Overview

The Creative Writing programme at George Mason University is designed to provide postgraduate students with a rigorous environment for artistic growth and professional development. This Master of Fine Arts degree focuses on the mastery of literary techniques across various genres, encouraging students to produce high-quality original manuscripts. By combining intensive workshops with scholarly study, the curriculum ensures that graduates possess both the creative skills and the critical framework necessary for a successful literary career.

Students benefit from a supportive academic atmosphere that prioritises individual mentorship and peer collaboration. The faculty consists of accomplished authors who guide students through the complexities of the publishing industry and the nuances of contemporary literature.

Why Creative Writing at George Mason University?

George Mason University provides a distinctive setting for writers, offering access to a diverse range of literary events and professional networking opportunities. The institution is known for its commitment to fostering a dynamic creative culture, where students are encouraged to experiment with form and style. Facilities and resources are tailored to support the research and drafting processes essential for long-form creative projects.

The programme's location and institutional reputation allow for unique partnerships with literary organisations and journals. This connectivity ensures that students are not only learning the craft of writing but are also gaining insights into the editorial and promotional aspects of the literary world. The emphasis on both tradition and innovation makes it a premier choice for dedicated writers.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 41124 per year
National fee: USD 41124 per year
Local fee: USD 18060 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to balance creative output with analytical reading. Modules may include:

Fiction Workshop
Poetry Workshop
Nonfiction Workshop
Form and Theory
Literature Seminar
Thesis Research
Pedagogy of Creative Writing
Editing and Publishing

Careers with Creative Writing

Graduates of this programme often pursue successful careers as published authors, poets, and essayists. The skills acquired during the course are also highly transferable to roles in professional editing, literary agenting, and publishing house management. Many alumni find opportunities in content strategy, communications, and creative direction within various industries.

In addition to direct literary paths, the degree prepares individuals for roles in higher education and community arts programming. The rigorous focus on critical thinking and advanced communication ensures that graduates are well-equipped for diverse professional landscapes. Employers value the discipline and sophisticated narrative abilities developed throughout the duration of the studies.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Craft Seminars

Workshop in English

Forms of Fiction

Fiction Writing Workshop

Advanced Workshop in Fiction Writing

Forms of Nonfiction

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-15 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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IELTS

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Credits

48 SCH

Delivered

On Campus, Blended

Campus Location

Fairfax, United States

Disciplines

Creative Writing View 380 other Masters in Creative Writing in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Completed online application for graduate study and application fee

An earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, or international equivalent, verified from copies of unofficial transcripts uploaded to the online application Self-Service Center.
Copies of unofficial university transcripts and any earned degree submitted using the application portal from all universities attended.
All transcripts from colleges or universities outside the United States must be translated into English, if applicable, and submitted for evaluation to the Mason Office of Admissions.
The goals statement should be 750-1000 words and address professional and academic plans.
Fiction portfolios should consist of at least two complete short stories, or novel/novella excerpts numbering no more than 50 pages in length.
Writing Sample. 1000-word nonfiction writing sample, preferably literary analysis.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

41124 USD / year

≈ 41124 USD / year
Out-of-State

41124 USD / year

≈ 41124 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

18060 USD / year

≈ 18060 USD / year

Living costs

Fairfax

United States

1330 - 2300 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Creative Writing.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

Creative Writing

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About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Fairfax

Financing

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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