Graduate Creative Writing
The University of Virginia’s Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Program in Creative Writing, housed within the Department of English, is a highly selective, fully funded, three‑year graduate program admitting four poets and four fiction writers each fall. Rooted in intensive workshop‑based training and close mentorship, the program emphasizes sustained, serious engagement with literary writing, either in a poetry or fiction track, while providing students with substantial time and guidance to develop their independent artistic voice. All MFA students receive the same level of financial support—up to $37,080 per academic year in fellowships and/or wage income—placing the program among the most generously funded in the country.
The program features acclaimed faculty, visiting writers, and distinguished writers‑in‑residence, along with access to UVA’s exceptional libraries and literary resources. Students participate in advanced workshops, craft seminars, and professional development experiences, culminating in a book‑length thesis in poetry or fiction. With its small cohort, close mentorship, and national reputation, UVA’s MFA program fosters a vibrant community of writers and prepares graduates for careers as authors, editors, and teachers within the literary world.
What Can I Do With This Degree?
- Published author of fiction, poetry, or hybrid literary forms
- University or college instructor in creative writing or English (supported by UVA’s strong academic reputation and faculty mentorship)
- Editor or editorial assistant at publishing houses, literary magazines, or digital literary platforms
- Writer‑in‑residence, visiting writer, or fellow in literary organizations
- Arts administrator or program coordinator at literary centers, arts nonprofits, or cultural institutions
- Freelance writer, copywriter, scriptwriter, or content creator in media, advertising, or communications
- Literary agent or assistant in the publishing industry
- Grant writer or communications specialist for nonprofits or arts organizations
- Organizer or instructor for community writing workshops, residencies, and public‑facing literary programs
- Poetry
- Fiction
- Literary craft and technique
- Contemporary literature and writing practice
- Thesis development