one of the top creative writing programs worldwide, with a strong emphasis on developing individual voice and fostering innovative storytelling techniques. The curriculum is carefully structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of various writing forms, including fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction, ensuring students are well-equipped to emerge as versatile writers ready to tackle the challenges of the modern literary landscape.
The curriculum is both rigorous and inspiring, featuring a mix of core courses and electives that allow students to tailor their education to their interests. Students engage in workshops that emphasize peer feedback and revision processes, enabling them to hone their craft in a collaborative environment. Essential courses cover topics such as narrative techniques, character development, and thematic exploration, while electives may include advanced topics in literary theory, screenwriting, and digital storytelling. This balanced approach not only enhances students' writing skills but also broadens their understanding of the literary marketplace and the dynamics of contemporary publishing.
In addition to the rich classroom experience, students benefit from the expertise of a faculty composed of award-winning authors and seasoned professionals in the field. The faculty’s diverse backgrounds and established networks within the literary community provide students with invaluable insights and mentorship. They encourage innovative thinking and personal expression, fostering a supportive atmosphere where students can explore their creativity without boundaries. Furthermore, faculty members are frequently engaged in their own research and writing projects, offering students unique opportunities to engage with ongoing literary conversations and practices.
The program is enhanced by numerous research opportunities and resources available to students. The University of Tennessee at Knoxville boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including well-stocked libraries and writing centers equipped with the latest technology to support students' creative projects. Additionally, students have access to various literary journals and publication resources that can aid in launching their careers. The university frequently hosts renowned authors, offering workshops and readings that expose students to a wide range of literary voices and ideas.
Networking opportunities abound through the university’s extensive connections with local and national publishing houses, literary agents, and creative organizations. Students are encouraged to participate in internships that provide hands-on experience in editing, publishing, and event management. The program’s strong emphasis on real-world applications prepares graduates for a variety of roles in the literary field, including positions as authors, editors, content creators, and educators. The networking events and career services offered by the university ensure that students are well-prepared to transition into the job market upon graduation.
Graduates of the Masters in Creative Writing program at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville have a proven track record of success, with many going on to publish critically acclaimed works and secure teaching positions at respected institutions. Alumni testimonials highlight their transformative experiences in the program, emphasizing the invaluable relationships they formed with faculty and peers, as well as the profound impact of the curriculum on their writing careers. The university is committed to nurturing the next generation of literary talents, providing a supportive and inspiring environment where creativity can flourish.
In summary, the Master of Creative Writing at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville is an ideal program for anyone looking to develop their writing skills and gain a deeper understanding of the creative process. Whether you are interested in fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction, the program's comprehensive approach will equip you with the tools necessary to succeed in your writing endeavors.
Why Study Creative Writing at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville?
- A globally recognized program with a strong reputation in the literary community.
- Access to award-winning faculty who are published authors and industry experts.
- A collaborative environment that fosters creativity through workshops and peer feedback.
- Extensive industry connections and internship opportunities for real-world experience.
- State-of-the-art facilities and resources dedicated to supporting student writing projects.
- A strong alumni network that includes successful authors, editors, and educators.
To be eligible for the Master of Creative Writing program, prospective students are typically required to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. A strong writing portfolio demonstrating creative ability is essential, as it serves as a primary criterion for admission. Additionally, applicants may need to provide letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose outlining their goals within the program.
International students are also welcome to apply, although they will need to demonstrate proficiency in English through standardized tests such as IELTS or TOEFL. A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 80 is generally expected to ensure that students can effectively engage in coursework.
The program follows a structured timeline, with an application deadline of December 1st, 2023, for the upcoming intake. Students are encouraged to prepare their applications well in advance to meet this deadline.
In conclusion, the Masters in Creative Writing program at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville presents an unparalleled opportunity for aspiring writers. With its rich curriculum, exceptional faculty, and supportive learning environment, this program is designed to inspire and cultivate the next generation of literary talent. Whether you dream of publishing your first novel, crafting compelling poetry, or exploring the nuances of creative nonfiction, your journey begins here. Embark on a transformative academic experience that will shape your future as a writer and storyteller.

