Creative writing graduate students pursue a M.F.A. (Master of Fine Arts) degree. These students work to fine tune their craft by exploring story telling tools of narrative craft, character development, and literary tropes. Many creative writers aspire to be novelists or poets; some may be interested in pursuing a career in screenwriting or playwriting. Regardless of their chosen medium creative arts graduate students learn to utilize different writing tools to develop their own unique style and voice.
Creative Writing graduate students should ideally possess the following qualities:
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Creative
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Enjoy reading
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Enjoy writing
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Determined
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Perceptive
Creative Writing Graduate Programs and Curriculum
Most creative writing programs utilize workshops and focused classroom discussion in combination with special writing projects. Students are encouraged to experiment with different writing styles to continuously improve their mastery of their craft. Programs may utilize mentorships or internships depending on the students desired career path.
Creative writing curriculums vary tremendously depending on the student’s career objectives and the institution, coursework might include:
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Fiction workshop
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Poetry workshop
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Special topics writing courses
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Literature courses
Creative Writing Career Paths
Creative writers can pursue careers in a number of different industries. These include:
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Self-Employment
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Public Service grant writing
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Newspapers
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Magazines
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Advertising and public relations
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Motion picture and video industries
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Radio and television broadcasting
Creative writing graduate students may have unique skill sets and perspectives many companies find valuable.
Creative Writing Future Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2010 creative writers earned a median salary of $55,420. Writers working in the field of public relations earned a median salary of $62,260, those working in the motion picture and video industry earned a median salary of $62,000, the median salary of writers working in radio and television broadcasting was $53,400, public service and grant writing professional’s earned a median salary of $52,750 and professionals working in the newspaper, periodical, book and directory publishers field earned a median salary of $47,230. Job growth for writers and authors is projected to increase by 6% between 2010 and 2020; this is slower than the average of all other occupations.
The chart below illustrates salary data for creative writing professions.

Data according to
The Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2012-13 Ed