colleges with creative writing majors in california

41 Best colleges for Creative Writing in California, US

Updated: February 29, 2024

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Below is a list of best universities in California ranked based on their research performance in Creative Writing. A graph of 196K citations received by 12.4K academic papers made by 41 universities in California was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

Please note that our approach to subject rankings is based on scientific outputs and heavily biased on art-related topics towards institutions with computer science research profiles.

1. Stanford University

For Creative Writing

2. University of California - Berkeley

3. University of Southern California

4. University of California - Los Angeles

5. University of California - Santa Barbara

6. University of California - Irvine

7. University of California - Santa Cruz

8. University of California-San Diego

9. University of California - Davis

10. University of California - San Francisco

11. San Jose State University

12. San Diego State University

13. California State University - Fullerton

14. University of California - Riverside

15. California State University - Long Beach

16. San Francisco State University

17. Loyola Marymount University

18. Santa Clara University

19. University of San Francisco

20. Fielding Graduate University

21. California State University - Northridge

22. California State University - Los Angeles

23. California State University - Sacramento

24. Chapman University

25. California State University - San Bernardino

26. Claremont Graduate University

27. California Institute of Technology

28. Sonoma State University

29. Fuller Theological Seminary

30. university of san diego.

31. Mills College

32. California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo

33. California State University - Fresno

34. Pepperdine University

35. Pomona College

36. Occidental College

37. Dominican University of California

38. California State University - Chico

39. California State University - San Marcos

40. California State Polytechnic University - Pomona

41. Azusa Pacific University

Closest to California states to learn Creative Writing

Art & design subfields in california.

Department of Creative Writing

Undergraduate

The program.

The Department of Creative Writing offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Creative Writing - the only major of its kind in the University of California - with fields of specialization in fiction, nonfiction and poetry. Our faculty is comprised of poets, fiction writers and playwrights who develop and present writing courses as workshops to provide students with new and unique subject material. With intimate class sizes for focused student attention, the Creative Writing major is a demanding and rewarding program for all aspiring writers. For students who are interested in minoring in Creative Writing, the Department also offers a Creative Writing minor. 

University Requirements

Students must complete the general University requirements for admission to the Undergraduate Division. Applicants should access the Undergraduate Studies section for a complete listing, and www.futurestudents.ucr.edu for more information.

College Requirements

Students must complete the breadth requirements of the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences. For a detailed list of requirements, see Breadth Requirements .

Major Requirements

The major requirements for the B.A. degree in Creative Writing are as follows: Prerequisite courses: CRWT 056 or equivalent, and ENGL 001A or equivalent.

• Lower-division requirements (20 units; five courses) Two Creative Writing survey courses from CRWT 046A, CRWT 046B, or CRWT 046C and Two Creative Writing introductory courses from CRWT 057A, CRWT 057B, or CRWT 057C and One literature survey course from CRWT 012/CPLT 012, CRWT 040/FVC 039, CRWT 041, CRWT 042, CRWT 043, CRWT 044, CRWT 045,   ENGL 014, ENGL 015, ENGL 017
• Upper-division requirements (36 units) a) Three workshop courses in primary genre: Creative Nonfiction CRWT 130, CRWT 132, CRWT 134 or Poetry CRWT 150, CRWT 160, CRWT 170 or Fiction CRWT 152, CRWT 162, CRWT 172 b) One workshop in second genre: CRWT 130, CRWT 132, CRWT 134, CRWT 150, CRWT 152, CRWT 160, CRWT 162*, CRWT 164A/THEA 164A, CRWT 164B/THEA 164B, the CRWT 166A/FVC 166A/THEA 166A, CRWT 166B/FVC 166B/THEA 166B, CRWT 166C/FVC 166C/THEA 166C series, CRWT 170*, CRWT 172* *These workshops may be repeated; however, only 4 units total can be applied to the major. c) One workshop in third genre: CRWT 130, CRWT 132, CRWT 134, CRWT 150, CRWT 152, CRWT 160, CRWT 162*, CRWT 164A/THEA 164A, CRWT 164B/THEA 164B, the CRWT 166A/FVC 166A/THEA 166A, CRWT 166B/FVC 166B/THEA 166B, CRWT 166C/FVC 166C/THEA 166C series, CRWT 170*, CRWT 172* *These workshops may be repeated; however, only 4 units total can be applied to the major. d) Three upper-division courses in Creative Writing: CRWT 143, CRWT 146 (E-Z), CRWT 155, CRWT 165, CRWT 171, CRWT 173, CRWT 174, CRWT 175, CRWT 176 (E-Z), CRWT 185 (E-Z), CRWT 187/CPLT 187, CRWT 191 (may be taken twice but used only once for major credit), CRWT 198I (may be taken only once, for 4 units) e) Four (4) units of CRWT 195 or CRWT 195H (Senior Honors Thesis) or approved course from the list available in the department

Minor Requirements

Lower-division requirements (12 Units)

• CRWT 56 Introduction to Creative Writing (4.00)
• One introductory reading course: (4.00) CRWT 040 Fiction and Film CRWT 043 Creative Writing and Ancestry CRWT 046A Craft of Writing: Survey in Contemporary Fiction CRWT 046B Craft of Writing: Survey in Contemporary Poetry CRWT 046C Craft of Writing: Survey in Contemporary Nonfiction
• One introductory workshop course: (4.00) CRWT 57A Introduction to Fiction CRWT 57B Introduction to Poetry CRWT 57C Introduction to Nonfiction

Upper Division Requirements (20 Units)

• One 4-unit course from: CRWT 176 (E-Z) (or) Any upper division course in English, Literatures, Language or Theatre EXCEPT the ones listed below*
• Sixteen (16) units in ONE of the following emphases:

Poetry emphasis: CRWT 150 –Beginning Poetry Workshop CRWT 160 –Intermediate Poetry Workshop CRWT 170 –Advanced Poetry Workshop & One 4-unit course from: CRWT 130, 152, 164A, 165, 166A, 171, or 187

Fiction emphasis: CRWT 152 – Beginning Fiction Workshop CRWT 162 – Intermediate Fiction Workshop CRWT 172 – Advanced Fiction Workshop & One 4-unit course from: CRWT 130, 150, 164A, 165, 166A, or 187

Nonfiction emphasis: CRWT 130 –Beginning Nonfiction Workshop CRWT 132 –Intermediate Nonfiction Workshop CRWT 134 – Advanced Nonfiction Workshop & One 4-unit course from: CRWT 150, 152, 164A, 165, 166A, 171, or 187

Drama emphasis: CRWT 164A – Beginning Playwriting CRWT 164B –Intermediate Playwriting CRWT 164C – Advanced Playwriting & One 4-unit course from: CRWT 130, 150, 152, 165, 166A, 166B, 166C, 187, Or THEA 121 (E–Z)

*English 101 and 103; French 100, 101A, B, C, 104; German 101, 103A, B; Russian 103; Spanish 101A, B, C, 105, 106A, B

Financial Aid

The Financial Aid Office assists students with meeting educational expenses that cannot be met from personal resources. To obtain financial aid students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with the Financial Aid Office yearly. FAFSAs are available beginning December 1 for the upcoming academic year at the Financial Aid Office or at www.fafsa.ed.gov . Students applying for other grants, loans, and work-study should apply as early as possible. Applications are accepted year-round, with awards to late applicants based on fund availability.

Forms & Petitions

For more information, contact:

Elaine Chacon Office Location: INTN 3033A Email:  [email protected] Advisor for students with names: A – Hi

Anthony Gonzalez Office Location: INTN 3033B Email: [email protected] Advisor for students with names: Ho – M

Jennifer Paramo Email: [email protected] Advisor for students with names: N – Z

Advising Hours 9—11:00 A.M. AND 1—3:30 P.M. Monday through Friday First two weeks of any given quarter—walk-ins ONLY Third week and on—appointments in the mornings and walk-ins in the afternoons

Creative Writing

Graduate Studies

• Master of Fine Arts

The UC Davis graduate creative writing program is a two-year master of fine arts degree rooted in the study and creation of literature that reaches toward the other arts with the goal of presenting students with a wide range of aesthetic approaches and models for being a writer. Students may specialize in fiction, poetry, nonfiction, as well as multi‐genre, multi‐media, or hybrid forms of literary art. 

Graduate Program Requirements

Contact information.

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News &  Events

• April 27, 2024 Karen Tei Yamashita and Angie Sijun Lou New Book Available for Pre-Order
• April 10, 2024 Jared Harvey's New Book Rose Mask Out From Five Nine
• March 29, 2024 Jennifer Tseng's New Book Reviewed in Boston Globe

Living Writers  Series

Program  information.

The Creative Writing Program program is administered by the Literature Department at UCSC .

Literature Major/Minor Advising:

Humanities 1, room 303

  (831) 459-4778

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Support  Creative Writing

Your gift to the Creative Writing Program helps to support outstanding students and our nationally recognized program. Learn more or give today.

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MFA – Creative Writing

Admission   |  Required Coursework   |  MFA Faculty   |  Visiting Writers Series   |  RipRap   |  FAQs

Since the late 1960s, California State University, Long Beach has promoted the value and significance of creative writing as part of its educational mission. Building on a thriving undergraduate program, CSULB welcomed its first class of MFA students in Creative Writing in 1995. Over 200 students have since earned their MFA degrees and a respectable number have gone on to publish in a wide range of national outlets as well as to teach at various postsecondary levels.

The Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing is a terminal degree currently recognized as sufficient to qualify students for college and university teaching jobs and for positions in the publishing industry. The MFA program at CSULB is a two-year, full-time program in which students complete 48 units of coursework with professors in the Department of English. Students are expected to submit an approved thesis of creative writing midway through the spring semester of their second years.

We hope this site will help guide interested applicants and newly admitted students through the process of becoming part of a distinct community of writers in Southern California.

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Berkeley Berkeley Academic Guide: Academic Guide 2023-24

Creative writing.

About the Program

The Creative Writing Program is an interdisciplinary minor program offered by the Office of Undergraduate and Interdisciplinary Studies in the Division of Undergraduate Studies in the College of Letters & Science. The approved courses students take to satisfy the minor course requirements are offered by over forty departments and programs on campus. Interested undergraduate students in any major may earn an interdepartmental minor in creative writing by completing the requirements listed in the Minor Requirements tab. For further information, please also see the Creative Writing Minor website  and the program's Frequently Asked Questions pages .

There is no major program in Creative Writing.

