Overview

The Writing program at Northwestern University is a dual-genre specialization is also offered, as well as a publishing and professional development track that combines publishing industry-related instruction with the creative coursework of the writing workshops. The small-group workshop format allows for individual attention from published, award-winning faculty.

Students also have the opportunity to learn the ropes in teaching writing, publishing, and editing. Flexible scheduling — with courses offered evenings and weekends on Northwestern’s Chicago and Evanston campuses as well as online and in hybrid format — gives students the opportunity to balance their professional, personal and writing lives. While earning their degrees, students connect with other writers at readings and other events in an artistic community that extends beyond the University into Chicagoʼs vibrant literary scene.

Writing program goals

To help students determine the strengths and weaknesses of their writing, and learn how to evaluate criticism of their work

To teach students how to take their writing apart, re-think and revise it

To show students how to experiment with different styles and forms

To guide students in creating a publishable manuscript or portion of one

To teach students how to read literature as a writer and a critic

To train students to teach creative writing, informed by current pedagogy and classroom experience

To give students the opportunity to edit an international literary magazine with their peers

To provide students with the tools to create strong applications for jobs in teaching, publishing, and editing

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Black Activism in Chicago

Baseball and American Vernacular Identities

Postmodernist Fiction in the U.S. and the World

Fictions of the City

Inventing the American Novel
Literature of Plague and Pandemic

Key information

Duration

Part-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-06-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-05-01 00:00:00
Starting 2026-09-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-01-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-03-31 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00

Language

English

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IELTS

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Delivered

Blended

Campus Location

Evanston, United States

Disciplines

Creative Writing Literature 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

TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

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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

Online application form

One sealed copy of official transcripts from ALL previously attended colleges and universities

Two letters of recommendation focusing on academic achievement and ability

Statement of purpose

A 20-page writing portfolio in the selected genre of study

A brief (5-10 pages) critical essay on a major work of fiction, creative fiction or poetry

Current résumé or curriculum vitae

A separate written description of any additional study or experience in creative writing (optional)

Tuition Fees

Additional Details

Tuition per course

Living costs

Evanston

United States

1100 - 1500 USD / month

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

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 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

Overview

Writing program goals

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

Additional Details

Living costs

Evanston

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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