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Pursuing a master's in writing can help you enter any number of creative fields, although it's hard to predict exactly where this path could take you. Maybe you have an interest in crafting elegant poetry, or perhaps you want to write screenplays or become a famous novelist like Colleen Hoover or Stephen King. With the best master's programs for poetry and other creative writing, you can get the training you need for all your creative dreams to come true.

But, what kind of master's degree program should you pursue in creating writing? And, which schools offer the best MFA creative writing programs throughout the United States?

A Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing can help you hone your skills when it comes to drafting compelling written works for private or public audiences. Some programs let you design your own curriculum so you can focus on the types of writing that align with your areas of interest. Other programs may offer a set curriculum that forces you to fine-tune your creative writing skills across multiple genres and writing styles.

While creative writing master's programs can vary in terms of curriculum and scope, many offer concentrations for you to choose from. For example, you can choose to pursue a master's degree in creative writing online with a focus on fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting, or poetry. Students can also pursue an online MFA with a concentration in editing and publishing, social justice, or literary health and healing, depending on a school's options.

Whatever type of creative writing you're interested in, you'll find any number of MFA creative writing programs that fit the bill.

One major benefit of master's in writing programs is the fact you can easily pursue this degree online without making any sacrifices in terms of the quality of your education. This is mainly due to the fact that the best MFA creative writing programs are all offered in a virtual format, and they come from fully accredited schools.

The accreditation component is especially crucial since it shows which programs are credible, and it helps you earn an online degree that will be respected in your chosen field of work.

By selecting an accredited institution of higher education for your creative writing master's degree, you are limiting your search to schools that have met rigorous academic standards. Importantly, all the degrees listed on OnlineU.com are from accredited schools.

You may have heard about the GRE — or the GRE General Test. Generally speaking, undergraduate students take this college entrance exam before pursuing master's-level education in any number of disciplines, including specialized master's degrees in business to JD or doctoral degrees.

While there may be exceptions, most institutions with creative writing master's programs do not require a GRE score. Instead, common standards for admissions tend to include minimum GPA requirements (usually 3.0 or higher), the submission of writing samples, a personal statement, and official undergraduate transcripts.

Most online master's in writing programs take approximately two years to complete, although your timeline can vary based on the curriculum offered and the pace at which you complete courses. For example, some online MFA programs offer a set curriculum that must be followed closely, yet others let you learn and complete coursework on your own schedule.

You may also be able to move more quickly through your program if you are able to transfer credits from your previous institution, which some online master's programs in creative writing allow.

With almost no exception, you will not have to complete a residency in order to earn an online master's in writing. However, a graduate thesis course or capstone project may be required to complete your program.

Different types of online MFA programs tend to offer similar core curricula, yet other courses and programming can vary depending on the school and your chosen concentration. The following courses are some of the most common seen within online MFA programs:

• Business of Writing: This course introduces students to the business fundamentals of writing and the industries that support this creative work. Students learn how to market their services and what prospective employers look for in their writing talent. Students who study the business of writing will also learn the basics of freelance work in the creative writing space, including how to sell and price their services.
• Classic Literature: This course introduces students to classic literature and the most famous authors in this space. Students typically dive into the works of Austen, Conrad, Wharton, Orwell, and others, with the goal of examining what made their writing so intriguing and successful. Students not only study writing theory, but they also examine literary criticism and various interpretations of writing throughout modern history.
• Craft of Poetry: This course helps creative writers dive into the world of poetry but in the most hands-on fashion possible. Students learn about famous poetry and the prolific writers in this genre, but they also work on crafting their own poetic style. In addition to writing exercises, students often participate in poetry workshops and public readings of their work.
• Storytelling: This course introduces the art of storytelling to creative writers who are crafting stories of their own. Students learn how to properly utilize a narrative arc, form a cohesive plot, and construct characters with depth. Students also study some of the most compelling stories of all time, as well as the hooks and features used to draw readers in.

The difficulty of an online MFA program can vary depending on the school chosen, the demands and expectations of your professors and instructors, and your individual skill level. Generally speaking, you're more likely to excel in a creative writing program if you're entirely comfortable starting each day fresh and new with a blank page and nothing but your thoughts and creative instincts to guide you.

You'll have to craft intriguing writing works across a number of genres on demand and without hesitation, or you won't be in a position to finish your program. In other words, a creative writing MFA will require you to perform on a regular basis.

