Careers and Outcomes

Emily Lewandowski, a English-creative writing master's student, presents her thesis in a classroom, showing written and illustrated panels of her graphic novel.

A future for writers and communicators

You don't have to write a novel to be a creative writer.

Your Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree will open the possibilities for you to explore multiple career paths in communications, teaching and publishing.

Preparing you for multiple paths

On the path to advanced study? Or, are you ready to jump into a career?

Either way, this program can be your launch pad.

  • Writing/publishing career: Hone your writing to make it publication-worthy and learn about opportunities to become a working, published author.
  • Doctoral (PhD) programs: Pave the way to the next step in your academics and a career in academia.
  • Career preparation: Your creative writing degree will prepare you for multiple avenues in the workplace.
Damilola Oyedeji, an English-creative writing master's student, studying and writing in the Siceluff Hall Student Lounge.

Careers for creative writers

Ready to advance into your career? Explore careers like:

  • Author
  • Communications specialist
  • Copy editor/copywriter
  • Instructor/lecturer
  • Literary agent
  • Multimedia storyteller
  • Narrative designer
  • Publishing professional
  • Screenwriter

Earn your MFA in creative writing

Join an in-demand field

Your skill-set is needed! On average, about 13,400 openings are projected each year for writers and authors.

Creative writers can produce content for a wide variety of industries.

 

Median pay

$72,270

Average annual pay for writers and authors.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Job outlook

4%

Projected job growth for writers and authors. Four percent is about as fast as average.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Design the best degree for you

Explore a variety of advanced creative writing courses, and in addition, you can even focus your electives on specific topics, such as:

  • Editing and publishing
  • Literature
  • Pedagogy
  • Technical writing

Set your unique goals to find a career path that will lead to professional success.