Creative writing
Master of Fine Arts
Pen a future in writing
Fiction. Poetry. Nonfiction. No matter your genre, if you want a career in the literary arts, this program provides the rigorous instruction and expert guidance you’ll need to polish your craft and develop your voice as a professional writer.
As an M.F.A. student, you will undergo intensive theoretical and practical training across genres – including fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, editing and publishing. You will complete a thesis in the form of a collection of poetry or short stories or essays, a novel or memoir.
The M.F.A. program features an intimate, supportive learning environment with an award-winning faculty of published writers. Students have opportunities to publish their works in national literary magazines and for mentorship from nationally-recognized authors through the Distinguished Visiting Writers Program.
Overview
Related Topics
Drafting dreams into reality
Degree fit
This program will be a good fit if you:
- Are an aspiring professional writer
- Want to teach creative writing at a university or college level
- Have a strong background in creative writing
- Are self-motivated and goal-oriented
- Are eager to be challenged, technically and creatively
- Are committed to developing your craft
Career outcomes
Current job openings
1,856 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and starting salaries
- Postsecondary English Language and Literature Teachers
$48,689 - Public Relations Specialists
$47,289 - Writers and Authors • Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
$16,358 - Editors
$40,553 - Technical Writers
$55,019
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Financial aid
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but U of I’s Financial Aid Office is here to help. Our experienced financial aid counselors can assist you in exploring financial aid options, making informed financial decisions and addressing common concerns.
For information on FAFSA deadlines, financial aid types and eligibility requirements, visit the University of Idaho Financial Aid Office website.
Plan ahead—estimate your cost of attendance with U of I’s Cost Calculator.
Graduate funding opportunities
All students admitted to the M.F.A. program are fully funded through teaching assistantships. All assistantships come with a full tuition waiver and a stipend.
Over the course of three years, M.F.A. students teach a mix of composition courses, sections of Introduction to Creative Writing (ENGL 2900), and additional writing courses, as departmental needs arise.
For more information about the M.F.A. program, please contact us at: creativewriting@uidaho.edu.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
Hands-on learning
- Attend Distinguished Visiting Writers seminars
- Contribute to Fugue, the Department of English’s graduate literary journal
- Work at the U of I Writing Center
- Participate in the Centrum or Hemmingway Fellowships
- Attend a writing retreat at the McCall Outdoor Science School or Taylor Wilderness Research Station
Application information
Applicants for the M.F.A. in creative writing must meet the following admission requirements:
- Education level: Bachelor's
- GPA: 3.0
- GRE: No
- TOEFL/IELTS: 79/6.5
- Number of references: 3
- Other requirements: Writing sample required
- Options:
- Prose: 20 pages max
- Poetry: 5-10 poems, 10 pages max
- Analytical essay: 8-20 pages
- Options:
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.