Overview

The Creative Writing programme at the University of South Florida provides an intensive three-year residency designed for dedicated writers. This Master of Fine Arts degree focuses on craft across various genres, including poetry, fiction, comics, and creative non-fiction. Students benefit from a fully funded experience that combines creative practice with professional teaching development.

Why Creative Writing at University of South Florida?

The university offers a unique environment where students receive a full tuition waiver alongside a teaching assistantship stipend and health insurance. The faculty consists of award-winning authors who support diverse styles, from speculative fiction and children's literature to documentary poetics and experimental work. Students gain practical experience through Saw Palm, the university's literary magazine, and participate in the Spoonbill Reading Series.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 16666 per year
National fee: USD 16666 per year
Local fee: USD 7840 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum balances creative workshops with academic study and professional pedagogy training. Modules may include:

Creative Writing
Literary Editing and Publishing
Pedagogy Practicum
Poetry
Fiction
Creative Nonfiction
Comics

Careers with Creative Writing

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles within the literary and academic sectors. The programme provides specific training in pedagogy, enabling students to design and deliver introductory writing courses at the university level. Additionally, the focus on editing and publishing prepares students for careers in freelance copyediting, anthology editing, and professional writing businesses. Many students also pursue paths as published authors, columnists, and literary reviewers.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Fiction Writing

Poetry Writing

Nonfiction Writing

The Craft of Fiction

The Craft of Poetry

Special Topics in Creative Writing

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

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

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

110

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

45 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Tampa, United States

Disciplines

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

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Academic requirements

GPA

3.2

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

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

An undergraduate degree, preferably in English, from an accredited institution, with a 3.20 average, or its equivalent

GRE scores

Three (3) letters of recommendation, preferably from former English instructors, assessing the student’s potential to do graduate level work

A writing sample in one genre only: 12-20 pages of double-spaced fiction; 12-20 pages of double-spaced creative nonfiction, or 10-15 pages of single-spaced poetry

A two-to-three page personal statement, describing the student’s background, purpose for attending graduate studies, and career goals

A completed application submitted online through the Graduate Admissions Office

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

16666 USD / year

≈ 16666 USD / year
Out-of-State

16666 USD / year

≈ 16666 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

7840 USD / year

≈ 7840 USD / year

Living costs

Tampa

United States

1122 - 1951 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

Tampa

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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