M.A. in Secondary Education
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Secondary Education at Roosevelt University is an intensiv...
M.F.A. in Creative Writing
Chicago, Illinois
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.F.A. in Creative Writing is typically a 2.5-year, full-time program, with classes held in-person during the evenings on the Chicago campus. Admissions are open for both fall and spring start dates. The program emphasizes intensive faculty mentorship and support, allowing students to develop their specialty and a subspecialty in either fiction or creative nonfiction, or to explore other genres like poetry or screenwriting through electives. A key goal is to prepare students to complete a substantial thesis, demonstrating their mastery of literary skill and human experience.
Curriculum: The curriculum requires 45 credit hours of graduate work, structured to provide a comprehensive and intensive writing experience. It includes 21 credit hours of writing workshops in primary and secondary genres (e.g., Fiction Forms Workshop, Creative Nonfiction Forms Workshop, Topics: Fiction Workshop). Students also complete 12 credit hours in literature and theory courses, gaining a deeper understanding of literary traditions, critical theory, and contemporary aesthetic developments. A crucial component is a 3-credit practical writing internship, which can be in a literary magazine, small press publishing, community-based writing, or teaching. The program culminates in 6 credit hours dedicated to the M.F.A. thesis. Elective workshops in poetry or screenwriting are also available, providing further specialization options.
Research Focus: The M.F.A. in Creative Writing at Roosevelt University has an inherent research focus rooted in the exploration of literary forms, craft, and the human experience. While not scientific research in the traditional sense, students engage in deep literary research through extensive reading, analysis of established authors' works, and critical theory. The program's ultimate goal of completing a book-length thesis requires significant independent "research" into narrative structures, character development, thematic complexity, and stylistic choices. Students also develop a critical understanding of the literary marketplace and publishing protocols, which involves researching industry trends and opportunities. The emphasis is on producing original, well-crafted literary work that demonstrates a profound understanding of the chosen genre and its conventions.
Industry Engagement: Roosevelt University fosters strong industry engagement for its M.F.A. in Creative Writing program, significantly benefiting from its location in Chicago, a city with a vibrant and growing literary scene. Students have invaluable opportunities to work on Roosevelt's nationally distributed literary journal, Oyez Review, gaining hands-on experience in editing, design, production, and publicity. The program also hosts a public reading series featuring renowned authors and offers partnerships with local festivals, publishers, and schools for networking and professional development. Internships are available in areas such as literary magazines, small press publishing, public service writing, arts administration, or teaching, providing practical exposure to the literary and publishing industries. Graduates have successfully pursued careers as authors and in fields like education, publishing, journalism, marketing, and arts administration.
Global Perspective: Roosevelt University's M.F.A. in Creative Writing program cultivates a global perspective through its emphasis on diverse literary forms, voices, and themes. Students are encouraged to explore a broad range of styles and traditions, which naturally includes literature from various cultural backgrounds and global contexts. The Oyez Review literary journal, run by MFA candidates, publishes work by writers from all over the world, exposing students to a wide array of international literary voices. While the program is based in Chicago, the act of creative writing itself often transcends geographical boundaries, allowing students to explore universal human experiences and narratives that resonate globally, fostering an understanding of diverse perspectives through storytelling.
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 24516
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $42
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% 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 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 55 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Roosevelt University in the United States offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed for international students to support their academic journey and make higher education more affordable. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and contributions to campus diversity.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students applying to Roosevelt University are eligible for merit-based scholarships awarded based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall potential. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are automatically considered during the admissions process.
International Student Scholarship Program: Roosevelt University provides special scholarships targeted at international students, aiming to encourage a diverse and global student body. These awards vary in amount and criteria but typically recognize outstanding academic performance and community involvement.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain colleges and departments within Roosevelt University, such as the Chicago College of Performing Arts and the Walter E. Heller College of Business, offer additional scholarships for international students enrolled in specific programs. These awards may be based on talent, portfolio, or academic excellence in the field of study.
An M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Roosevelt University offers a unique blend of intensive craft development and exposure to Chicago's thriving literary scene. While primarily a fine arts degree focused on producing a substantial literary work, the strong critical thinking, communication, and storytelling skills developed through the program are highly transferable and valued across many professions.
Author/Published Writer: This is often the primary aspiration for MFA graduates. They work on novels, memoirs, short stories, lyric essays, or poetry, aiming for publication with literary presses, commercial publishers, or through self-publishing, often while maintaining other employment.
Creative Writing Instructor/Professor: Many MFA graduates pursue careers in academia, teaching creative writing, English composition, or literature at colleges, universities, or community colleges. This typically requires significant publication in addition to the MFA degree for tenure-track positions.
Editor/Proofreader: With their keen eye for language, grammar, style, and structure, graduates are well-suited for roles as editors or proofreaders for publishing houses, literary magazines (like Roosevelt's Oyez Review), newspapers, online publications, or as freelance professionals.
Content Writer/Strategist: In the digital age, strong storytelling and compelling writing are essential. Graduates can work as content writers, creating articles, blog posts, website copy, and marketing materials for businesses, non-profits, or agencies. A content strategist further plans and oversees the overall content strategy.
Copywriter: This specialized role involves crafting persuasive and concise text for advertising, marketing campaigns, and promotional materials across various media, including digital ads, brochures, and commercials.
Journalist/Feature Writer: MFA graduates can apply their research and storytelling skills to journalism, writing feature articles, investigative pieces, or reviews for newspapers, magazines, and online news outlets.
Grant Writer: Non-profit organizations and educational institutions constantly need compelling narratives to secure funding. Graduates can leverage their persuasive writing skills to research, write, and submit grant proposals.
Technical Writer: This role involves translating complex technical information into clear, concise, and user-friendly documentation, such as manuals, guides, or white papers. It requires strong analytical and communication skills honed in an MFA program.
Arts Administrator/Literary Programs Coordinator: Graduates can work in arts organizations, literary non-profits, or cultural institutions, managing literary events, coordinating writing workshops, or promoting literary arts. Their understanding of the literary world is highly beneficial.
Marketing Communications Specialist: Many companies need professionals who can effectively communicate their brand message. An MFA provides the strong written and critical thinking skills necessary to develop communication strategies, manage public relations, and craft engaging external communications.
