So…should you get an MFA in Creative Writing, or not? I asked myself this question for YEARS.
In fact, about every two years for a decade, I’d freak out and apply to MFA programs. I never wound up going, and eventually, I sold my first novel…and my second and my third.
So what did I learn? Today, I’m going to share with you the pros and cons of an MFA in Creative Writing, based on my own experience as both a published author and as a writing coach to dozens of writers working on books, some of whom have MFAs and many of whom don’t.
Pursuing a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing opens up a world of possibilities for developing one’s talents as a writer across genres like fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, writing for stage and screen, and more. But after graduation, what actual career opportunities exist for MFA grads? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll examine the diverse career paths an MFA in Creative Writing can lead to.
Overview of an MFA in Creative Writing
A Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing is considered a terminal degree for the field—the highest level of education aspiring writers can pursue. MFA programs typically take 2-3 years to complete and offer workshop-style courses in small cohorts led by published faculty writers. Students take part in intensive writing workshops, receive feedback on their original work, analyze canonical and contemporary literature, and often produce a major final thesis project, such as a novel or poetry collection.
While the MFA is not required to work as a writer, it provides important knowledge, credentials, and connections to significantly advance one’s writing career. The degree trains students in their craft, allowing them to produce publishable work by the end of the program. The faculty guidance and peer workshops help writers refine their voice and literary skills. MFA grads become better readers, editors, and critical thinkers as well.
Career Options for MFA Grads
MFA programs prepare students for careers in creative writing itself teaching publishing, and a myriad of other fields
- Author
- Novelist
- Poet
- Freelance writer
- Content writer
- Copywriter
- Screenwriter
- Playwright
- Journalist
- Columnist/Blogger
- Editor
- Literary agent
- Publisher
- Writing professor
- High school teacher
- Marketing professional
- Communications/PR specialist
- Media professional
- Grant writer
These are just some of the many possibilities Next, we’ll look at a few popular career paths for MFA graduates in greater depth
Author & Creative Writer
For many, the dream is to become a published author and make a living from their creative writing. The MFA gives writers the time, guidance, and network to produce publishable manuscripts, which serves as a crucial launching pad for their career. Through workshops, writers gain essential feedback to develop their own voice and style. MFA faculty often have connections in the publishing industry to help students get their foot in the door.
After graduation, writers can seek out a literary agent and submit works to publishers and literary journals. They can also self-publish books in ebook or print format. Aspiring authors must have perseverance and be prepared to handle rejection letters along the path to publication. Combining writing with freelancing, teaching, or other work can provide income while establishing one’s writing career.
University Professor
Many MFA graduates go on to teach creative writing and literature courses at the university level. Entry-level positions as adjunct professors or lecturers may offer part-time work and the possibility to transition to full-time, tenure-track roles over time. Professors not only teach classes, but also advise MFA candidates on their theses and may run campus literary journals or readings.
Teaching positions generally require an MFA or PhD. Those with an MFA may need to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy later on for career advancement in academia. Professors with MFAs can provide practical guidance to students, having gone through the writing program themselves.
Freelance Writer
Freelance writing represents a versatile career path for MFA graduates. They can utilize their writing skills across a diverse range of publications, websites, companies, nonprofits, and individuals as freelance writers. Common types of freelance work include:
- Magazine feature writing
- Newspaper journalism
- Blogging
- Advertising and marketing copywriting
- Press releases
- Website content
- Newsletters and email campaigns
- Ghostwriting books and articles
- Corporate communications
- Grant writing
Freelancing offers flexibility to work at one’s own pace from anywhere. Writers must be self-motivated and able to manage multiple clients and projects. Building a broad portfolio and reputation is critical to succeed. An MFA provides the advanced writing proficiency required for freelance gigs.
Editor
Editors work closely with writers to shape manuscripts for clarity, flow, and publication. MFA graduates possess the literary expertise and eye for detail needed to excel as editors. Possible editing positions include:
- Book editor at a publishing house
- Magazine editor
- Literary journal editor
- Website or newspaper editor
- Copy editor
- Proofreader
Editors review submissions, check for errors, provide feedback to writers, and prepare pieces for publication. Top skills include strong grammar knowledge, multitasking capabilities, and collaborative abilities to develop constructive author relationships. Editing can serve as a stepping stone for MFA grads to jobs on the publishing side.
Beyond Writing
While many MFAs directly utilize their writing expertise, the degree also provides transferable skills applicable to fields beyond creative writing:
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Marketing & PR – MFA courses hone communication abilities useful for marketing professionals, copywriters, content strategists, social media managers, and PR specialists.
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Media Industry – Storytelling, editing, and media analysis skills prepare MFA grads for roles in journalism, broadcasting, film/TV, and entertainment.
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Nonprofits & Advocacy – Strong writers are valued in areas like grant writing, fundraising communications, and spreading awareness through mission-driven nonprofits.
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Digital Media – MFA grads can leverage their writing background on the web as social media producers, bloggers, UX writers, content strategists, and search engine optimization specialists.
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Publishing – Understanding of the publishing process helps MFAs transition to careers as literary agents, publishers, or production managers at presses and publications.
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Education – Along with university-level teaching, MFAs can use their expertise to teach creative writing and literacy development in elementary, middle, and high schools.
