Overview

The Creative Writing - Poetry programme at The City University of New York provides a rigorous environment for poets to refine their artistic voice through a blend of tradition and experimental practice. This two-year Master of Fine Arts is designed to foster deep relationships between students and distinguished faculty members. Participants engage in a curriculum that balances creative production with critical literary analysis.

The course is highly personal, maintaining small class sizes to ensure individual attention. Beyond the classroom, students are encouraged to participate in the vibrant New York City literary scene. This includes opportunities to work on the prestigious literary journal, The Brooklyn Review, and to perform original work at public readings across Brooklyn and Manhattan.

Why Creative Writing - Poetry at The City University of New York?

The programme is renowned for its "experimental tradition," previously shaped by legendary figures such as Allen Ginsberg and John Ashbery. Students benefit from a faculty of award-winning poets and writers who provide thoroughly considered feedback. The institution offers a supportive community with access to fellowships, prizes, and a winter writing residency. Additionally, eligible students may gain valuable professional experience by teaching undergraduate composition courses within the English Department.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 855 per credit
National fee: USD 855 per credit
Local fee: USD 470 per credit

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

Syllabus

The curriculum requires 36 credits, comprising 24 credits in poetry specialisation and 12 credits in literature. Students typically take one workshop, one tutorial, and one literature course each semester. Modules may include:

Poetry Workshop
Poetry Tutorial
Literature Seminar
Reading Seminar
Craft of Poetry
Practicum in Teaching College-Level Composition

To graduate, students must submit a substantial, publishable manuscript of original poems as a final thesis, developed through one-on-one mentorship during the second year.

Careers with Creative Writing - Poetry

Graduates of the programme have achieved significant success in the literary world, with many publishing full-length collections and appearing in major anthologies. Alumni have secured prestigious recognitions, including the National Poetry Prize Series, the Donald Hall Prize for Poetry, and the APR/Honickman First Book Prize. Beyond creative publication, graduates find employment in various sectors, including:

Higher Education and University Teaching
Arts and Media Organisations
Journalism and International Reporting
Literary Translation and Publishing
Film Direction and Screenwriting

Former students have held positions at organisations such as Columbia University, New York University, and the New York City Department of Education.

Programme Structure

Courses:

To obtain additional information about the program, we kindly suggest that you visit the programme website, where you can find further details and relevant resources.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-28 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-15 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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Credits

36 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

New York City, United States

Disciplines

Creative Writing View 382 other Masters in Creative Writing in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

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

Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Applicants who earned a bachelor’s degree outside the United States need to submit a course-by-course international transcript evaluation.

Two letters of recommendation.

A manuscript of original work in your intended genre (for fiction, about 30 pages; for poetry, about 20 pages; for playwriting, one full-length play, or two or more one-act plays).

A personal statement (one–two pages).

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

15390 USD / year

≈ 15390 USD / year
Out-of-State

15390 USD / year

≈ 15390 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

8460 USD / year

≈ 8460 USD / year

Additional Details

Residents: $5,545 per semester

Living costs

New York City

United States

1819 - 3968 USD / month

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

Funding

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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 - Poetry.

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

New York City

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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