Online Master's Degree MFA in Creative Writing

Share Your Story With The World

Let the power of storytelling take your career to new heights with SNHU’s online MFA in Creative Writing. As one of the only programs available that encourages a focus on genre fiction, SNHU’s online MFA lets you hone your craft in an area specific to your strengths and interests. You’ll also learn about the business side of creative writing, preparing you to market your work in the real world.

While most MFA programs require a residency, meaning time away from your current job and busy schedule, SNHU’s online MFA can be completed entirely online with no travel necessary. And with the included certificates in either the Online Teaching of Writing or Professional Writing, you’ll have the skills to support your writing career.

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See Yourself Succeed in Creative Writing

Whereas traditional MFA programs shy away from genre fiction, SNHU’s online MFA will support you in writing the novel or story collection of your choice. By encouraging writers to focus on sci-fi, young adult, fantasy, romance and more, online MFA students gain experience in the genres that are in high demand by publishers.

There's more to a career in writing than perfecting your craft. You also need to learn how to get your work into readers' hands. That's why SNHU's online MFA program puts a strong focus on the practical skills you'll need to succeed. You'll have the opportunity to learn how to:

Utilize social media to gain a following and build your brand
Market your work to appeal to decision makers
Teach writing in a classroom setting
Understand the business and technical sides of professional writing

Admission Requirements

Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our five graduate terms. You can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials. To apply, simply contact an admission counselor, who can help you explore financial options. Your admission counselor can also walk you through the application process, which involves completing a graduate application ($40 fee) and providing undergraduate transcripts.

Additional requirements for the online MFA include a creative writing sample (8-12 pages) and a personal statement. Writing samples will be evaluated on narrative technique and structure, character and setting, and the command and execution of language.

Looking for a low-residency or MA program? Check out our other graduate writing options:

Curriculum

Besides allowing a genre focus of your choice, SNHU’s online MFA lets you choose from two certificate offerings designed to round out your education and better prepare you for a writing-related career. Choose from Teaching of Writing, which is tailored to those who see themselves in a classroom setting, or Professional Writing, which highlights the technical and business opportunities available to writers.

All of our courses are taught by accomplished authors who know both the craft and business of creative writing. They will work closely with you to develop both your creative and professional skillset.