Declaring and Completing the Minor

Information regarding declaring the minor and completing the minor, including deadlines, is available on the Creative Writing Minor website . See Declaring and Completing . 

Students who are interested in the Creative Writing minor are encouraged to subscribe to the Creative Writing minor email list serve to receive important news about the minor, including special approval courses for the minor that are not published on the website. To subscribe, email [email protected] .

Visit Program Website

Minor Requirements

Students who have a strong interest in an area of study outside their major often decide to complete a minor program. These programs have set requirements and are noted officially on the transcript, but are not noted on diplomas.

General Guidelines

All minors must be declared before the first day of classes in your Expected Graduation Term (EGT). For summer graduates, minors must be declared prior to the first day of Summer Session A. 

All upper-division courses must be taken for a letter grade. 

A minimum of three of the upper-division courses taken to fulfill the minor requirements must be completed at UC Berkeley.

A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 is required in the upper-division courses to fulfill the minor requirements.

Courses used to fulfill the minor requirements may be applied toward the Seven-Course Breadth requirement, for Letters & Science students.

No more than one upper division course may be used to simultaneously fulfill requirements for a student's major and minor programs.

All minor requirements must be completed prior to the last day of finals during the semester in which the student plans to graduate. If students cannot finish all courses required for the minor by that time, they should see a College of Letters & Science adviser.

All minor requirements must be completed within the unit ceiling. (For further information regarding the unit ceiling, please see the College Requirements tab.)

Course Requirements

 At least two of the three writing courses must be taken at UC Berkeley.

Students may be allowed to include courses that are not on the following lists with the approval of the creative writing minor faculty advisor. It is the responsibility of the student to provide the faculty advisor with documentary evidence to support the claim of course eligibility. Contact the creative writing minor student academic advisor at  [email protected]  for more information.

Contact Information

Creative writing minor.

Undergraduate and Interdisciplinary Studies

235 Evans Hall

Program Director and Faculty Advisor

Fiona McFarlane, PhD (Department of English)

413 Wheeler Hall

[email protected]

Student Academic Advisor

Laura Demir

[email protected]

Print Options

When you print this page, you are actually printing everything within the tabs on the page you are on: this may include all the Related Courses and Faculty, in addition to the Requirements or Overview. If you just want to print information on specific tabs, you're better off downloading a PDF of the page, opening it, and then selecting the pages you really want to print.

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

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• MFA in Creative Writing

• Admission Requirements
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• Mission & History

Write here. Write now.

Our MFA in Creative Writing program is a two-year, full time, residential degree program in creative nonfiction, fiction, or poetry. We welcome writers from all walks of life and embrace risk taking on and off the page. Our literary community is made stronger when more voices are heard.

“By becoming a better reader, I became a much better writer.”

In the MFA in Poetry program I was not only exposed to a diverse range of texts, I also learned creative ways of approaching even the most experimental ones. This reading stretched my writing and helped me uncover the more raw, authentic layers of my own voice and rhythm.

– MFA in Creative Writing, Poetry alumna Kelly Egan

Explore Further

“I’m a better writer than I was two years ago, and a better person, too.”

Kehinde Badiru, MFA ’23, reflects on his journey from eco-poetry in Nigeria to being awarded the inaugural Brenda Hillman Award.

MFA in Creative Writing Upcoming Events

Smc mfa in creative writing in the news.

January 31, 2024

National Honors for Writers Marilyn Abildskov and Matthew Zapruder: NEA Fellowship and Finalist for National Book Critics Circle Awards

January 15, 2024

Making Meaning as Veterans and Writers

May 25, 2023

In Their Own Words: Kehinde Badiru, MFA ’23 Came to Study Poetry with Brenda Hillman. Now, He’s Won Her Award.

Admissions and Financial Aid

Admitted students in the MFA in Creative Writing program are automatically considered for scholarships. Fellowships, assistantships and community partner paid internships are also available.

School and Department Information

Chris Feliciano Arnold Director, MFA in Creative Writing [email protected] 925-631-8556

Collin Skeen Assistant Director of Admissions and Recruitment  [email protected] 925-631-4190

© 2024 Saint Mary’s College of California

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CCA’s blend of theory and practice inspires students at every level to make work that matters. Select your status to learn about the application process, requirements, and deadlines, as well as contact information should you need any support along the way.

MFA Writing

Define your voice and explore your creative practice—fiction, nonfiction, and poetry—alongside writers, designers, and visual artists.

Writing at CCA is dynamic

Embedded in a creative community like no other, your writing will be energized in unexpected or unconventional ways.

At CCA, you’ll join a writing community that truly sees and supports you.

We’ve grown an MFA Writing program at an arts college with 116 years of history in the San Francisco Bay Area. The workshops and seminars where we gather are places of inventiveness, self-discovery, and exuberance. Together we’ve created a close-knit community for diverse writers who are making their mark on the world.

We believe creativity is sparked when you have space to develop your ideas, and from your first to your final semester at CCA you’ll have close, sustained support from your professors through one-on-one mentorships. Our award-winning faculty includes Faith Adiele, Tom Barbash, Dodie Bellamy, Rita Bullwinkel, Jasmin Darznik, Joseph Lease, Trisha Ya-wen Low, Aimee Phan, Denise Newman, and Leslie Carol Roberts.

The Bay Area, a site of rich literary history, is our home. You’ll have access to resources and literary institutions you won’t find anywhere else, like City Lights Publishers, Litquake, and the Bay Area Book Festival. In the fall semester, we offer Tuesday Seminar, a course that brings illustrious professional writers right into the classroom with you.

MFA writing professor Faith Adiele.

An exciting blend of the emergent and established

Our MFA Writing program recently celebrated its 20-year anniversary, and we embrace the rich literary history of the Bay Area, from the Beat poetry movement and the Language poets, to the annual Litquake literary festival, to the Slam/Spoken Word scene.

Follow MFA Writing

Huge thanks to Rebecca Foust for sharing her publishing wisdom today in the studio. Some takeaways:

Aim high—it’s better than the alternative.

Be like Tom Petty—study the person a step or two ahead of you and follow their lead.

Nothing’s ever finished, so you may as well send it out.

📝 Students who couldn’t make it, you are in luck! She shared some fantastic handouts and you can find extra copies in the studio.

Our first free all-program field trip takes us to City Arts & Lectures this Thursday to hear Leila Mottley talk about her new book Nightcrawling. We meet outside the Sidney Goldstein Theater at 7. See you there, MFAW.📚🤓

By popular demand, we're devoting next week's Tuesday Coffee Hour to a practical, in-depth conversation about getting published in literary magazines. On 10/4 from 3-4 pm Rebecca Foust, poet and assistant editor of fiction at Narrative Magazine, will join us in the garden to talk about specific submission strategies and answer your questions about the publishing process. This is for writers of all genres, so come one, come all!

October Happenings! Check out the fabulous upcoming events we’ve got lined up. ✍🏻📖💫

Join a top-ranking MFA Writing program

Study.com ranks our program among the top five in California. Located in one of the world’s creative capitals, we encourage MFA candidates to explore many different forms and incorporate visual art into their work.

View the list

Studios & Shops

Practice critique, readings, and performance.

MFA students are at home in the Humanities and Sciences Graduate Center on CCA’s main San Francisco campus. Outside the studio, we write and meet alongside redwood trees in our beautiful garden. Inside, we hold our workshops, readings, and craft talks. We also host our famed Tuesday Talks series in the Humanities and Sciences Graduate Center. Today’s most dynamic writers, including Hanif Abdurraqib, Camille Dungy, Andrew Sean Greer, R.O. Kwon, sam sax, and Tracy K. Smith, read and discuss new work and lead craft talks during masterclasses. There are endless opportunities to share your writing with peers, get constructive feedback, and nurture your craft.

Support to tell your stories

We help our students locate and tell their stories; we write what we want, how we want. We embrace all forms of writing, from literary novels and poetry to science fiction and mysteries. Our MFA Writing program is designed to make sure each student finds their voice. You can explore nonfiction, fiction, and poetry during supportive workshops that celebrate voice and form. We believe in grounding our work in craft so we emphasize close reading and individualized instruction.

Expand your creative practice

In addition to our vibrant writing workshops and dynamic seminars, we encourage graduate students to immerse themselves in our diverse art and design culture. Want to learn how to design beautiful publications, paint, or make a children’s book? Access CCA’s phenomenal resources, including Risograph printers for making broadsides, audio suites for recording podcasts, and a letterpress studio for making books and zines. You’ll work with top practitioners in their fields across the college’s faculty, grow as a writer, and learn to turn your research passions and written works into literal art objects.

Frame and finish your book

You’ll get regular feedback during writing workshops and meetings with full-time faculty who believe in meeting one-on-one—not as part of any requirement, but because personalized attention is how you grow as a writer. Close reading, editorial guidance, and individualized reading lists all push our writing students toward success. We teach you craft as well as how to establish and maintain a serious writing practice.

Your creative life at CCA and beyond

From studying one-on-one with faculty mentors to participating in craft workshops with visiting writers—among the best and brightest working today—you’ll be exposed to myriad forms. You’ll learn the elements of podcasting; how to make audio stories; how to prepare a full-length manuscript; and how to collaborate with painters, filmmakers, illustrators, photographers, and more.

Your community of mentors

• Memoirist and travel writer Faith Adiele
• Novelist Tom Barbash
• Novelist Rita Bullwinkel
• Novelist and memoirist Jasmin Darznik
• Poet Joseph Lease
• Poet and performer Trisha Low
• Poet and translator Denise Newman
• Novelist Aimee Phan
• Eco-memoirist Leslie Carol Roberts

More studios, shops, and labs

Access lithography presses and a range of bookbinding equipment at the San Francisco Center for the Book

The Black-and-White Darkroom has a range of enlarging stations and two print washers

Check out DSLR cameras, lighting kits, GoPros, and more from the San Francisco campus Media Center

Study with award-winning writers

MFA Writing faculty have received major prizes, fellowships, residencies, and grants. Their books have been New York Times bestsellers and award-winning collections in fiction, hybrid essay/memoir, poetry, literary criticism, creative nonfiction, and memoir. Together they offer unique voices across multiple genres, aesthetic traditions, and vibrant writing communities.

Jasmin Darznik, Chair of MFA Writing

Chair Jasmin Darznik is a New York Times- bestselling author of three books,  The Bohemians, Song of a Captive Bird , and The Good Daughter . Born in Iran, she immigrated to America as a child and is a first-generation college graduate. After receiving a Ph.D. in English from Princeton University, she obtained an MFA in fiction from Bennington College, broadening her academic scholarship to tell stories about women who've been left out or obscured from the historical record. Her forthcoming novel, American Goddess, takes on themes of celebrity, gender, and ethnic identity in Old Hollywood. 

