Creative Writing Graduate Program

Two students sitting next to each other at a table jot down notes and complete their homework in Meyer Library.

Polish your creative writing

A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing will refine your mastery of fiction and poetry.

This three-year program gives you the chance to explore various genres in creative writing while mastering your primary areas of focus. You'll also have opportunities for fully-funded graduate and teaching assistantships, as well as practical experience in the editing field.

Why earn an MFA in creative writing from Missouri State?

  • Explore a wide variety of English electives — Have the flexibility to customize your courseload. Broaden your knowledge in creative nonfiction, editing and publishing, creative writing pedagogy and literature.
  • Have practical experience — Polish your editing and publishing skills, as well as your writing, as you work with our nationally renowned publications at Moon City Press and Moon City Review.
  • Be supported by faculty mentors — Your small class sizes will give you more focused instruction and guidance. You'll dive deeper into specialized writing, such as horror, flash fiction, poetics, place-based writing and more.

Meet our students

Emily Lewandowski, a English-creative writing master's student, presents her thesis in a classroom, showing written and illustrated panels of her graphic novel.
Careers and outcomes
Creative writing is a great path for all kinds of writers and communicators. You could also continue your academic path to a doctoral program.

MFA bookshelf

The cover of W. D. Blackmon's novel "Blood and Milk."

The cover of Sara Burge's novel "Apocalypse Ranch."

The cover of Michael Czyzniejewski's collection of stories, "The Amnesiac in the Maze."

The cover of Adele Williams' collection of poems, "Sacrosanct."

View more Faculty books