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10 Best MFA Creative Writing Programs In 2023
Generally, the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing is simply a three-year, intensive studio arts terminal degree.
It simply has a strong international emphasis and also requires writing a book-length creative thesis in fiction, literary nonfiction, or poetry.
This article simply explores the best MFA creative writing programs in New York, Europe, and also Canada.
#1. University Of Oregon
The University of Oregon simply provides one of the best MFA creative writing programs. They also provide a 2-year residency program where students simply focus on either fiction or poetry. The program also comprises six workshops, four craft seminars, and even three reading tutorials.
In the second year, all the candidates must then pass a formal examination. At the end of the session, all the enrolled students are also required to conduct research.
By the end of the first year, all students who made it to this stage can simply choose a thesis advisor. However, to get into the University of Oregon, you must then fill out their online application form.
Application Requirements:
- Personal Particulars
- Past Academic Experience/Qualifications
- Recommendation Letters
- For poetry, the requirement is ten poems of up to 14 pages. Then for prose, an adequately written short story or a chapter novel of up to 25 pages.
#2. Indiana University
At Indiana University, they simply have experience working with candidates throughout a three-year program.
The program simply revolves around learning, applying, and also integrating craft concepts and working on students’ original literary works.
Every year, Indiana University simply accepts eight applicants: four in poetry and four in fiction.
Application Requirements
- Personal statement (500-word limit).
- Information about experience teaching creative writing.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- A set of transcripts from the previous educational institution
- TOEFL scores (for foreign aspirants only).
- A creative writing sample of 5000 to 7,500 words for fiction and 12 to 15 pages of poetry.
#3. Washington University
Washington University offers one of the best MFA creative writing programs in 2023. They also offer a two-year Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (MFA) with tracks in poetry and prose.
The University simply accepts a maximum of at least 12 students every year. According to the university, the low acceptance rate of students is for close associations between students and also instructors for a better learning experience.
The program simply comprises features that make it stand out as one of the world’s best MFA creative writing programs.
They also offer writing workshops in prose and poetry, and even students are expected to undertake coursework in literary periods, types, and critical theory.
MFA candidates also present a creative manuscript (a minimum of 30 poems, 100 pages of 5 short stories, or 150 pages of a novel), a critical essay (20–30 pages), and an oral presentation.
Application Requirements
- Transcript from past education experience.
- Statement Of Purpose (Word limit: 500–1000).
- A Critical Writing Sample
- Creative writing sample.
- Tree letters of recommendation
- English Language Proficiency Proof (for non-native English speakers).
#4. University Of Minnesota
The MFA program in Creative Writing is just for students who simply intend to balance the development of personal creative talent and the general study of literature and linguistics.
The three-year program is simply one of the world’s best MFA creative writing programs. The third year of the MFA is also devoted to completing a publishable manuscript.
#5. Arizona State University
The Master of Fine Arts at Arizona State University simply offers one of the world’s best MFA creative writing programs
It simply has always been an unswervingly student-first program. The University also offers one of the best learning experiences through small classes, deep workshops, and even training.
Students at the university then have access to outstanding faculty members who have over 80 book publications and have also received national and international recognition.
Application Requirements
- Graduate admission application and application fee
- Official transcripts.
- Statement of purpose
- Resume or curriculum vitae.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- Creative manuscript.
- Proof of English proficiency
#6. Brown University
Another option for the best MFA creative writing programs in 2023 is Brown University. At Brown University, students can actually choose to focus on either poetry, fiction, or digital/cross-disciplinary writing.
They simply offer a two-year program that then allows students to use their stay at the university for creative and intellectual exploration.
Each semester, the student attends two courses: a writing workshop and an elective every three semesters. In the last semester, students can complete an independent study to conduct research and choose an elective.
Application Requirements
- Writing Sample: An excerpt from a longer work, multiple short positions, or another combination. For Digital Language Arts, one or two electronic projects. cross-disciplinary, 30–50 pages. For poetry, a poem of 10–20 pages. (Upload as one PDF file).
- Graduate School application fee (or an approved fee waiver request).
- Online application form.
- Personal statement
- Transcripts (Upload a PDF file—if you are accepted, you’ll submit official transcripts at that stage).
- Three letters of recommendation.
- TOEFL or IELTS results (for international students) – Brown code for TOEFL: 3094; Department code: leave blank. For IELTS, have the score sent to Brown Graduate School, Box 1867, Providence, RI 02912 (USA).
#7. University of Iowa – 10 Best MFA Creative Writing Programs In 2023
An excellent option for the best MFA creative writing programs in the year 2023 is the University of Iowa.
The university simply offers top-notch lecturing services focused on exploring and leveraging creative writing.
Application Requirements
- A BSc degree from a university that has accreditation.
- A minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.00, or the foreign equivalent, as determined by the Office of Admissions.
- A manuscript of the applicant’s notable work, with a Manuscript Cover Sheet (PDF), sent through the mail.
- Evidence of your manuscript.
- A Statement of Purpose
- Application for Graduate Awards
- Your general GRE test scores (optional but recommended).
- Supplemental Financial Aid
- English Proficiency Requirements.
- Submission of a financial statement by international students upon acceptance to the University.
#8. Cornell University
One of the best MFA creative writing programs simply takes place at Cornell University in the USA.
The university also has needed and conducive teaching resources, which simply include experts in different literary, theoretical, and even cultural standpoints.
Every year, the university accepts only eight students, four in each concentration. However, the university fully funds the students.
Each of the students can then choose any two faculty members who can simply supervise and also work closely with them for a better learning experience.
To then get admission into one of the best MFA creative writing programs in 2023 at Cornell University, you simply need to fill out an online application form.
Application Requirements
On the online application form, you simply need to attach the following admission requirements:
- 3 letters of recommendation.
- Previous study transcripts
- Statement of purpose
6000-10,000 word creative writing samples, double-spaced can even be an excerpt or combination of several works for fiction applicants.
Poetry applicants must then submit a 10-page sample of their written poems.
#9. New York University
New York University simply offers an MFA in Creative Writing program that then allows students to focus more on their writing and also to pick from a more comprehensive selection.
They also offer courses that will enable students to develop their unique writing skills.
#10. Columbia University
Another option for the best MFA creative writing programs in New York is Columbia University.
Columbia University simply offers a highly regarded MFA Writing Program.
The faculty at Columbia University also consists of great writers and editors.