MFA Writing Faculty

Faith E Adiele

Tom Barbash

Rita Bullwinkel

Joseph Lease

Denise Newman

Leslie Carol Roberts

Michael Wertz

View all MFA Writing faculty

Faculty stories

Two-year intensive program

Our two-year, 48-unit MFA Writing program includes workshops, craft seminars, literature courses, and mentorships. Courses like Experiments in Life Writing, Contemporary International Fiction, and Writing As An Act of Witness will inspire you to take risks and try new styles as you hone your craft and deepen your writing practice.

One of the many perks of being at an art school is the chance to take courses outside of the writing discipline as well as to collaborate with painters, photographers, filmmakers, bookmakers, and more. This unique opportunity allows you to move in new directions as you find and express your unique voice. Preview our workshops and courses .

Year 1: Fall Semester

Year 1: spring semester, year 2: fall semester, year 2: spring semester.

Total 48.0 units

Publish your dream project

MFA in Writing program alumni have impressive success getting their work out in the world, publishing books across genres. Recent publications include:

• Tom Comitta, The Nature Book , Coffee House Press, 2023
• Dior Stephens, Cruel/Cruel , Nightboat, 2023
• Alka Joshi, The Perfumist of Paris, Harper Collins, 2023
• Sonja Swift, Echo Loba, Loba Echo , Rocky Mountain Press, 2023
• Jessamyn Violet, Secret Rules to Being a Rock Star , Three Rooms Press, 2023
• Alka Joshi, The Secret Keeper of Jaipur , Harper Collins, 2021
• Julie Lythcott-Haims, Your Turn: How to Be An Adult , Henry Holt, 2021
• Alka Joshi, The Henna Artist , Mira Publishing, a division of Harper Collins, 2019
• Rheea Mukherjee, The Body Myth , Unnamed Press, 2019
• Adam Nemett, We Can Save Us All , Unnamed Press, 2018
• Sonia Belasco, Speak of Me As I Am , Philomel Books, 2017
• Julie Lythcott-Haims, Real American , St. Martin’s Griffin, 2017
• Molly Prentiss, Tuesday Nights in 1980 , Simon & Schuster, 2017
• Catie Jarvis, The Peacock Room , Hyperborea, 2016
• Andrew Nicholson, A Lamp Brighter Than Foxfire , Colorado State, 2015
• LaTasha Nevada Diggs, TWerk , Belladonna Press, 2013

In addition to becoming published authors, our students find traction at established and emergent platforms like Medium , and also work as educators; performance artists; editors; and writers for newspapers, magazines, and marketing agencies.

Potential career paths

• Freelance writer
• Content strategist
• Arts administrator
• Social activist
• Technical writer
• Publication and production assistant
• Small press publisher

Learn about career development

News & Events

What’s happening for mfa writing students.

Reading and lecture series span disciplines

How to Apply

Make writing your top priority.

Our two-year program welcomes students of all ages, career profiles, and backgrounds, including law, advertising, tech, music, and academia. We focus on your writing sample and your letters of recommendation in making admissions decisions.

Start your application

You’ll apply to CCA and submit all required application materials via SlideRoom. Afterward, you may be contacted for an interview with a faculty member as part of the application process. Being selected for an interview doesn’t indicate applicant status or increase or decrease an applicant’s chances of being admitted into their desired graduate program. Interviews are conducted at the program’s discretion and are used to gain more insight into an application.

Create an account and start your application

MFA Writing application requirements

• Application and $70 nonrefundable application fee To be completed and submitted on SlideRoom.
• Resume/curriculum vitae Please outline your educational and professional background and relevant experiences and activities, including community work. Resumes/CVs must be in PDF document format.
• Two recommendation letters You’ll request two letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources in SlideRoom by entering the contact information for your recommenders/references. They will then receive an automated email from SlideRoom with instructions for uploading their letter of recommendation.
• Unofficial college transcripts You are required to provide your complete undergraduate academic history. Students who have already taken graduate courses are encouraged to submit those transcripts, too. For international applicants, all transcripts must be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation. Please provide an unofficial transcript from the college where you will receive or have received your bachelor’s degree, as well as unofficial transcripts for all other undergraduate coursework. Unofficial transcripts will be used for review purposes. Once you have been admitted and enrolled, all students will need to submit official, sealed transcripts showing the completion of a bachelor’s degree to our graduate admissions office by August 1 of the fall semester they begin enrollment at CCA.
• Proof of English proficiency (international applicants only) Review and plan to meet our English proficiency requirements for graduate students .
• Personal essay In a personal essay, submitted as a PDF, write 500 to 1,000 words about your writing experience, why you want to study writing at the graduate level, your educational objectives, and any critical influences on your work.
• Portfolio Your portfolio, submitted as one to two PDFs (up to 10 MB each), should consist of a selection of writing samples (totaling no more than 25 double-spaced pages) that reflect your main areas of interest. You may include poems, short stories, a section of a novel, text for performance (include video, if available), creative nonfiction, or writing for new genres. You’re welcome, but not required, to submit visual materials in support of your application, including book arts and videos. Please note: We do not accept co-written material.

For prospective student inquiries, including questions about the program or how to apply, please contact us

Graduate Admissions

+1 415-548-2271 (call, text)

Nurture your craft in a dynamic environment

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Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MA •

• • Rating 4.16 out of 5   661 reviews

Sophomore: Great place to be challenged, learn, and grow. A safe environment to fall and fail. Lots of support and resources available but you need to take the initiative to reach out about them ... Read 661 reviews

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Acceptance rate 4%

Net price $20,232

SAT range 1530-1580

#3 Best Colleges in America .

CAMBRIDGE, MA ,

661 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says Great place to be challenged, learn, and grow. A safe environment to fall and fail. Lots of support and resources available but you need to take the initiative to reach out about them .

Read 661 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : A+ ,

Acceptance Rate : 4% ,

Net Price : $20,232 ,

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Columbia University

New York, NY •

• • Rating 3.82 out of 5   1,365 reviews

Alum: As a biochemistry student at Columbia University, my experience was extraordinary. The Core Curriculum was a highlight, exposing me to literature, philosophy, art history, and music. This interdisciplinary approach enriched my understanding and fostered critical thinking and analytical writing skills. Beyond academics, I loved engaging with the community through Peer Health Exchange (now S-HEAL), where I educated high school students on health and wellness. This experience enhanced my communication skills and deepened my commitment to public health. Writing for The Spectator allowed me to make scientific concepts accessible, improving my ability to articulate ideas clearly. Additionally, Columbia’s vibrant arts scene, from Miller Theatre performances to Wallach Art Gallery exhibitions, provided a rich cultural balance to my studies. Overall, Columbia offered a holistic education, blending rigorous science, arts, and community involvement, preparing me well for the future. ... Read 1,365 reviews

Net price $22,058

SAT range 1490-1580

#6 Best Colleges in America .

Blue checkmark.

NEW YORK, NY ,

1365 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says As a biochemistry student at Columbia University, my experience was extraordinary. The Core Curriculum was a highlight, exposing me to literature, philosophy, art history, and music. This... Beyond academics, I loved engaging with the community through Peer Health Exchange (now S-HEAL), where I educated high school students on health and wellness. This experience enhanced my... Writing for The Spectator allowed me to make scientific concepts accessible, improving my ability to articulate ideas clearly. Additionally, Columbia’s vibrant arts scene, from Miller Theatre... Overall, Columbia offered a holistic education, blending rigorous science, arts, and community involvement, preparing me well for the future. .

Read 1365 reviews.

Net Price : $22,058 ,

SAT Range : 1490-1580 ,

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA •

• • Rating 3.9 out of 5   1,359 reviews

Freshman: It's important to acknowledge that college experiences vary greatly from person to person, and while some may face challenges or difficulties, others may find their time in college to be transformative and rewarding. Instead of focusing on the negatives, perhaps you could consider exploring constructive criticism or discussing specific areas for improvement in the college experience. This approach allows for a more balanced and productive discussion that can lead to positive changes and improvements in the education system. If you have specific concerns about your college experience, it might be helpful to address them directly with the appropriate channels within your institution or seek support from counselors or advisors. Remember, challenges are a natural part of any educational journey, and there are often resources available to help navigate them. ... Read 1,359 reviews

Acceptance rate 7%

Net price $26,123

SAT range 1500-1570

#7 Best Colleges in America .

PHILADELPHIA, PA ,

1359 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says It's important to acknowledge that college experiences vary greatly from person to person, and while some may face challenges or difficulties, others may find their time in college to be... .

Read 1359 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 7% ,

Net Price : $26,123 ,

SAT Range : 1500-1570 ,

Western Wyoming Community College

ROCK SPRINGS, WY

• • Rating 4.05 out of 5   305

Augustana College - Illinois

ROCK ISLAND, IL

• • Rating 3.8 out of 5   841

Pacific University Oregon

FOREST GROVE, OR

• • Rating 3.64 out of 5   829

Dartmouth College

Hanover, NH •

• • Rating 3.88 out of 5   746 reviews

Sophomore: My experience at Dartmouth has been great so far. The education is high quality and so are the professors. There are great opportunities for practical work and research. And the student body and campus life is lively and welcoming. The university is not perfect and the frat culture is very big here, but it is a wonderful place to be. ... Read 746 reviews

Acceptance rate 6%

Net price $19,208

SAT range 1500-1580

#8 Best Colleges in America .

HANOVER, NH ,

746 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says My experience at Dartmouth has been great so far. The education is high quality and so are the professors. There are great opportunities for practical work and research. And the student body and... .

Read 746 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 6% ,

Net Price : $19,208 ,

SAT Range : 1500-1580 ,

Brown University

Providence, RI •

• • Rating 3.84 out of 5   1,082 reviews

Junior: My experience has been absolutely incredible. As everyone says, the open curriculum really makes a world of difference as it allows you to choose your own path and not be hampered by requirements that you might never need or have little to no interest in. I am an athlete and have had great experience with athletics and academics because Brown is really good about accommodating student-athletes when it comes to game and practice schedules. ... Read 1,082 reviews

Acceptance rate 5%

Net price $26,723

#10 Best Colleges in America .

PROVIDENCE, RI ,

1082 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says My experience has been absolutely incredible. As everyone says, the open curriculum really makes a world of difference as it allows you to choose your own path and not be hampered by requirements... .

