CREATIVE WRITING (MFA)
Our Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing focuses on the actual practice of writing as both an art form and a professional pursuit in the genres of fiction, nonfiction, or poetry. As one of the longest-running programs of its kind, this MFA program boasts impressive faculty in writing and publishing, two award-winning literary journals, and strong connections to the Boston publishing community. Immerse yourself in our dynamic literary community and take electives from anywhere in the department, including publishing courses. Our industry-focused program allows you to refine your narrative skills, cultivate professional and academic relationships, and even prepare to pursue a career in teaching at the college level.
MFA Thesis
For completion of the MFA degree, students are required to write a thesis of “near publishable” quality. The thesis may consist of a collection of poems, short stories or essays, a novel or excerpt, or a nonfiction book or excerpt. Minimum required lengths for MFA theses vary according to genre. The thesis often forms the basis for our graduates’ future published work.
Acclaimed Faculty
Emerson’s Creative Writing faculty are all actively writing and publishing in their respective genres. Faculty accolades include fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Guggenheim Fellowship in Creative Arts, Fiction Honors from the Black Caucus of the American Library Association, the Pulitzer Prize in Biography and Memoir, the Massachusetts Book Award in Nonfiction, and many more.
Professional Opportunities
Graduate students can apply for the following opportunities:
- Teach college-level writing through the Writing Studies program
- Work with literary journals including Ploughshares and Redivider
- Intern at Boston publishing houses and magazines
- Teach creative writing to high school students from the Greater Boston community through EmersonWRITES
- Showcase work in Emerson’s Graduate Reading Series and the inter-MFA program Breakwater Reading Series