Creative Writing
MA
MA in Creative writing
Develop your talent and build a portfolio of short stories, novel excerpts, poems, creative nonfiction essays or a combination of these genres with a creative writing degree. These graduate-level creative writing classes will prepare you to teach English at a community college, publish your work or apply to MFA and PhD programs. For students already teaching English at the secondary level, a creative writing degree will enhance your study in the discipline.
AT A GLANCE
Why pursue a graduate-level creative writing degree?
With a graduate-level creative writing degree, you'll do more than hone your craft and develop your voice – you'll unlock a variety of career possibilities. You'll be equipped to teach English at a community college, share your literary creations with the world through publication, or even pursue advanced studies in writing by continuing your studies with MFA and PhD programs.
Our graduate program offers two highly coveted graduate assistantships, one for the Writing Center and one specifically for Creative Writing. These assistantships not only provide financial support through a tuition waiver and stipend but also offer valuable professional development opportunities, enabling qualified students pursuing the MA in Creative Writing to gain hands-on experience and leadership skills.
What to expect with creative writing classes
As a master of arts student in Creative Writing at CMU, you can:
- Get published: You have the opportunity to submit your poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction work to student organizations, or department-sponsored publications like The Central Review and CMICH Press Summit Series
- Gain editing experience: Work as an editor in a literary journal, The Central Review.
- Hear from the professionals: Connect with prominent poets and fiction writers who come to campus for readings and exclusive visits to creative writing classes.
- Craft your exit portfolio: Complete an exit portfolio consisting of your strongest short stories, novel excerpts, poems and creative nonfiction essays, and work closely with award-winning faculty to make it the best it can be.
What can you do with a creative writing degree?
Whether you dream of becoming a published author, an English teacher, or pursuing MFA or PhD programs in creative writing, our graduate program provides the tools and opportunities to turn your passion for writing into a successful career.
| Career | Projected Salary |
|---|---|
| Advertising Writer/Copywriter | $73,150 |
| Writer/Author | $73,690 |
| Editor | $75,020 |
| College Professor/Instructor | $84,380 |
| Technical Writer | $80,050 |
Two Central Michigan University students win five-week Creative Fellowship at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
Kristen Brennan and Sara Daniels, two students in our Master of Arts in Creative Writing program, won Creative Fellowships from Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, an environmental education center located ten miles south of Hastings, MI.
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