Read 1082 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 5% ,

Net Price : $26,723 ,

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL •

• • Rating 3.7 out of 5   1,493 reviews

Freshman: There is a wealth of awesome student communities to join which really contributed to my experience. Classes are challenging but Northwestern offers many unique opportunities to explore different things and some uncommon ones like design classes. Performing arts are abundant on campus, so there is always something to see on the weekends! ... Read 1,493 reviews

Net price $22,095

SAT range 1490-1570

#15 Best Colleges in America .

EVANSTON, IL ,

1493 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says There is a wealth of awesome student communities to join which really contributed to my experience. Classes are challenging but Northwestern offers many unique opportunities to explore different... .

Read 1493 reviews.

Net Price : $22,095 ,

SAT Range : 1490-1570 ,

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Washington University in St. Louis

Saint Louis, MO •

• • Rating 4.11 out of 5   1,573 reviews

Sophomore: I am a sophomore at WashU. The depth of the education and the number of opportunities (if you seek them) can be life-changing. The business school is super good at hosting recruitment events if your interested in business careers, and the academics ARE HARD -- You will do a lot of work. CS department could be stronger; premed/ bio/chem/pre-law deps / olin are excellent. The undergraduate student body is tight-knit and mostly extremely friendly. People are very smart but not obnoxious or entitled. Campus life is great because many of the undergrads (freshmen, sophomores, and some juniors) live on campus. The housing is excellent, and many students have kitchens on campus. St Louis is certainly not a luxury city (i.e. NY or LA) but does have good restaurants (DRIVE NOT WALK AWAY) and a cheap cost of living (concerts are usually way cheaper). It is way better than being in the woods, but not the bestest place. The school has partially impeded on the fun with their attack on greek life. ... Read 1,573 reviews

Acceptance rate 12%

Net price $23,432

#16 Best Colleges in America .

SAINT LOUIS, MO ,

1573 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says I am a sophomore at WashU. The depth of the education and the number of opportunities (if you seek them) can be life-changing. The business school is super good at hosting recruitment events if your... The undergraduate student body is tight-knit and mostly extremely friendly. People are very smart but not obnoxious or entitled. Campus life is great because many of the undergrads (freshmen,... .

Read 1573 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 12% ,

Net Price : $23,432 ,

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA •

• • Rating 3.71 out of 5   1,483 reviews

Freshman: Carnegie Mellon University suits those who believe in working hard, working hard, and playing hard occasionally. The academics are demanding and challenging, which ultimately creates dedicated, disciplined students, or burnout. Many people require some kind of passion to be here, as it takes passion to get through the intense workload. On the surface, the social life at CMU seems pretty dead. However, after actively looking for clubs, organizations, and student groups, I found there are a lot of opportunities to be part of communities that are passionate and welcoming. I also love that CMU is very invested in their student's success: it is easy to get help from academic advisors, pursue research positions, and take interesting opportunities to get your education outside the classroom. Overall, I am very proud and happy that I came here :). ... Read 1,483 reviews

Acceptance rate 11%

Net price $33,499

#20 Best Colleges in America .

PITTSBURGH, PA ,

1483 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Carnegie Mellon University suits those who believe in working hard, working hard, and playing hard occasionally. The academics are demanding and challenging, which ultimately creates dedicated,... .

Read 1483 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 11% ,

Net Price : $33,499 ,

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI •

• • Rating 3.96 out of 5   4,716 reviews

Sophomore: The University of Michigan takes a lot of pride in calling itself the best university in the world, but while finishing up my sophomore year I could not agree more. There is such a healthy balance between challenging courses that make students competitive prospects in their next step in life and opportunities to destress and enjoy the "best years of our lives", from watching our football team win the national championship to simply receiving free treats around campus from staff. From my personal experience, I cannot offer any suggestions for change for this amazing university! I have met some of the most kindhearted and motivated people in friends and professors while here and I cannot imagine attending another college. ... Read 4,716 reviews

Acceptance rate 18%

Net price $19,318

SAT range 1350-1530

#21 Best Colleges in America .

ANN ARBOR, MI ,

4716 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says The University of Michigan takes a lot of pride in calling itself the best university in the world, but while finishing up my sophomore year I could not agree more. There is such a healthy balance... .

Read 4716 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 18% ,

Net Price : $19,318 ,

SAT Range : 1350-1530 ,

University of Chicago

Chicago, IL •

• • Rating 3.81 out of 5   1,297 reviews

Sophomore: Starting out at this university was not easy for me since I had to face many challenges on my own, away from family and friends I had back home. However, I had adjusted to the quarter system and found my place at the college. UChicago academics have impressed me, even with the required core classes. The professors I have met so far all appear to be enthusiastic about their specific fields, and they can be especially helpful outside of class. Given that our campus is located within a neighborhood, there are plenty of community activities and restaurants that students can hang out at, such as a Mexican-Korean restaurant called Seoul Taco. There are multiple dormitory buildings on campus, and the southern one is especially convenient as it has a dining hall, gym, and a small store all in one general place. There are also plenty of clubs, called RSOs, ranging from many types of activities like boxing or Japanese drum practice (Taiko). I would like more transportation options to explore. ... Read 1,297 reviews

Net price $36,991

#23 Best Colleges in America .

CHICAGO, IL ,

1297 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says Starting out at this university was not easy for me since I had to face many challenges on my own, away from family and friends I had back home. However, I had adjusted to the quarter system and... .

Read 1297 reviews.

Net Price : $36,991 ,

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD •

• • Rating 3.68 out of 5   1,408 reviews

Alum: Overall, my undergraduate experience at Johns Hopkins was great. The academics were challenging without being destructive to student mental health and there were always numerous clubs, involvement opportunities, and events on campus to attend in my free time. It was easy to find research opportunities at the hospital and in general, the professors were very supportive. I do wish that I had seen more of JHU's involvement in local communities and would love to see the college work to give back more to local communities in the future. ... Read 1,408 reviews

Net price $24,034

SAT range 1520-1570

#24 Best Colleges in America .

BALTIMORE, MD ,

1408 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Overall, my undergraduate experience at Johns Hopkins was great. The academics were challenging without being destructive to student mental health and there were always numerous clubs, involvement... .

Read 1408 reviews.

Net Price : $24,034 ,

SAT Range : 1520-1570 ,

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA •

• • Rating 3.98 out of 5   4,043 reviews

Freshman: I loved campus life and the academics are amazing! I didn’t get out as much so I can’t tell you much about party life or life outside of the university. However, I didn’t think I needed to because there is so much to do on campus! So much food and places for you to go to, I love the campus so much. Go to USC you won’t regret it. Also, the connections you will make, even in your first year, are amazing, trust me! ... Read 4,043 reviews

Net price $36,808

SAT range 1450-1550

#26 Best Colleges in America .

LOS ANGELES, CA ,

4043 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says I loved campus life and the academics are amazing! I didn’t get out as much so I can’t tell you much about party life or life outside of the university. However, I didn’t think I needed to because... .

Read 4043 reviews.

Net Price : $36,808 ,

SAT Range : 1450-1550 ,

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Emory University

Atlanta, GA •

• • Rating 3.84 out of 5   1,617 reviews

Sophomore: Emory's strong academic environment, combined with its diverse student body, has significantly broadened my perspectives and academic interests. I've particularly enjoyed the rigorous coursework and the opportunities to engage in research early in my college career. The professors here are not only leaders in their fields but are also genuinely interested in students' success, often available for guidance and support beyond the classroom. The campus itself is beautiful and well-maintained, providing a serene environment that enhances the learning experience. Socially, there are numerous clubs and organizations that cater to a wide range of interests, which made it easier for me as a transfer to integrate and find my community. However, I would like to see improvements in the advising system, especially for transfer students. Navigating a new university's academic and social landscape can be challenging, and a more structured support system could help ease this transition. ... Read 1,617 reviews

Net price $26,680

SAT range 1430-1550

#36 Best Colleges in America .

ATLANTA, GA ,

1617 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says Emory's strong academic environment, combined with its diverse student body, has significantly broadened my perspectives and academic interests. I've particularly enjoyed the rigorous coursework and... .

Read 1617 reviews.

Net Price : $26,680 ,

SAT Range : 1430-1550 ,

Wellesley College

Wellesley, MA •

• • Rating 3.77 out of 5   636 reviews

Sophomore: I really love it here and am glad that I decided on Wellesley! I'm class of 2026, so I've been on campus for about two years now and each year, I've been able to meet some of the best professors and even better people. Conversations with peers are just as nuanced as the people and although the campus could still do with some diversity, I think we're definitely on the better end (I say this as a half Black and half-Asian student from a very predominantly white town). I've found that it's really easy to make friends because the campus and class sizes are so small (that being said, I'm also more extroverted). However, even my more introverted friends have said that they were eventually able to find close friends as their first or second year progressed -- the key is to be involved in campus or go to events and intentionally talk to people and reach out. ... Read 636 reviews

Acceptance rate 14%

Net price $21,362

#37 Best Colleges in America .

WELLESLEY, MA ,

636 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says I really love it here and am glad that I decided on Wellesley! I'm class of 2026, so I've been on campus for about two years now and each year, I've been able to meet some of the best professors and... .

Read 636 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 14% ,

Net Price : $21,362 ,

University of Texas - Austin

Austin, TX •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   6,774 reviews

Freshman: I love that UT has a sense of community, especially in the sporting department. Being able to witness school spirit is an aspect I love about this school. I also enjoy the vast number of majors and programs, as well as student organizations that are available for all to join. However, I’ve had a slightly difficult time realizing that because UT is so large, it’s extremely easy to sink into the cracks, and figuring your own stuff out is essential. No one is going to hold your hand through course registration or career decisions, but I think- despite the inconvenience- it teaches students how to be an adult much more effectively than a gentler approach. Overall, I love UT and Austin and can’t recommend it enough! ... Read 6,774 reviews

Acceptance rate 31%

Net price $17,434

SAT range 1230-1500

#42 Best Colleges in America .

AUSTIN, TX ,

6774 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says I love that UT has a sense of community, especially in the sporting department. Being able to witness school spirit is an aspect I love about this school. I also enjoy the vast number of majors and... .