Degree Courses
MFA 505 Introduction to the Online MFA Explore a unique culture and approach to fiction writing at SNHU that embraces practicality, diversity and community. Understand the history and major categories of genre fiction, including the role genre plays for readers, writers, and publishers. Develop techniques for effective workshopping. Discover habits and behaviors that support the creative process and forge ties with a peer and faculty community that support a rewarding writing career.
MFA 507 Advanced Studies in Literature Study classic and contemporary literature by exploring published authors' usage of creative writing craft elements. Analyze the applications of these storytelling craft elements in published literature, and identify why the literature, as a cohesive whole, is successful. Develop individual approaches to the "writer's toolkit," by employing the craft elements of storytelling into personal works for advancing a career as a creative writer.
MFA 509 Storytelling Analyze and practice fundamentals of storytelling, including narrative arc, plot, and character development. Deconstruct popular stories in literature and film to understand characteristics of beginnings that hook, tension-building middles and satisfying endings. Refine and polish an original premise through workshop and reflection. Apply techniques to your own stories.
MFA 514 Advanced Studies in Genre Literature Cultivate an appreciation for several literary genres through the study of various important works, authors, key historical developments, characteristic tropes, and conventions. Prepare for upcoming cross-genre creative writing workshops. Analyze one genre novel for how it fits within the literary landscape in preparation for genre concentration selection. Research market trends to gain a practical grasp of how a genre's history continues to influence popular books today.
MFA 600 The Publishing Ecosystem Follow the journey of publication from initial manuscript submission to a finished book in a reader's hands. Investigate business models and key roles in the publishing world, learn conventions of submission, and identify networking opportunities. Research the critical organizations, communities, and industry publications and resources unique to a chosen genre.
MFA 602 The Business of Writing Explore the many methods and strategies that professional writers employ to leverage their creative talents into financially sustaining work. Investigate the many types of writing opportunities available beyond book publishing, and learn how to start and grow a successful freelance business. Research freelance opportunities, learn how to manage a sole proprietorship, and find resources about various industry tools and conventions.
MFA 604 Finding and Reaching an Audience Develop strategies to find a readership and build an audience. Investigate approaches and tools for building a writer's platform and increasing visibility in a chosen market. Create a customized, multi-faceted plan to cultivate and engage new fans.
MFA 606 Copy and Content Writing Target a specific readership by applying copywriting and content writing skills. Learn how to write effectively and persuasively for marketing purposes, particularly when crafting book descriptions or book marketing materials, social media posts, email newsletters, and other types of copy. Focus on producing effective headlines and content for search engine optimization purposes.
MFA 608 Editing and Coaching Define and practice the types of editing and examine their use at different stages of revision. Become familiar with methods of revision and editing in order to apply them to one's own writing and that of their clients. Explore the role of the editor-as-coach, and practice a coaching approach to editing. Learn strategies for building an editing and coaching clientele.
MFA 700 Thesis Writing 1 Begin to develop the novel that serves as a thesis for the MFA program. Build a detailed plan that documents the writing process and prepares next steps to be taken toward novel completion. Engage in constructive workshopping, and reflect both on one's place within a literary community and on how one's work fits within the publishing ecosystem. Cultivate self-confidence and practical outreach skills by preparing and presenting an effective "elevator" pitch of a novel.
MFA 701 Thesis Writing 2 Continue writing a publication-ready novel following a detailed writing plan toward the completion of a full draft. Work to hone creative craft and critical abilities using constructive workshopping, engaging with peers in productive feedback processes. Develop practical strategies for improving work through revision.
MFA 702 Thesis Writing 3 (Capstone) Revise, finalize, and submit a publication-ready novel for the capstone in the MFA program. Assemble a professional portfolio including a query letter and synopsis, accumulated evidence of writing work, and a personally branded website. Reflect critically on one's place within a writing genre, examine influential books and writers, and envision a career in writing in the context of literary citizenship.
Select one (1) course from the following:
MFA 524 Contemporary Fiction Writing 1 Explore the various characteristics and elements that describe the Contemporary Fiction Writing genre. Formulate an initial novel-writing premise, applying early conceptualizations of character arcs, plot arcs, motivation, pacing, and research. Develop an individualized approach to structuring stories through immersion in titles within the genre landscape.
MFA 525 Romance Fiction Writing 1 Explore the various characteristics and elements that describe the Romance Fiction Writing genre. Formulate an initial novel-writing premise, applying early conceptualizations of character arcs, plot arcs, motivation, pacing, and research. Develop an individualized approach to structuring stories through immersion in titles within the genre landscape.
MFA 526 Young Adult Fiction Writing 1 Explore the various characteristics and elements that describe the Young Adult Fiction Writing genre. Formulate an initial novel-writing premise, applying early conceptualizations of character arcs, plot arcs, motivation, pacing, and research. Develop an individualized approach to structuring stories through immersion in titles within the genre landscape.
MFA 527 Speculative Fiction Writing 1 Explore the various characteristics and elements that describe the Speculative Fiction Writing genre. Formulate an initial novel-writing premise, applying early conceptualizations of character arcs, plot arcs, motivation, pacing, and research. Develop an individualized approach to structuring stories through immersion in titles within the genre landscape.
Select one (1) course from the following:
MFA 624 Contemporary Fiction Writing 2 Continue to explore the conventions, tools, and skills required for writing a successful Contemporary Fiction novel, with emphasis on implementing worldbuilding and setting, dialogue, voice, style, and pacing. Compose, workshop, and revise an original scene intended for a novel. Examine ideas that tie scenes together, such as foreshadowing, backstory, flashback, and subplot.
MFA 625 Romance Fiction Writing 2 Continue to explore the conventions, tools, and skills required for writing a successful Romance Fiction novel, with emphasis on implementing worldbuilding and setting, dialogue, voice, style, and pacing. Compose, workshop, and revise an original scene intended for a novel. Examine ideas that tie scenes together, such as foreshadowing, backstory, flashback, and subplot.
MFA 626 Young Adult Fiction Writing 2 Continue to explore the conventions, tools, and skills required for writing a successful Young Adult Fiction novel, with emphasis on implementing worldbuilding and setting, dialogue, voice, style, and pacing. Compose, workshop, and revise an original scene intended for a novel. Examine ideas that tie scenes together, such as foreshadowing, backstory, flashback, and subplot.
MFA 627 Speculative Fiction Writing 2 Continue to explore the conventions, tools, and skills required for writing a successful Speculative Fiction novel, with emphasis on implementing worldbuilding and setting, dialogue, voice, style, and pacing. Compose, workshop, and revise an original scene intended for a novel. Examine ideas that tie scenes together, such as foreshadowing, backstory, flashback, and subplot.
Select two (2) courses from the following:
MFA 630 Writing Short Works Explore the many avenues for publication through production of short works. Learn and practice fundamentals of flash fiction, short story, articles, and serial fiction. Become familiar with the submission process and business models of magazines, journals, and other media. Develop an awareness of key publishers within particular genres. Produce, workshop, and submit an article or original short work.
MFA 640 Engaging Online Writing Students It is not enough to offer interesting content and accessible design in an online course. Students must also be engaged for the best learning to take place. Learn best practices for maximizing student engagement through the curriculum. Develop the "soft skills" online writing instructors need when encouraging participation, providing feedback, and fostering creativity and excellence.
COM 510 The Vantage Point: Knowledge & New Media This course contends with the evolving concept of "knowledge production" in the new media environment. It focuses on strategies for independent online research, including processes for identifying, vetting, and citing appropriate sources of information, as well as best practices for writing in the online environment. Issues of copyright, plagiarism, and ethics related to the creation of online content will be evaluated. Finally, students will explore their role as producers of mediated communication, including primary authorship and the curating of content.
ENG 670 Seminar in Writing Instruction This course is designed to provide writers with an insight into pedagogical approaches to teaching. Students design and plan instruction that promotes improved literacy practices. By investigating and practicing a variety of writing exercises, processes, and approaches to improve writing skills, students will create a portfolio of ideas and options for teaching others.
ENG 675 Online Teaching Experience This course is designed to provide students with practical, hands-on experience as online classroom facilitators. Through institutional support, each student will be paired with an undergraduate instructor to assist with the daily and weekly responsibilities that come with teaching. Students will learn directly from experienced professionals best practices toward identifying struggling students, fostering motivation and student engagement, determining appropriate feedback for various assignments, and grading towards established rubrics. In addition to their assistance in the undergraduate course, students in ENG 675 will be enrolled in this graduate course where they complete assignments and activities that support a variety of writing exercises, processes, and approaches to improve writing skills.
MKT 555 Social Media Marketing Explore possibilities and limitations of contemporary social media platforms and tools. Construct and evaluate social media content, its impact, and practical use in marketing context. Analyze general strategic uses of social media for advertising, marketing, public relations, journalism, and civic and political participation. Gain hands-on experience with several forms of the most current social media technology.
MKT 635 Websites and Search Engine Marketing/ Search Engine Optimization Differentiate between search engine marketing (SEM) and search engine optimization (SEO). Analyze the benefits and limitations of SEM and SEO strategies and explain how marketers can use these tools for effectively reaching customers. Employ SEO tactics to develop marketing initiatives and recommend SEM strategies to optimize campaign efforts.
MKT 665 Digital Story Telling and Branding Explore marketing theories and application of digital storytelling for the purpose of engaging an organization's consumers and stakeholders. In addition, focus on digital branding through storytelling to differentiate an organization from competitors while conveying its purpose and mission. Gain hands-on experience in the strategic implementation of a brand narrative using various marketing approaches and analyses.
Online Teaching of Writing Certificate courses include: MFA 608 - Editing and Coaching MFA 640 - Engaging Online Writing Students ENG 670 - Seminar in Writing Instruction ENG 675 - Online Teaching Experience Professional Writing Certificate courses include: MFA 606 - Copy and Content Writing COM 510 - The Vantage Point: Knowledge & New Media MKT 555 - Social Media Marketing MKT 635 - Websites and Search Engine Marketing/Search Engine Optimization MKT 665 - Digital Story Telling and Branding

