M.A. in English
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in English at UNCW is a flexible and student-centered program...
M.F.A. in Creative Writing
Wilmington, North Carolina
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The M.F.A. in Creative Writing at UNCW is a 48-credit hour terminal degree, signifying the highest degree in the field and qualifying graduates to teach at the university level. It is structured as an apprenticeship, emphasizing the development of a substantial, book-length manuscript of literary merit and publishable quality. While students primarily focus on one genre (fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction), the program encourages and requires some cross-genre study, fostering a well-rounded literary perspective. The program aims to initiate students into the professional literary world, viewing them as "colleagues-in-the-making."
Curriculum: The rigorous curriculum is divided into 21 hours of writing workshops, 21 hours of literature or other elective courses, and 6 thesis hours. Writing workshops are the cornerstone, providing intensive feedback and critical analysis of student work in their chosen genre. Literature courses broaden students' understanding of literary traditions, forms, and aesthetics. Electives can include specialized topics in creative writing, as well as courses from other departments like English or Film Studies, allowing for interdisciplinary exploration. The culmination of the program is the completion and successful defense of a book-length thesis manuscript, demonstrating mastery of craft and literary promise. The program also offers coursework and experience in editing and publishing through its unique Publishing Laboratory.
Research Focus: While an M.F.A. is a creative degree, the program at UNCW is deeply informed by critical inquiry and literary research. The "research" in this context refers primarily to the intensive study of literary craft, form, and theory, as well as the deep engagement with literary traditions that informs a writer's original work. Faculty members are accomplished authors and scholars, and their research interests encompass a wide range of literary forms, historical periods, and contemporary movements. Students engage in this "studio-academic" experience by critically analyzing literary works, articulating their personal aesthetics, and developing sophisticated techniques. Additionally, UNCW now offers an Environmental Writing Concentration within the MFA program, allowing students to explore the intersection of the natural world, climate change, and place in their writing, often involving creative research and field studies.
Industry Engagement: UNCW's M.F.A. program stands out for its robust industry engagement, preparing students for professional careers beyond the workshop. A key feature is the Publishing Laboratory, which offers hands-on experience in editing, design, production, and marketing of books and magazines through the department's national literary magazines, Ecotone and Chautauqua, and its book imprint, Lookout Books. This direct experience provides students with invaluable insight into the publishing world. The program also boasts a partnership with HarperCollins Publishers, offering students direct access to industry information and professionals. Additionally, the annual "Writers' Week" literary festival brings diverse and accomplished writers to campus, providing opportunities for students to attend readings, master classes, and network. The "Writers in Action" program connects MFA students with local schools and community organizations, offering them teaching experience and a chance to engage in arts-in-education initiatives.
Global Perspective: The M.F.A. in Creative Writing at UNCW fosters a global perspective by encouraging students to engage with diverse literary traditions and voices from around the world. Faculty members often have expertise in international literature, and the curriculum emphasizes the study of a broad range of literary works that transcend national boundaries. While the program is residency-based in the U.S., the university's overall commitment to diversity and global engagement, alongside the diverse backgrounds of its students and faculty, enriches the classroom environment. The very nature of creative writing encourages empathy and understanding of varied human experiences, which inherently promotes a global outlook. Opportunities to engage with literature from diverse cultures and to explore universal themes through writing contribute to a broadened worldview.
Location
Wilmington, North Carolina
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 24198
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities designed to support and attract talented international students. These scholarships aim to make education more affordable while recognizing academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UNCW provides merit scholarships for international students based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and other criteria. These awards can significantly reduce tuition costs and are often renewable for multiple years based on maintaining good academic standing.
International Student Scholarships: Specific scholarships are available exclusively for international students, such as the International Student Scholarship which rewards outstanding academic performance and leadership qualities. Eligibility and award amounts vary each year, encouraging prospective students to apply early.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UNCW offer scholarships targeted to students within their programs, including international students. These scholarships recognize excellence in fields such as business, marine science, and the arts, and often require separate applications or nominations.
External Scholarships and Financial Aid: UNCW encourages international students to explore additional funding options through external organizations, governments, and private foundations. The university’s financial aid office provides guidance on locating and applying for these scholarships.
A Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Creative Writing from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) is a terminal degree that signals a high level of accomplishment in the craft of writing. While many graduates aspire to become published authors, the rigorous training in storytelling, critical analysis, editing, and communication prepares them for a wide range of professional careers beyond the traditional literary sphere. UNCW's program, with its robust Publishing Laboratory and industry connections, specifically equips students for diverse roles in the literary arts and beyond.
Author/Published Writer: For many, the primary goal of an M.F.A. is to hone their craft sufficiently to publish novels, short stories, poetry collections, or creative nonfiction books with commercial or independent presses. UNCW's program directly supports this through intensive workshops and mentorship.
University Professor/Lecturer (Creative Writing/English): An M.F.A. is the terminal degree for creative writing, qualifying graduates to teach creative writing, literature, and composition at colleges and universities. Many UNCW alumni go on to academic positions.
Editor/Literary Editor: Graduates are highly sought after in the publishing industry, working as editors for publishing houses, literary magazines (like UNCW's Ecotone or Chautauqua), or online journals, where their keen eye for language, structure, and story is invaluable.
Copywriter: This role involves creating persuasive and engaging written content for advertising, marketing campaigns, websites, and promotional materials across various industries. The ability to craft compelling narratives is a direct transfer from creative writing.
Content Strategist/Manager: In the digital age, businesses and organizations need compelling content. M.F.A. graduates can develop and manage content strategies for websites, blogs, social media, and other platforms, ensuring consistent messaging and brand storytelling.
Technical Writer: This career involves simplifying complex information into clear, concise, and user-friendly documents such as manuals, guides, and reports for various industries, including technology, healthcare, and engineering. The UNCW program also offers an Environmental Writing concentration that can lead to related technical writing.
Literary Agent/Publisher's Assistant: Graduates can work as literary agents, connecting authors with publishers, or as assistants within publishing houses, gaining insight into the business side of the literary world. UNCW's connections with HarperCollins and the Publishing Laboratory offer a unique advantage here.
Journalist/Feature Writer: The research, interviewing, and narrative skills developed in an M.F.A. program are highly transferable to journalism, particularly for in-depth feature writing, cultural reporting, or literary journalism.
Arts Administrator/Program Manager: Graduates can work for non-profit arts organizations, cultural institutions, or literary centers, managing programs, coordinating events, fundraising, and promoting literary arts within communities.
Freelance Writer/Consultant: Many M.F.A. graduates leverage their skills in various freelance capacities, including ghostwriting, grant writing, script doctoring, or offering writing and editing consulting services to individuals and businesses. This allows for flexibility and diverse project engagement.