Read 6774 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 31% ,

Net Price : $17,434 ,

SAT Range : 1230-1500 ,

University of Miami

Coral Gables, FL •

• • Rating 3.86 out of 5   3,075 reviews

Senior: Couldn't have had a better 4 years and more fun time! I lived basically like Alix Earle (college wise and not fame wise). There is something to do every single day. I was able to go out 6 nights a week and maintain my workload pretty easily. I absolutely loved all my classes and the professors. Most of my class sizes were small and very discussion based which I find best for learning. My professors were all super nice, available, knowledgeable, and understanding. Campus is beautiful! Greek life is take it or leave it, people involved really like it and I wasn't in a sorority but was still able to go to all the frat parties. I love the academics here and the party scene and I'm so sad I am graduating next week. Anyone can really find their place here and if you want to tan in January or a serious student you should come here and study by the pool. Only con of the school is the cost, but if you can afford it or get a lot of financial aid it's more than worth it! ... Read 3,075 reviews

Acceptance rate 19%

Net price $36,467

SAT range 1310-1480

#52 Best Colleges in America .

CORAL GABLES, FL ,

3075 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Senior says Couldn't have had a better 4 years and more fun time! I lived basically like Alix Earle (college wise and not fame wise). There is something to do every single day. I was able to go out 6 nights a... .

Read 3075 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 19% ,

Net Price : $36,467 ,

SAT Range : 1310-1480 ,

Hamilton College

Clinton, NY •

• • Rating 3.72 out of 5   488 reviews

Alum: Looking back on my experience, I feel as though I didn't appreciate everything Hamilton College did for me. When you're in the moment, it's easy to see all the bad and be frustrated with things like the crappy campus food, a poor party scene, and a major lack of diversity. But, looking back, I do miss my time at Hamilton. I miss living in a walking community, I miss all the free food and free merchandise the school gave me. I miss the diner. I miss having small classes and being close to my professors. The community there, although not perfect, came together in moments that mattered. The school could be better. The lack of accountability from the administration on social issues and a constant battle between hate speech and lack of punishment for students who harmed others was a constant in all my 4 years. I hope the students continue to push forward and force Hamilton into a socially-accountable mindset. ... Read 488 reviews

Net price $24,503

SAT range 1420-1540

#54 Best Colleges in America .

CLINTON, NY ,

488 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Looking back on my experience, I feel as though I didn't appreciate everything Hamilton College did for me. When you're in the moment, it's easy to see all the bad and be frustrated with things like... .

Read 488 reviews.

Net Price : $24,503 ,

SAT Range : 1420-1540 ,

University of Washington

Seattle, WA •

• • Rating 3.79 out of 5   4,679 reviews

Graduate Student: The University of Washington offers a vibrant school life characterized by a welcoming atmosphere and warm-hearted professors who genuinely care about their students' success. Interactions with classmates are often pleasant and enriching, fostering a sense of community. However, safety concerns linger as an area needing improvement. While the campus exudes warmth and inclusivity, addressing safety issues would further enhance the overall experience, ensuring students can focus on their studies without worry. Despite this aspect, the university's positive attributes, from its supportive faculty to its friendly student body, create a conducive environment for academic and personal growth. ... Read 4,679 reviews

Acceptance rate 48%

Net price $10,603

SAT range —

#60 Best Colleges in America .

SEATTLE, WA ,

4679 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Graduate Student says The University of Washington offers a vibrant school life characterized by a welcoming atmosphere and warm-hearted professors who genuinely care about their students' success. Interactions with... .

Read 4679 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 48% ,

Net Price : $10,603 ,

Macalester College

Saint Paul, MN •

• • Rating 3.81 out of 5   477 reviews

Freshman: I'm only a freshman, so take my opinions with that in mind, but I am immensely fortunate to have chosen to attend Mac. Students that go to this school are kind and from countless backgrounds and experiences. I have yet to perceive any air of frustration or misery on campus—even during finals season—and the upperclassmen I've spoken to have had similar experiences. The food isn't great, but I consider it adequate for the most part (although I would love to see food options that are more compatible with some of the dietary restrictions on campus). There are always numerous events to attend on campus so you have endless opportunities to learn new skills, have new experiences, and meet new people. Even if it takes some time, I can almost guarantee that you can find your "group" on campus. The academics are exceptional and I have had so many lovely interactions with professors. You really can join in on research projects in your freshman year! Just beware the cold and you'll thrive here. ... Read 477 reviews

Acceptance rate 28%

Net price $36,095

SAT range 1340-1500

#62 Best Colleges in America .

SAINT PAUL, MN ,

477 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says I'm only a freshman, so take my opinions with that in mind, but I am immensely fortunate to have chosen to attend Mac. Students that go to this school are kind and from countless backgrounds and... .

Read 477 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 28% ,

Net Price : $36,095 ,

SAT Range : 1340-1500 ,

Haverford College

Haverford, PA •

• • Rating 3.93 out of 5   269 reviews

Junior: My experience at Haverford College has been wonderful. The Honor Code definitely plays a huge role with this. I have always felt safe walking at night on campus and am able to leave my belongings without fear it of it being taken. I feel as though I can approach my professors when I need support or accommodations and have never been turned down. It's clear that most people here respect others, faculty and the space around them (of course exceptions exist like anywhere else but are a small minority). Generally, I would say, the student population is happy, motivated, and eager to help others. Unlike Swarthmore or other selective colleges, students are collaborative, laid back, yet still strive to maintain academic excellence. Rather than only focusing on grades, Haverford students are eager to learn and contribute to the community. I would say it's fair to say that Haverford is a smaller liberal arts college version of Brown University. ... Read 269 reviews

Net price $23,476

SAT range 1430-1540

#70 Best Colleges in America .

HAVERFORD, PA ,

269 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says My experience at Haverford College has been wonderful. The Honor Code definitely plays a huge role with this. I have always felt safe walking at night on campus and am able to leave my belongings... .

Read 269 reviews.

Net Price : $23,476 ,

SAT Range : 1430-1540 ,

Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN •

• • Rating 3.83 out of 5   5,144 reviews

Alum: Academically challenging school that heavily focuses on STEM majors. If you are in liberal arts, there is a nice community but it is small and not nearly as funded as the STEM programs. Campus is walkable filled with nice community spaces and plenty of libraries, cafes, and rooms to study and meet with classmates. A lot of school spirit centered around the athletics. Most people live off campus starting second year. The apartments in Chauncey Square are an excellent location and close to night life spots and restaurants. Campus is very diverse and there are many opportunities to join clubs and student groups. Purdue is only 1 or 2 hours away from two different international airports, and shuttle busses run nearly everyday between those airports and Purdue campus, making travel easier for international or out of state students. Boiler up! ... Read 5,144 reviews

• grade  A Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 53%

Net price $12,576

SAT range 1200-1470

#79 Best Colleges in America .

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN ,

5144 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Academically challenging school that heavily focuses on STEM majors. If you are in liberal arts, there is a nice community but it is small and not nearly as funded as the STEM programs. Campus is... .

Read 5144 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : A ,

Acceptance Rate : 53% ,

Net Price : $12,576 ,

SAT Range : 1200-1470 ,

Colby College

Waterville, ME •

• • Rating 3.85 out of 5   634 reviews

Freshman: Great experience! So far I have enjoyed the amazing community filled with wonderful professors and students I can now call friends. With the opening of the new Athletic Center and Gordon center, I am excited to see what comes next as Colby continues to evolve and maintain excellence. ... Read 634 reviews

Acceptance rate 8%

Net price $16,951

#80 Best Colleges in America .

WATERVILLE, ME ,

634 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Great experience! So far I have enjoyed the amazing community filled with wonderful professors and students I can now call friends. With the opening of the new Athletic Center and Gordon center, I am... .

Read 634 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 8% ,

Net Price : $16,951 ,

University of Pittsburgh

• • Rating 3.75 out of 5   4,356 reviews

Freshman: Pitt has a gorgeous campus and I've really enjoyed my time here so far! However, they won't tell you how bad the food is. The dining halls (especially the eatery) are not very good and the wait times for on-campus meal swap locations make it difficult at times. The housing process is very easy when entering freshman year, but incredibly stressful and difficult following that. These are really the only things I have to complain about. Overall, the school pride is great, we have nice architecture, fun sports, and plenty of green space for sunny days. ... Read 4,356 reviews

Acceptance rate 49%

Net price $24,286

SAT range 1280-1470

#84 Best Colleges in America .

4356 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Pitt has a gorgeous campus and I've really enjoyed my time here so far! However, they won't tell you how bad the food is. The dining halls (especially the eatery) are not very good and the wait times... .

Read 4356 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 49% ,

Net Price : $24,286 ,

SAT Range : 1280-1470 ,

National University

La Jolla, CA •

• • Rating 3.98 out of 5   1,175 reviews

Graduate Student: I am in the teacher credential program and I am loving it. I used to get overwhelmed and bored with standard semester classes but at NU, I take 1 class every 4 weeks. I focus on the information for 1 class at a time and the course progresses quickly so I don’t get bored and the course requirements are reasonable, especially since most of the class participants work full time and have families. This has been a wonderful experience! ... Read 1,175 reviews

Acceptance rate 55%

Net price $30,527

SAT range 750-1170

#90 Best Colleges in America .

LA JOLLA, CA ,

1175 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Graduate Student says I am in the teacher credential program and I am loving it. I used to get overwhelmed and bored with standard semester classes but at NU, I take 1 class every 4 weeks. I focus on the information for 1... .

Read 1175 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 55% ,

Net Price : $30,527 ,

SAT Range : 750-1170 ,

Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX •

• • Rating 3.86 out of 5   1,578 reviews

Freshman: I visited SMU for a campus tour during the spring break of March 2023. The major factor that led me to choose SMU is its magisterial infrastructure and the opportunity to graduate with two degrees. SMU’s propounded Simmons school of Education’s Education program especially the Early childhood to 6 and the esteemed teaching faculty is the gravity force for me. After I graduate from college, I aspire to be a teacher in Texas and teach technology to kids with special needs. With the shortage of quality teachers in Texas, I conceive high caliber teachers can make the most impact in students to pursue their careers. Therefore, I am writing an application to get a degree from SMU and build a stronger society of future students. I want to be a proud Texan to serve the Texas education system by studying in the best Texas University. ... Read 1,578 reviews

Acceptance rate 52%

Net price $45,094

SAT range 1370-1510

#95 Best Colleges in America .

DALLAS, TX ,

1578 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says I visited SMU for a campus tour during the spring break of March 2023. The major factor that led me to choose SMU is its magisterial infrastructure and the opportunity to graduate with two degrees.... .

