Overview

he Lesley program embodies an axiom: life experience is the raw material for literature, but the writers we read and re-read have shaped their experiences—whether personal, intellectual, or cultural—into fresh aesthetic forms. Therefore, the best creative writers are passionately creative readers, thinkers, observers, and listeners, constantly re-examining their habits and premises.

Lesley's MFA in Creative Writing program focuses on preparing students to become such writers, adventurous artists and active professionals. At least two attributes distinguish Lesley's MFA in Creative Writing from other low-residency programs.

Key Features

First, the interdisciplinary component encourages students to expand their abilities as writers by widening the angles, and deepening the fields, of their vision.

Second, with its residencies taking place in Cambridge, Massachusetts and online, Lesley's program draws energy from one of the literary capitals of the United States. Many of the faculty members have for years thrived in this epicenter of writing and publishing. Their experiences make them uniquely astute advisors for student writers, who will need to understand the complexities and opportunities of contemporary literary culture.

Given these advantages, graduates of Lesley's program will be equipped to give themselves new challenges as they continue to write, explore new genres and art forms, and participate in a serious community of writers and artists.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Creative Writing

Craft & Reflection

Interdisciplinary Studies

Creative Thesis

Graduating Seminar Preparation

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-03 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

49 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Cambridge, United States

Disciplines

Creative Writing View 385 other Masters in Creative Writing in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

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

A writing sample is required as part of the application:

Your statement should consist of 750-1250 words, on double-spaced pages

In addition to the writing sample and personal statement, you should include:

Lesley application form and fee

All official transcripts, including one from the institution that conferred your bachelor's degree

Two letters of recommendation from individuals who have worked closely with you on your writing, or in a professional or academic capacity

No standardized test scores are required.

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

24990 USD / year

≈ 24990 USD / year
Out-of-State

24990 USD / year

≈ 24990 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

24990 USD / year

≈ 24990 USD / year

Living costs

Cambridge

United States

1814 - 3756 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

Key Features

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

Cambridge

Financing

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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