Duration
24 Months
Ranking
#115
US World and News Report
#301
The World University Rankings
#601
QS World University Rankings
Class Profile
Diversity
Others:
1%Asian:
6%Two or more races:
5%Hispanic or Latino:
10%American Indian or Alaska Native:
1%White:
57%Black or African American:
19%Eligibility Criteria
English Proficiency Tests
IELTS
6.5
TOEFL
80
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: 60
Application Deadlines
Round 1 | |
---|---|
Fall | Dec 1, 2023 |
Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees
$15,165 / year
FAQs
To be eligible for the Master of Creative Writing program, prospective students should typically meet the following requirements:
- Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
- Submit a strong writing portfolio that demonstrates creative ability, which is a primary criterion for admission.
- Provide letters of recommendation.
- Include a statement of purpose outlining their goals within the program.
For international students, proficiency in English through standardized tests like IELTS or TOEFL is necessary, with a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 80 generally expected.
The curriculum of the Master of Creative Writing program is carefully structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of various writing forms, including:
- Fiction
- Poetry
- Creative non-fiction
It features a mix of core courses and electives, allowing students to tailor their education to their interests. Essential courses cover:
- Narrative techniques
- Character development
- Thematic exploration
Electives may include advanced topics in literary theory, screenwriting, and digital storytelling. This balanced approach enhances writing skills and broadens understanding of the literary marketplace.
The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Workshops that emphasize peer feedback and revision processes, allowing students to hone their craft in a collaborative environment.
- Engagement with award-winning faculty who provide mentorship and insights drawn from their own experiences as published authors.
- A supportive atmosphere that fosters innovative thinking and personal expression.
This combination of collaborative and mentorship-driven approaches helps students develop their unique voices and storytelling techniques.
Several unique aspects of the Master of Creative Writing program at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville include:
- A global recognition as one of the top creative writing programs.
- A faculty composed of award-winning authors and seasoned professionals with established networks in the literary community.
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities, including well-stocked libraries and writing centers equipped with the latest technology.
- Numerous research opportunities and resources, such as access to literary journals and publication resources.
- Extensive industry connections that facilitate internships providing hands-on experience.
These elements create a rich learning environment that supports the development of aspiring writers.
Graduates of the Master of Creative Writing program have a variety of career opportunities in the literary field, including:
- Authors
- Editors
- Content creators
- Educators
Many alumni have published critically acclaimed works and secured teaching positions at respected institutions. The program's strong emphasis on real-world applications prepares graduates for successful careers in writing and related fields.
The program offers extensive networking opportunities through:
- Connections with local and national publishing houses.
- Access to literary agents and creative organizations.
- Encouragement to participate in internships that provide practical experience in various aspects of the literary field.
Networking events and career services provided by the university further ensure that students are well-prepared for the job market upon graduation.
The application deadline for the upcoming intake of the Master of Creative Writing program is December 1st, 2023. Students are encouraged to prepare their applications well in advance to meet this deadline.
Students in the Master of Creative Writing program have access to numerous resources, including:
- State-of-the-art facilities, such as well-stocked libraries and writing centers equipped with the latest technology.
- Various literary journals and publication resources to aid in launching their careers.
- Workshops and readings hosted by renowned authors that expose students to a wide range of literary voices and ideas.
These resources provide substantial support for students' creative projects and professional development.
The faculty in the Master of Creative Writing program play a crucial role in enhancing the student experience by:
- Providing mentorship and insights based on their own experiences as award-winning authors.
- Encouraging innovative thinking and personal expression in a supportive atmosphere.
- Engaging in their own research and writing projects, which allows students to participate in ongoing literary conversations.
This diverse and experienced faculty contributes to a rich educational environment that nurtures students' creativity.
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