Read 1578 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 52% ,

Net Price : $45,094 ,

SAT Range : 1370-1510 ,

Oberlin College

OBERLIN, OH

• • Rating 3.7 out of 5   680

Aquinas College - Michigan

GRAND RAPIDS, MI

• • Rating 3.65 out of 5   654

St. Norbert College

DE PERE, WI

• • Rating 3.79 out of 5   762

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Application deadline: December 1

The program provides dual emphasis in literature and creative writing, culminating in the dissertation, which combines critical analysis with creative originality. Roughly half of the dissertation is based on original research, that is to say, research contributing to knowledge which enriches or changes the field. Doctoral candidates not only read and write texts as finished products of scholarship in researching their creative work’s literary and historical milieu, but also consider the text as writers create it, then compose texts as writers, a process that goes to the source of the study of literature and of literature itself. This integration of literature and creative writing is reflected in the structure of the dissertation, which introduces the creative work within a context of critical inquiry, bringing together the examination and embodiment of the literary act, a new model of scholarship and creative innovation.

PhD candidates in literature and creative writing must pass the same departmental screening examination taken by PhD candidates in Literature who are not working in the area of creative writing. The exam tests students in various areas of emphasis (British literature, American literature, poetry, prose, etc.) and literature and historical periods as a measure of their preparedness to undertake independent research.

The literature and creative writing student takes 64 units in all, 32 in literature, 24 in creative writing workshops and seminars and 8 units of dissertation studies credits.

Admission Requirements

Requirements for admission to study in the department of English include: scores satisfactory to the department in both the verbal and quantitative General Test and the literature Subject Test of the Graduate Record Examinations; evidence of experience and ability in creative writing, as demonstrated by a creative writing sample; evidence of competence in writing English and interpreting English literature, as demonstrated by a sample of written work by the applicant on literary subjects; a satisfactory written statement by the applicant of aims and interests in graduate work; letters of recommendation from at least three college instructors; and grades satisfactory to the department earned by the applicant at other institutions. This program will accept applicants with BA degrees or transfer students with an MA or MFA in creative writing.

Degree Requirements

These degrees are under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Refer to the Graduate School    section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degrees must be courses accepted by the Graduate School.

Graduate Curriculum and Unit Requirements

The graduate curriculum is divided into 500-level foundation courses and 600-level advanced courses. The 500-level courses offer fundamental work in theory and in the history of British and American literatures and cultures. The 600-level courses feature advanced studies in theory, creative writing seminars and workshops and special topics. Although students will normally take 500-level courses leading up to the screening procedure (see Screening Procedure) and 600-level courses thereafter, students after consultation with their advisers may be permitted to take 600-level courses in the first semester of their graduate training.

The student’s course work must total at least 64 units. No more than eight units of 794 Doctoral Dissertation and no more than four units of 790 Research may count toward the 64 units. A maximum of 12 transfer units, approved by the graduate director, is allowed toward the 64 units minimum required by the PhD (See Transfer of Course Work .)

The student will be assigned a faculty mentor in his or her first semester in the graduate program and will be encouraged in subsequent semesters to begin putting together an informal qualifying exam committee. The makeup of the qualifying exam committee may change as the interests of the student change. The faculty mentor and informal qualifying exam committee will assist the student in planning a program of study appropriate to the student’s interests leading to the screening procedure.

Screening Procedure

At the end of the student’s fourth semester (second semester for students who enter with an MA or MFA degree or near equivalent), the student will sit for a departmental examination, which is part of a comprehensive screening procedure. Rarely, and only with the approval of the graduate director and the graduate committee, will a student be allowed to postpone the departmental examination and the screening procedure, and then only for one year. Prior to the screening procedure, the student will be allowed to take a maximum of four units of independent study ( ENGL 590   ), and that independent study will normally be used to prepare for the departmental examination; all other units must be in the 500- or 600-level seminar.

Qualifying Exam Committee

Immediately following successful completion of the screening procedure, the student will nominate formally a five-member qualifying exam committee, including a chair and three other members from the English Department who are in the student’s areas of interest and an outside member from another PhD-granting department. The committee must be in place and approved by the Graduate School at the time the student chooses a dissertation topic, writes the dissertation prospectus and schedules a qualifying examination.

Qualifying Examination

Following completion of course work, the student must sit for a qualifying examination, at a time mutually agreed upon by the student and the qualifying exam committee.

This is a field examination given in the subject of the student’s proposed dissertation research. No less than one month before the qualifying examination, the student will submit to the qualifying exam committee a dissertation prospectus. The prospectus, it is understood, will not be a polished dissertation proposal, but at a minimum it should display a strong knowledge of the subject, much of the relevant secondary material and other contexts crucial to the writing of the dissertation, and should present a workable plan of attack as well as a reasonably sophisticated understanding of the theoretical assumptions involved in the subject.

The qualifying examination will consist of both written and oral portions with special emphasis areas in creative writing. It will focus on the dissertation area and its contexts with the specific format and content of the examination being negotiated among the student and all members of the examination committee. Upon successful completion of the qualifying examination the student proceeds to the writing of the doctoral dissertation.

Dissertation

The final stage of the program is the submission of a creative dissertation that makes an original, substantial and publishable contribution to creative literature: a book of poems, a novel, a collection of short stories.

Foreign Language

PhD students are required to demonstrate proficiency in at least one foreign language. This may be demonstrated by completing a course in the literature of that language at the 400 or 500 level (with a grade of B [3.0] or better) or by passing a foreign language exam that tests proficiency in reading comprehension and translation. PhD students may also be required to demonstrate proficiency in additional languages, as determined by the qualifying exam committee in view of the student’s proposed field of research.

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2024 Best Creative Writing Master's Degree Schools in California

College Factual reviewed 14 schools in California to determine which ones were the best for master's degree seekers in the field of creative writing. Combined, these schools handed out 289 master's degrees in creative writing to qualified students.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Our Methodology

• Best Master’s Degree Schools List

Choosing a Great Creative Writing School for Your Master's Degree

Quality Overall Is Important

A school that excels in educating for a particular major and degree level must be a great school overall as well. To make it into this list a school must rank well in our overall Best Colleges for a Master's Degree ranking. This ranking considered factors such as graduation rates, overall graduate earnings and other educational resources to identify great colleges and universities.

Other Factors We Consider

In addition to the above, you should consider some of the following factors:

• Major Focus - How much a school focuses on creative writing students vs. other majors.
• Major Demand - How many other creative writing students want to attend this school to pursue a master's degree.
• Educational Resources - The amount of money and other resources allocated to students while they are pursuing their degree. These resources include such things as number of students per instructor and education expenditures per student.
• Accreditation - Whether a school is regionally accredited and/or accredited by a recognized creative writing related body.

Our full ranking methodology documents in more detail how we consider these factors to identify the best colleges for creative writing students working on their master's degree.

One Size Does Not Fit All

The creative writing school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we've developed a number of major-specific rankings , including this list of the Best Creative Writing Master's Degree Schools in California.

Best Schools for Master’s Students to Study Creative Writing in California

Below you'll see a list of the best colleges and universities for pursuing a master's degree in creative writing.

10 Top California Schools for a Master's in Creative Writing

Any student who is interested in a master's degree in creative writing needs to look into San Diego State University. SDSU is a very large public university located in the large city of San Diego. More information about a master’s in creative writing from San Diego State University

San Jose State University is one of the best schools in the United States for getting a master's degree in creative writing. San Jose State is a fairly large public university located in the city of San Jose. More information about a master’s in creative writing from San Jose State University

It is difficult to beat National University if you wish to pursue a master's degree in creative writing. Located in the city of San Diego, National University is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. More information about a master’s in creative writing from National University

It is difficult to beat University of California - Riverside if you wish to pursue a master's degree in creative writing. Located in the large city of Riverside, UCR is a public university with a very large student population. More information about a master’s in creative writing from University of California - Riverside

USFCA is a medium-sized private not-for-profit university located in the large city of San Francisco. More information about a master’s in creative writing from University of San Francisco

Located in the suburb of Davis, UC Davis is a public university with a very large student population. More information about a master’s in creative writing from University of California - Davis

SFSU is a very large public university located in the large city of San Francisco. More information about a master’s in creative writing from San Francisco State University

CSULB is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Long Beach. More information about a master’s in creative writing from California State University - Long Beach

SMC is a small private not-for-profit college located in the suburb of Moraga. More information about a master’s in creative writing from Saint Mary’s College of California

Chapman is a large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Orange. More information about a master’s in creative writing from Chapman University

Related Programs

Learn about other programs related to Creative Writing that might interest you.

Low-Residency MFA in Fiction and Nonfiction

Harness your passion for storytelling with SNHU's Mountainview Low-Residency MFA in Fiction and Nonfiction. In this small, two-year creative writing program, students work one-on-one with our distinguished faculty remotely for most of the semester but convene for weeklong intensive residencies in June and January. At residencies, students critique each other's work face-to-face, meet with major authors, agents and editors and learn how to teach at the college level.

English (I Have a Bachelors)

Best Creative Writing Colleges in the Far Western US Region

Explore all the Best Creative Writing Schools in the Far Western US Area or other specific states within that region.

Other Rankings

Best associate degrees in creative writing, best doctorate degrees in creative writing, best bachelor's degrees in creative writing, best overall in creative writing.

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Creative Writing Related Rankings by Major

One of 4 majors within the Writing Studies area of study, Creative Writing has other similar majors worth exploring.

Most Popular Related Majors

Notes and references.

• The bars on the spread charts above show the distribution of the schools on this list +/- one standard deviation from the mean.
• The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ( IPEDS ) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of the rest of our data about colleges.
• Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s ( College Scorecard ).
• Credit for the banner image above goes to KOKUYO . More about our data sources and methodologies .

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Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing The Write Stuff for Writers

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Grow Your Writing Passion into a Career with Liberty’s Online MFA in Creative Writing

Many people write creatively, but few hone their skills to develop their writing craft to its highest form. Even fewer learn the other skills it takes to become a successful writer, such as the steps needed to get a book published and into the hands of readers. Liberty’s 100% online Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing can help you develop your writing passion into a career so you can set your works free to impact culture and the world.

Employers in every industry need professionals who have strong writing skills, so you can be confident that your ability to write effectively can also help set you apart in your current career. With in-demand writing expertise and the ability to customize your degree with electives in literature or writing practice, Liberty’s online MFA in Creative Writing can help you achieve your professional writing goals.

Our online MFA in Creative Writing is designed to help you build on your writing skills with specific workshops dedicated to the craft of fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, or screenwriting. With a work-in-progress approach to writing practice and mentorship from our faculty of experienced writers and scholars, you can learn the specific skills you need to make your writing stand out.

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Why Choose Liberty’s MFA in Creative Writing?

Our online MFA in Creative Writing is mainly offered in an 8-week course format, and our tuition rate for graduate programs hasn’t increased in 9 years. Through our program, you can study the writing process and develop your creative skills through workshops with experienced writing professionals. With our flexible format, you can grow in your creative writing while continuing to do what is important to you.

As a terminal degree, the online MFA in Creative Writing can also help you pursue opportunities to teach writing at the K-12 or college level. You will gain comprehensive and in-depth exposure to writing, literature, publishing, and many other professional writing skills that you can pass on to students. Partner with the Liberty family and learn under faculty who have spent years in the field you love. Your career in professional writing starts here.

What Will You Study in Our MFA in Creative Writing?

The MFA in Creative Writing program is designed to help you become an excellent creative writer across the genres of creative fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting, and poetry. You can learn how to produce aesthetically and culturally engaged creative works while gaining professional knowledge and practice. You will also study foundational contemporary literature so that you have a background in studying important works to draw on for your writing.

To help you in your professional writing, you will also study many essential skills in editing, layout, and the business of publishing so that you can best position yourself for success in the market. Through your creative writing courses and workshops, you can develop your craft so that you will be ready for your thesis project.

Here are a few examples of the skills Liberty’s MFA in Creative Writing can help you master:

• Marketing your projects and pursuing new writing opportunities
• Organizing writing and adapting it to different types of writing
• Tailoring writing to specific audiences and markets
• Understanding what makes art effective, compelling, and impactful
• Writing compelling stories that engage readers

Potential Career Opportunities

• Book and magazine writer
• Business communications specialist
• Creative writing instructor
• Publications editor
• Screenwriter
• Website copy editor and writer
• Writing manager

Featured Courses

• ENGL 600 – Editing, Layout, and Publishing
• ENGL 601 – Writing as Cultural Engagement
• ENGL 603 – Literary Theory and Practice
• WRIT 610 – Writing Fiction

Degree Information

• This program falls under the College of Arts and Sciences .
• View the Graduate Arts and Sciences Course Guides (login required).
• Download and review the Graduate Manual for MFA .

Degree Completion Plan (PDF)

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Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

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Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

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Admission Information for the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (MFA)

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Unofficial transcripts can be used for acceptance purposes with the submission of a Transcript Request Form .
• Creative Writing Sample – A creative writing sample of one creative writing work of at least 2,500 words or a culmination of creative writing samples totaling 2,500 words.*
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

*A sample of one or more poems totaling a minimum of 750 words may also be submitted. Song lyrics are not accepted at this time as writing samples.

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your master’s degree after the last day of class for your bachelor’s degree.
• Complete a Bachelor’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official/unofficial transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show a minimum of 105 completed credit hours.
• If you are a current Liberty University student completing your undergraduate degree, you will need to submit a Degree/Certificate Completion Application .
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new master’s degree.

Dual Enrollment

Please see the Online Dual Enrollment page for information about starting graduate courses while finishing your bachelor’s degree.

Transcript Policies

Unofficial college transcript policy.

Unofficial transcripts combined with a Transcript Request Form can be used for admission. Official transcripts are required within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first, and will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.

Before sending unofficial college transcripts, please make sure they include the following:

• Your previous school’s name or logo printed on the document
• Cumulative GPA
• A list of completed courses and earned credit broken down by semester
• Degree and date conferred (if applicable)

Official College Transcript Policy

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

If the student uses unofficial transcripts with a Transcript Request Form to gain acceptance, all official transcripts must be received within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first. Failure to send all official transcripts within the 60-day period will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.

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Who May Qualify?

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Available Benefits:

• Tuition discounts – $275 per credit hour for graduate courses
• Additional discount for veterans who service in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $625 per course) *
• 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)

*Not applicable to certificates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an mfa in creative writing.

A Master of Fine Arts degree, or MFA, is a terminal degree in an artistic craft that demonstrates that you have achieved the highest level of training and skill in your discipline. Like a doctorate, an MFA often allows you to teach courses at the graduate level while also providing many opportunities for scholarship and leadership in education. If you want to grow your creative writing skills to become the best writer you can be, then the Master of Fine Arts can help you get there.

How will students work towards developing their writing skills?

With creative writing workshops and a thesis project, you will receive support and guidance to help you become the best writer you can be.

How long will it take to complete the MFA in Creative Writing?

You can complete the MFA in Creative Writing in just 48 credit hours!

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Best Creative Writing colleges in the U.S. 2024

Creative writing is about artistically sharing emotions, thoughts, and opinions on a subject; not just relaying information. Courses include American literature, editing and proofing, fundamentals of writing, world literature, Shakespeare, screenwriting fundamentals, fiction fundamentals, writing nonfiction, and poetry writing. Creative writing covers both nonfiction and fiction, but the predominant types of creative writing are poetry and fiction, which includes novels, short stories, novellas, and flash fiction. Playwriting, screenwriting, journaling, and memoirs are other typical forms.

Students will learn how to use written language to communicate more clearly in their professional and personal lives and move beyond proficient mechanics to writing craftily in an attempt to evoke emotions and express points of view. Careers for creative writers?outside of being a creative writer?include blogger, journalist, composition teacher, copywriter, scriptwriter, and novelist. Creative writers must understand the importance of deadlines and have well-researched writing samples in order to move up the career ladder. The median annual wage of writers and authors was more than $50,000 in May 2010. Religious, professional, and civic industries employed the most writers followed by newspapers and book industries. Creative writers may also be freelance writers. Freelance writers are self-employed individuals who make a living selling their content to publishers. They may simultaneously work on multiple assignments for numerous companies depending on individual financial goals.

Best Creative Writing colleges in the U.S. for 2024

Brown University offers 3 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 48 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 38 Bachelor's degrees, and 10 Master's degrees.

Northwestern University offers 3 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 11 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 10 Master's degrees, and 1 Bachelor's degree.

Johns Hopkins University offers 4 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 80 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 47 Master's degrees, 29 Bachelor's degrees, and 4 Certificates.

University of Southern California offers 2 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 37 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 37 Bachelor's degrees.

University of Notre Dame offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2022, 4 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 4 Master's degrees.

University of Virginia-Main Campus offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a small suburb. In 2022, 6 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 6 Master's degrees.

Columbia University in the City of New York offers 2 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 174 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 124 Master's degrees, and 50 Bachelor's degrees.

The University of Texas at Austin offers 2 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 100 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 81 Certificates, and 19 Master's degrees.

Cornell University offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 7 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 7 Master's degrees.

Vanderbilt University offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 6 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 6 Master's degrees.

Find local colleges with Creative Writing majors in the U.S.

List of all creative writing colleges in the u.s..

National Liberal Arts Colleges Rankings

Schools in the National Liberal Arts Colleges category, such as Spelman College and Haverford College, emphasize undergraduate education and award at least half of their degrees in the liberal arts fields of study. Read the methodology »

To unlock full rankings, SAT/ACT scores and more, sign up for the U.S. News College Compass !

Here are the best liberal arts colleges in the U.S.

Williams college, amherst college, united states naval academy, pomona college, swarthmore college, wellesley college, united states air force academy, united states military academy at west point, bowdoin college.

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Williamstown, MA

• #1 in National Liberal Arts Colleges

Williams College, a private institution in Williamstown, Massachusetts, has three undergraduate academic branches: humanities and the arts, social sciences, and science and mathematics. Classes at Williams are small and some use an Oxford-style teaching method that relies heavily on student participation.

(fall 2022)

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Amherst, MA

• #2 in National Liberal Arts Colleges

Amherst College, a private school in Amherst, Massachusetts, is known for its rigorous academic climate. Because Amherst is a member of the Five Colleges consortium, students can also take courses at Smith College, Mount Holyoke College, Hampshire College and the University of Massachusetts—Amherst.

Annapolis, MD

• #3 in National Liberal Arts Colleges

The United States Naval Academy is a public school located in the waterfront town of Annapolis, Maryland. Students, known as midshipmen, are officers in training, and tuition is fully funded by the U.S. Navy in return for active-duty service after graduation.

(out-of-state)

Claremont, CA

• #4 in National Liberal Arts Colleges  (tie)

Pomona College is located in Claremont, California, about 35 miles away from downtown Los Angeles. Students can take advantage of this private institution's unique location during the annual Ski Beach Day, a morning of skiing at a local resort before an afternoon on a beach in Orange County.

Swarthmore, PA

About 10 miles outside of Philadelphia is Swarthmore College, a private liberal arts institution that also offers a unique engineering degree program. Because Swarthmore is part of the Tri-College Consortium, students can also take courses at nearby Bryn Mawr College and Haverford College.

Wellesley, MA

Wellesley is a private liberal arts college for women about 10 miles from Boston in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Students at Wellesley have more than 1,000 courses and more than 50 majors to choose from and can also cross-register for classes at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

USAF Academy, CO

• #7 in National Liberal Arts Colleges

The United States Air Force Academy, commonly called Air Force, is a military service academy located just outside of Colorado Springs, Colo., about 60 miles from Denver. Students at Air Force, called cadets, adhere to a strict daily schedule that does not allow for much free time, though there are a number of extracurricular clubs and activities. Incoming cadets attend a five-week training program intended to prepare them for military life. Cadets are required to participate in athletics — either intercollegiate or intramural — and must pass a fitness test every semester. The Fighting Falcons, Air Force’s athletic teams, compete in NCAA’s Division I and are known for their traditional rivalries with fellow service academies Army and Navy.

West Point, NY

• #8 in National Liberal Arts Colleges

The United States Military Academy at West Point is the oldest of the country’s five federal service academies. The public school is located in West Point, N.Y., where graduates earn a bachelor of science degree and are commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army.

Brunswick, ME

• #9 in National Liberal Arts Colleges  (tie)

Submitting SAT and ACT scores is optional for admission to Bowdoin College, a private institution located in the coastal New England town of Brunswick, Maine. The college is home to many organizations including the Peucinian Society, one of the oldest literary and intellectual societies in the country.

Carleton College

Northfield, MN

Carleton College is a private school in the historic river town of Northfield, Minnesota. Carls, as its students are known, have about 35 majors to choose from and more than 170 organizations to check out.

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Higher Education

When is a California college degree worth the cost? A new study has answers

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Students attending California’s public colleges and universities see better returns on investment than those at most nonprofit private colleges and for-profit institutions.

