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Online MFA in Creative Writing Program Overview

Share your story with the world and let the power of storytelling take your career to new heights with an online Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing. As one of the only programs available that encourages a focus on genre fiction, our online MFA lets you hone your craft in an area specific to your strengths and interests. You'll also learn about the business side of creative writing, preparing you to market your work in the real world.

While most MFA programs require a residency, Southern New Hampshire University's online MFA in Creative Writing can be completed entirely online, with no travel necessary.

"The traditional MFA program is not feasible for a large majority of the population, nor does it benefit reading audiences everywhere," said Joan Smith, MFA, associate dean of creative writing. "We are eager to break these stereotypes and make this education attainable and practical as those who have the passion for writing seek to stoke it."

Graduates leave the program with a completed and revised novel in the genre of their choice. And with the included certificates in either online teaching of writing or professional writing, you'll have the skills to support your writing career, no matter where it takes you.

Learn how to:

• Understand the business and technical sides of professional writing
• Navigate the publishing ecosystem, whether you intend to publish traditionally or via self-publishing
• Utilize social media to gain a following and build your brand
• Market your work to appeal to decision makers
• Develop materials for book promotion
• Identify agents, editors or other industry professionals who may guide you in future publication
• Teach writing in a classroom setting

Career Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, writers and authors made a median annual salary of $63,200 in 2019, while editors made $61,370.

But we know becoming a successful novelist isn't always an easy or certain path. That's why our online MFA in Creative Writing program has a dual focus. First, to give you the training to hone your craft and graduate with a publishable novel. And second, to give you as many tools as possible to market yourself and increase your odds of career success.

Earning one of the included certificates in online teaching of writing or professional writing will also be an invaluable addition to your resume for part-time, full-time and freelance jobs in a variety of fields, including:

• Higher education. Instruct writing courses in higher education settings. In 2019, postsecondary teachers made a median annual wage of $79,540, and you can expect to see an 11% growth in available positions through 2028 according to the BLS.
• Advertising. Use your storytelling skills in a way that influences consumer action. As a copywriter, you could find yourself doing any number of writing projects from crafting emails and ads to writing entire commercials.
• Marketing. If you're more comfortable with long form prose, many businesses have invested in content writers who create quality content such as blog posts, e-books and podcasts to attract and retain customers.
• Entertainment. Good at building suspense or setting up punchlines? From movies and plays to comedy and podcasts, being a good storyteller and writer is important to finding success in the entertainment industry.
• History. Every person's life has a plot, but it takes writers like you to tell their story in a compelling way. Help readers relive the experiences of historic figures and pop culture icons as a biographer.