Will this be difficult or easy for you? Only you know the answer to that question.

Nearly all the media you consume was created by someone (or multiple people). This includes your favorite television shows, movies you have seen dozens of times, books you read, and even the advertisements you're shown when you surf the web.

MFA creative writing programs could provide the tools and skills you need to find work as a poet, technical writer, screenwriter, or novelist. This graduate degree can also help you find work as a creative writing teacher at the community college level, which can lead to a lifetime of sharing your love of writing with other imaginative and clever individuals.

That said, you'll want to spend some time comparing the best online colleges and degrees available today and all they have to offer prospective students. Ideally, you'll find a program to nurture your creative talents and prepare you for the writing career you have always wanted.

With that in mind, below are some of the most common — and most lucrative — career paths for graduates with a master's in creative writing:

develop various types of content for public consumption, such as books, blogs, essays, advertisements, and television scripts. Some writers come up with all of their projects independently, yet others write assigned work that can vary in scope and creativity. Types of writers can include biographers, bloggers, novelists, and playwrights, to name a few.

are hired to create and maintain a certain public image for companies and individuals who hire them. This often requires them to write press releases and other written notifications that help maintain their integrity and reputation with the general public. However, public relations specialists also help their clients communicate effectively with the public, usually by writing their speeches and drafting communications on their behalf.

While teaching at the college or university level typically requires a PhD or other doctoral degree, individuals with a creative writing MFA may be qualified to teach creative writing at community colleges. A career as a can be incredibly rewarding since it gives writers a chance to introduce others to the craft they love. This career also comes with relatively high pay and considerable job growth.

use their skills and expertise to write instruction manuals, journal articles, and other forms of content for their clients. This often requires them to study product samples that the manufacturer can publish. While some technical writers are self-employed, many work for professional, scientific, and technical services or directly for manufacturers.

You may be able to find teaching positions with a Master of Fine Arts degree, yet these positions are typically found at community colleges instead of traditional colleges and universities.

The BLS also reports that, in addition to a master's degree, you may need experience in your field in order to get hired for a teaching position.

You can absolutely get published and find high-paying writing work without a master's degree, which is one of the biggest downsides of pursuing graduate-level education in this field. An online master's degree in creative writing can help you sharpen your skills, but you may be able to achieve the same results by practicing writing on your own. Still, if you are looking to network and broaden your community of peers and mentors, an MFA may be the best path forward.

As you decide whether to pursue a master's degree in creative writing online, you need to think over the pros and cons of going back to school. 

Below are some of the potential benefits and drawbacks of this particular online MFA degree, all of which should be on the top of your mind as you make your decision:

Potential Benefits

• Hone your craft and boost your confidence. Heading back to school to study creative writing can help you improve your skills dramatically while also helping you feel like you're on top of your game. Having an online MFA on your resume may even embolden you to apply for positions you wouldn't consider with only a bachelor's degree in creative writing.
• Qualify for a teaching position in creative writing. A Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing can help you teach writing and poetry at the community college level, although you may also need applicable experience in your field to find a position.
• Learn about the business of writing. While anyone can type out words on a page, an online MFA can help you learn the business of writing — as in, how to structure your business and get paid for doing something you love.

Potential Drawbacks

• You don't need an MFA to work as a creative writer. While a graduate degree may look good on your resume, most creative writing professions require a bachelor's degree at most.
• There are opportunity costs involved in going back to school. Earning a graduate degree takes time and money, and it can hold you back from actually entering your chosen profession.
• Learning online takes discipline and focus. Finally, it's worth noting that pursuing creative writing online takes a tremendous amount of fortitude. While you'll sit through webinars and lectures in between assignments, you'll begin most of your days staring at a blank page.

Obtaining an online MFA in creative writing offers a multitude of benefits for aspiring writers. First and foremost, it provides a flexible learning environment that allows students to pursue their passion for writing without the need to relocate or disrupt their existing commitments. Online programs often have renowned faculty members who are established writers themselves, providing students with valuable insights and mentorship. 

Additionally, an MFA equips students with advanced writing skills, a refined creative voice, and the ability to craft compelling narratives. Graduates of these programs not only hone their craft but also gain access to a vibrant writing community, valuable networking opportunities, and the potential to publish their work professionally. 

Overall, an online creative writing master's program empowers writers to achieve their artistic goals while maintaining the flexibility to balance other aspects of their lives.