Overview

The Creative Writing programme at the University of Houston offers a rigorous curriculum that balances creative production with academic literary study. This M.F.A. is designed for students who wish to refine their craft in a specific genre while gaining a deep understanding of English literature. The programme provides a professional foundation for those pursuing careers in publishing, education, or further doctoral research.

Why Creative Writing at the University of Houston?

The programme is situated within a vibrant, multi-cultural city that serves as a dynamic backdrop for artistic exploration. Houston’s rich visual and performing arts scene provides students with extensive aesthetic materials and inspiration. The faculty consists of internationally acclaimed writers, ensuring that students learn from leading figures in contemporary poetry and fiction. Additionally, the programme is highly selective, fostering a close-knit community of dedicated writers from around the globe.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 927 per credit
National fee: USD 927 per credit
Local fee: USD 422 per credit

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

Syllabus

The curriculum requires 36 credit hours of coursework followed by a creative thesis. Modules may include:

Creative Writing Workshop
Poetic Forms and Techniques
Fiction Forms and Techniques
Master Workshop
Writers on Literature
Early Literature
Later Literature
College Teaching

The final stage of the programme involves the completion of a Master’s Thesis, which is an extended creative work such as a novel, a collection of short stories, or a cycle of poems. This project includes a reflective introduction discussing the student's growth and literary influences.

Careers with Creative Writing

Graduates are prepared for a variety of professional paths within the creative and academic sectors. Many alumni pursue careers in creative publication, becoming published authors of fiction, poetry, or non-fiction. The programme also equips students for expert teaching roles in creative writing and literature at various educational levels. Furthermore, graduates often take on leadership positions in communication for business, education, and arts organisations. The degree also serves as a robust foundation for those intending to enter doctoral programmes for advanced literary or creative studies.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Theories of Writing

Human Growth-Development

Sociology

Counseling Methods and Techniques

Creative Writing

Educational Research

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 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

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

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Houston, United States

Disciplines

Creative Writing View 381 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

Copies of official transcripts with degree(s) posted by each of the colleges and/or universities you have attended in the past – posted to online application.

Official transcripts (sealed in the issuing envelope) from every institution of higher education attended.

Three (3) letters of recommendation from teachers or professionals familiar with your writing and academic skills. Letters will be solicited by the UH Admissions Office electronically.

Official GRE test scores.

An original creative manuscript (maximum 10 pages of poetry or 20 – 25 pages of fiction).

A personal statement. In 1,000 words or less, state why you wish to pursue graduate study in creative writing: which writers in your genre you are reading and their import to you and your work: and whether you have taught before and intend to pursue teaching as a career.

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

13905 USD / year

≈ 13905 USD / year
Out-of-State

13905 USD / year

≈ 13905 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

6330 USD / year

≈ 6330 USD / year

Living costs

Houston

United States

1067 - 1950 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

Living costs

Houston

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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