Overview

The Creative Writing M.F.A. at the University of South Carolina offers a rigorous environment for aspiring writers to evolve their artistic voice. This three-year programme provides a unique blend of intimate workshop settings and exposure to internationally recognised literary figures. Students are encouraged to experiment with form and style while receiving dedicated guidance from award-winning faculty members.

Why Creative Writing at University of South Carolina?

The institution provides an exceptional environment for literary development, featuring faculty who have earned prestigious accolades such as the National Book Award and the PEN Open Book Award. Students gain practical experience through the Split P fellowship, teaching writing in local schools, or by joining the editorial team of the annual print journal, the Cola Literary Review. The programme also hosts the Fall Literary Festival, connecting students with global literary talent.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 14880 per semester
National fee: USD 14880 per semester
Local fee: USD 6867 per semester

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

Syllabus

The curriculum balances creative production with academic study, culminating in a book-length project. Modules may include:

Fiction
Poetry
Literature
Theory of Teaching Composition

Careers with Creative Writing

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles within the literary and academic sectors. Many alumni secure positions as authors, poets, or editors, while others pursue careers as literary agents and journalists. The programme also provides a strong foundation for those seeking to become professors of creative writing or communications specialists. Former students have found employment with various organisations, including:

Yemassee Journal
Tulsa Artist Fellowship
University of South Carolina
University of North Carolina at Asheville
Word Life Editorial

The skills developed during the programme, such as critical thinking, aesthetic awareness, and professional research, are highly transferable to industries including publishing, higher education, and freelance commentary. This ensures that graduates can navigate the professional landscape of the arts with confidence and expertise.

Programme Structure

Curriculum:

Workshop courses
Literature courses
Theory
Approved electives
Thesis writing
Oral defense of thesis

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-15 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

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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

Columbia, 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

120

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

A creative writing sample in the genre in which you are applying (20-30 double-spaced pages of fiction, 10-20 single-spaced pages of poetry)
A statement of purpose
At least two letters of recommendation (recommenders will be notified electronically)
Transcripts from attended undergraduate and (if applicable) graduate institutions
The application fee

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

29760 USD / year

≈ 29760 USD / year
Out-of-State

29760 USD / year

≈ 29760 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

13734 USD / year

≈ 13734 USD / year

Living costs

Columbia

United States

999 - 1508 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

Columbia

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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