Program Outcomes

Create publishable works of fiction in specific genre by effectively controlling and manipulating the elements of storytelling
Hone one’s own writing process and craft through practice, constructive work-shopping, and reflection
Synthesize the literature and history of one’s chosen genre for situating oneself in the literary landscape
Leverage a realistic understanding of the publishing ecosystem in achieving business and artistic goals
Explore viable, current writing career opportunities that enhance and sustain one’s experiences as a professional author
Build a writer’s platform that advances artistic and career goals and is grounded in literary citizenship
Create publishable works of fiction in specific genre by effectively controlling and manipulating the elements of storytelling
Hone one’s own writing process and craft through practice, constructive workshopping, and reflection
Synthesize the literature and history of one’s chosen genre for situating oneself in the literary landscape
Leverage a realistic understanding of the publishing ecosystem in achieving business and artistic goals
Explore viable, current writing career opportunities that enhance and sustain one’s experiences as a professional author
Build a writer’s platform that advances artistic and career goals and is grounded in literary citizenship

Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates for SNHU's online degree programs are among the lowest in the nation. We offer a 25 percent tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.

Online Graduate Programs	Per Course*	Per Credit Hour*
Degree/Certificates	$1,881	$627
Degree/Certificates (U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty)	$1,410	$470

*Tuition Rates are subject to change and are reviewed Annually.

Additional Costs:
$40 Application Fee, $150 Graduation Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)

University Accreditation

Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges as well as several other accrediting bodies. More...