Key Considerations for Prospective MFA Students
When weighing an MFA in Creative Writing, it’s important to consider the following:
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An MFA takes 2-3 years of full-time study—are you ready to devote yourself to the intensive writing process? Part-time options allow working while studying.
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Funding your MFA—explore graduate teaching assistantships, fellowships, scholarships, loans, employer support, and other options to fund the degree.
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Examine potential careers—talk to graduates about their career paths and have a plan for putting your MFA to use.
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Make connections—take advantage of mentorship from faculty and build relationships with peers to establish a professional network.
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Be open—look beyond just books to the many possibilities writing skills open up across industries.
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Build a portfolio—use workshops to create polished manuscripts and published pieces to demonstrate your talents.
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Consider a PhD—weigh whether you may need to pursue a doctorate for university teaching or other goals.
An MFA in Creative Writing prepares skilled writers not just for authorship, but for an array of careers across education, media, publishing, communications, advocacy, and beyond. The degree provides transferable skills, literary expertise, valuable connections, and the credentials often required for writing-related positions. With passion for their craft and the flexibility to explore multiple professional avenues, MFA graduates can thrive pursuing their purpose as writers across many industries. Those considering an MFA will see their investment pay dividends through lifetime opportunities to apply their writing abilities, voice, and perspective in meaningful ways.
My personal MFA story
Here’s a quick story. In 2011, I quit my job as a lawyer in order to have time to write. I was committed to becoming a published author. I didn’t know if I wanted to write fiction or memoir, but I knew I wanted to publish a book.
I was 29 at the time, and seven years earlier when I was been 22, I’d written down a goal that I wanted to reach by 30, writing a book, along with learning to speak French.
I hadn’t learned to speak French yet, so…it was time to make the book thing happen. I truly figured it would take me about a year to write a book and get a book deal…and even that sounded long. HA!
Nope. It took me six.
I took writing classes back to back on everything from how to write beautiful sentences to how to write humor to how to write a book proposal.
Some of these were great, others were weirdly discouraging, and I left them feeling worse about myself as a writer and a little bit depressed.
And every two years or so, I would have a moment of thinking, should I just do it? Should i just get an MFA?
I’d decide to go for it—I loved school, I always had, and being a student again for something I loved as much as writing sounded kind of like a dream.
I’d go through the entire process of applying…and if you’ve never done it, know that it is a process.
Getting recommendations. Writing Statements of Purpose. Paying $100 per application. Polishing my writing samples…all for the chance of getting one of like 5 spots in a program to which I knew hundreds of people were applying, and, if I was admitted, moving to some location that wasn’t in my current home city and dropping tens of thousands of dollars on more education when I already had student loan debt from law school.
I did this three times.
The first time, I was rejected at all but one place where I was waitlisted and never got in. The second time, I was admitted to one school that I turned down because I got nervous about the money.
And the third time, I got into a program I was really excited about, but by this time, I actually had friends who were graduating from MFA programs or had graduated.
And what I was noticing was that they were graduating without having written books. And then when they finally did write books a few years out of grad school, they were having as hard a time finding agents as I was.
Plus, a couple of them had actually graduated from their MFA programs unhappy they’d gone because it had stifled their creativity, and they couldn’t write anymore.
That was…the last thing I wanted. Having taken some non-MFA creative writing classes myself that had wound up squashing my creativity rather than the opposite, I really didn’t want that.
In the end, I couldn’t stomach signing on the dotted line and investing about $50,000, which is what it was going to cost me, for a program I wasn’t confident was going to help me enough.
Luckily, I didn’t have to.
Eventually, I signed with my literary agent, who, shortly after, sold my book, then my next two books. And when I realized I had some good stuff to teach people following in my footsteps of wanting to be published authors, I started a writing program.
Now, I work with all kinds of writers, including writers who have MFAs.
So is it worth it? What are the pros and cons? First, let’s talk about the pros, then we’ll talk about the cons.
Pro #2: You’ll have a serious writing community of talented writers & mentors
Being surrounded by people who share your same goal and are also dedicated to it can be a really powerful thing. So is, obviously, being mentored by good writers who are also good teachers.
Now, do you need to fork over $50K or more or spend three years taking full-loads of semester-long classes to get this? Eh…
I eventually found this community for myself. But it took me awhile. It certainly wasn’t efficient.
Is an MFA in Creative Writing Right for You?
What can I do with an MFA in Creative Writing?
Some of the most common career paths for MFA in creative writing degree holders include the following: Teaching and Education: Many MFA graduates pursue careers in academia, teaching creative writing at the high school, college, or university level even without a PhD degree. This may include roles such as as professors, lecturers, or instructors.
How do I become a writer after a MFA in Creative Writing?
Many writers go into teaching after earning their MFA in Creative Writing, often at the university level. The usual trajectory is to begin as an adjunct and then work one’s way up through the ranks to professor*, which ideally comes with a sweet corner office lined with leatherbound books.
Why do writers want an MFA?
Most writers want an MFA for one of three reasons: They want to teach writing, they want to get published, or they want to make room in their life for writing. It turns out these reasons for doing an MFA are actually based on myths. Many writers get the MFA because they think it will allow them to teach writing at the college or graduate level.
What is an online MFA in Creative Writing?
An online MFA in creative writing degree can provide you with flexibility and opportunities to connect with a broader community of students and mentors. What can I expect from an MFA in creative writing? Here is what you can generally expect from an MFA in creative writing program:
