Overview

The Creative Writing programme at San Diego State University provides an immersive environment for poets, essayists, and fiction writers to develop their professional craft. This master-level course is designed to foster a deep manuscript dialogue between students and a faculty of active, published authors. By prioritising individual creative growth, the curriculum ensures that every writer receives personalised attention throughout their studies.

Why Creative Writing at San Diego State University?

One of the primary strengths of this programme is its commitment to aesthetic diversity, ensuring that students are exposed to a wide range of writing styles and processes. The faculty consists of award-winning professionals, including recipients of prestigious honours such as the American Book Award, Guggenheim Fellowships, and the Whiting Writers Award. This high level of expertise provides students with unique insights into the contemporary literary landscape.

The institution also hosts the Living Writers' Series and manages various literary journals, offering students direct engagement with the broader creative community. Furthermore, the presence of visiting faculty, including renowned filmmakers and poets, enriches the learning experience by introducing fresh perspectives from the global arts scene. The department maintains a strong focus on long-term mentorship, often extending book consultations over several years to support the completion of significant creative works.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 8548 per year
National fee: USD 8548 per year
Local fee: USD 8548 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured around intensive workshops and specialised seminars led by experts in various genres. Students engage in rigorous manuscript reviews and theoretical discussions to refine their technical skills and artistic voice. Modules may include:

Poetry
Fiction
Creative Non-fiction
Manuscript Dialogue
Literary Journals
Living Writers' Series
Cinema and Narrative

Careers with Creative Writing

Graduates of this programme are prepared for diverse roles within the literary and media industries. Many alumni go on to become published authors, editors, and educators, leveraging the professional connections and portfolio developed during their studies. The focus on professional principles and manuscript development ensures that students are well-equipped to navigate the competitive world of publishing and contemporary literature. Former students have successfully transitioned into roles as poets, novelists, and essayists, contributing to the cultural landscape through their published works and creative leadership.

Programme Structure

Courses include

A Major Author or Authors

Issues in British Literature

Issues in Literature of the United States

Issues in Comparative Literature

Issues in Children’s Literature

Perspectives in Critical Analysis

Creative Non-Fiction

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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4.9/5 student rating

Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

San Diego, United States

Disciplines

Creative Writing View 381 other Masters in Creative Writing in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

GRE^®

Required

GMAT

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

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

Complete the Cal State Apply Application

Create an SDSU WebPortal Account

Submit Official Transcripts and Diploma/Degree Certificate

Submit Official Test Scores

Submit Proof of English Proficiency

Submit Program Specific Documents

Applicants who have earned a three-year baccalaureate degree from an international institution, may be considered for admission.

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

11548 USD / year

≈ 11548 USD / year
Out-of-State

11548 USD / year

≈ 11548 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

8548 USD / year

≈ 8548 USD / year

Additional Details

Non-resident tuition: Add $444 per unit to the basic tuition and fees listed above.

Living costs

San Diego

United States

1400 - 2455 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.

On this page

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

Additional Details

Living costs

San Diego

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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