Lea esta historia en Español

Nathan Reyes lives with his family five minutes from Cal State Los Angeles, where he’s paying close to nothing to earn a bachelor’s degree that typically lands graduates a salary of $62,000 within five years of completing college .

He’s one of hundreds of thousands of California low-income students who attend colleges that, because they’re affordable enough , cost the equivalent of a few months of a typical salary that students earn within a few years of graduation. 

A new report today compares California’s colleges by analyzing how long it would take low- and moderate-income students to recoup the money they spent to earn a college credential. It shows that many community colleges, Cal States and University of California campuses — all public campuses — have better returns on investment than most nonprofit private colleges and for-profit institutions.

Reyes’ only expenses are car upkeep, gas, a few books and helping his family with some housing costs. The third-year student didn’t need to take out loans.

“I feel very lucky,” Reyes, a communications major, said. “In high school, I was always stressing about, ‘Oh, man, I’m gonna have a whole bunch of debt racked up after college’. And now that I’m in my third year, I don’t have to worry about any of that.”

Reyes, who’s 20 years old, receives state grants to cover all his tuition and federal aid for other academic and living expenses . He also works for a state volunteer program that pays students a stipend.

Report calculates time it takes to recoup cost of degree

The report was commissioned by College Futures Foundation, a nonprofit that promotes college completion. The report merges several concepts into one number: 

• The net price of a college degree after all financial aid is calculated 
• The typical earnings 10 years after a student first enrolls in a school 
• How much higher those wages are compared to what young adults earn with just a high school diploma. 

It defines low- and moderate-income households as those earning below $75,000 annually.

The data, all from the federal government, show that the time it takes to recoup the net costs of earning a degree at Cal State San Bernardino is less than three months. That’s because low-income students there incur about $5,000 in out-of-pocket expenses if they finish in four years. Within a few years they earn about $53,000 a year — double what young adults with only a high school diploma make.

At Cal State Los Angeles, the time to recoup the net costs of earning a bachelor’s is also less than three months of a typical post-college annual salary. 

“​​This is really a first-of-its kind look,” said the report’s author, Michael Itzkowitz, who headed the federal government’s first consumer tool for comparing college costs under the Obama administration. The approach is a mathematical way of demonstrating which colleges confer economic value to students beyond what a high school diploma would.

“I feel very lucky,” Reyes, a communications major, said. “In high school, I was always stressing about, ‘Oh, man, I’m gonna have a whole bunch of debt racked up after college’”. Nathan Reyes, undergraduate student at cal state la

A CalMatters analysis of Iztkowitz’s data found that the average time needed for a student to recoup their net costs is about two years at public institutions and a little over three years at nonprofit private colleges in California.

Some of those private campuses are as affordable as a Cal State, UC or community college after factoring in financial aid. Stanford University costs low-income students nothing. However, only 4% of students who apply are admitted, while all but three Cal States admit more than 70% of the students who apply . Most undergraduates in California attend a public institution .

Pitzer, Pomona and the University of Southern California and several other highly selective nonprofit private colleges cost students less than a year’s worth of the typical salary they’ll earn within a few years of completing their degree.

Return on investment varies by college

While some for-profit colleges have strong returns on investment, most do not. 

It takes nearly 13 years for students attending this often-scrutinized segment of higher education to recoup their costs, Itzkowitz’s calculations show. California’s Department of Justice has sued several for-profit colleges , accusing them of deceitful practices, and won large financial judgments and settlements.

And that doesn’t even account for the 22 for-profit institutions that show no return on investment, meaning students from those schools earned no more than what a young adult with just a high school diploma makes. In the report, 24 campuses in total, or 8% of all California colleges, showed no return on investment, including two small nonprofit private colleges. 

“There are for-profit institutions that can offer an affordable education and good employment outcomes and they’re recognized within the data,” Itzkowitz said. “But what we also see is that there are a disproportionate amount that show more worrisome outcomes for students in comparison to other sectors.”

Most California for-profit colleges, however, predominantly issue certificates, which are shorter-term credentials that don’t regularly lead to the economic gains associated with bachelor’s degrees .

At 79% of California institutions in the report, low and moderate-income students typically recoup their costs in five years or less. For nearly a third of campuses, it was less than a year.

For many students, the ultimate costs of a degree will be higher than the data published today. That’s because they need more than two years to earn an associate degree or beyond four years to earn a bachelor’s, assuming they graduate at all. The longer they chase a degree, the less time they spend in the workforce earning the higher salaries that come with a college credential. Also, the federal net price data has limits: It only calculates what full-time freshmen pay. Students attending part time will experience different annual costs.

But the basic trend remains the same: State and federal financial aid at public campuses plus typical salaries that far exceed the wages for those with a high school diploma make college worth the investment.

Itzkowitz plans to produce a follow-up report that measures the return on investment by major. His organization, the HEA Group, produced an analysis of typical wages by major last year . Some majors lead to higher wages than others, which can skew school-wide results.

The mystifying costs of college in California, explained

The data in today’s report show variation within public universities, too, even in the same city. UCLA’s net price-to-earnings ratio is about seven months and its students tend to earn more than those from Cal State LA after graduating. But the typical cost of a degree after four years for low-income students is roughly $31,000 — far higher than the $5,500 at Cal State LA, which is 20 miles away. 

“I wanted to go to UCLA, but it was too expensive for me,” Reyes said. “I did get accepted.”

Like he did at Cal State LA, he would have probably qualified for the Cal Grant, which waives tuition at public universities. But the distance from home would have forced him to either live in a UCLA dorm or commute about two hours daily between home and the crosstown campus. Housing, not tuition, is usually the largest expense for students at public universities. Borrowing money was out of the question for him. 

So was a long drive to UCLA. “If I ended up missing a class or something, I’d beat myself up over it,” he said. 

For the record: College Futures is a funder of CalMatters. Our news judgments are made independently and not on the basis of donor support.

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Mikhail Zinshteyn Higher Education Reporter

Mikhail Zinshteyn reports on higher education for CalMatters. His coverage tackles state legislation, financial aid, labor issues, student demands, campus housing and college affordability. His work on... More by Mikhail Zinshteyn

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Giving Students Options for a Concept Paper in a Business Communications Course

The Communication Spotlight features innovative instructors who teach written, oral, digital/technological, kinetic, and visual communication modes.

Jennifer Hite received her BA majoring in Environmental Studies with a minor in Political Science from University of California at Santa Barbara, her MA in Communication Management from the Annenberg School of Communication at University of Southern California. She received a PhD in Organizational Behavior at UCI/The Paul Merage School of Business. Professor Hite has been an Instructor at the Annenberg School of Communication at USC, School of Business Administration at USC and UCI/The Paul Merage School of Business. She is a member of the Academy of Management, International Communication Association and the Society for Human Resources Management.

What is the assignment? 

Concept Paper: Project or Idea Pitch

Project overview: You can choose from one of two tracks for the assignment:

• Introduce a new product or
• Introduce an existing product to another country.

Track 1: Introduce a New Product

Students selecting this track will produce a concept paper and pitch that follow the requirements of the Stella Zhang New Venture Competition . By the end of the quarter, you’ll have a solid concept paper and pitch ready if you choose to compete.

Product selection, Track 1: The product must be a completely new product or a better version of an existing one that is affordable to most Americans. In addition,

• A new service or a digital product may not be used.
• If you’ve already submitted a concept paper for the New Venture Competition, you may not use the same idea or paper for MGMT 191W. However, we encourage you to use the original work you create for MGMT 191W for the competition.

Track 2: Introduce an Existing Product to Another Country

Students selecting this option will introduce an existing product to a country they are not familiar with. Here are the requirements for both the product and the country you choose.

Product selection, Track 2: The product must be an existing one that is affordable to the people in the country you’ll be introducing it to. In addition,

• It must be a consumer product ; that is, an item of common or daily use, typically bought by individuals for private consumption.
• It must be a product consumers can purchase in brick-and-mortar stores.
• Although the product you choose may already be available in the country, your goal is to find one that is not already easily available in the country .
• It cannot be a product consumers rent or that they must subscribe to, such as a meal service.
• It cannot be for commercial use only.

Country selection, Track 2 : The country you use for the report must be one you have never visited, are not from, do not have any cultural ties to, have any relatives from, or know very much about.

How does it work?

In just three pages, students must develop a complete pitch that’s designed to convince investors (Track 1) or their CEO (Track 2) to adopt their product or idea. They build a credible argument by using library resources and careful paragraph development. The paper requires them to carefully analyze the potential market characteristics as well as any competitors, and to use color to engage the reader. The skills they develop in this project are easily transportable to work assignments once they graduate.

What do students say?

“The Concept Paper was a very informative assignment. It was the combination of a research paper and a corporate pitch/report, which worked to mimic potential assignments I will have once I graduate and get a corporate job. I particularly liked that my research was catered towards a specific audience, which led to it being more refined and avoiding any unnecessary information.” – Student Response

Student Artifact: 

This paper, pitching a new product idea, engages the audience with color and in the first paragraph with an attention-getting opening. They use bullet points and numbered lists to draw the reader’s eye and to quickly summarize information. The analysis of the market potential establishes the reach of the product, backed by recent, credible research. In addition, the analysis of the product’s competitors focuses on the product’s advantages over others. The paper is concise, well-written, and well-researched.

Read the full paper here .

Why does this work?

By asking students to choose between two options for their concept paper – either introducing a new product or an old product to a new market – the assignment is essentially asking students to choose their purpose and their audience. This choice can prompt students to think about the relationship between purpose and audience and craft their writing accordingly.

Check out these resources for developing business writing assignments in your communication classes:

• Implementing Student Choice within an Assignment from University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• Business Writing Handout from UNC to help students understand typical expectations for business writing
• This particular assignment asked students to use figures in their writing. Your students might find this resource from the CEWC helpful for using tables and figures.

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• College of Arts & Sciences
• Graduate Division
• College of Liberal and Professional Studies

Kelly Writers House Summer Workshop Alum Deborah Olatunji featured in Penn Today

Check out this fantastic  Penn Today feature on fourth-year student Deborah Olatunji, whose journey at Penn began with the Kelly Writers House Summer Workshop . Though initially intending to major in nursing, Deb discovered that her true passion lay in exploring identity, vulnerability, and mental health advocacy.  

Four years later, Deb has changed her major, started a podcast , studied abroad in South Africa, and launched the Black Storytellers Collective, a transnational project that connects Black writers across the diaspora. Through it all, the Kelly Writers House has remained a source of community and Deb's "third place" at Penn.

Read more about Deb's extraordinary path at the link below.