Dual MA in English / MFA in Creative Writing

Admissions are rolling, and tuition is MFA Creative Writing: Six competitive fellowships (three each year) with full tuition waiver and a fellowship payment of $18,000, each renewable for a second year and requiring no work obligation. Limited full-tuition scholarships are also available..

The Dual MA English/MFA Creative Writing program is an innovative three-year program combining the practice and study of creative writing with literary scholarship. Coursework spans literary and critical studies, creative writing, journalism, rhetoric and composition, digital humanities, creative and cultural industries, and linguistics. The program is designed for students intending to pursue careers in teaching English and creative writing.

Focus areas include Literary Scholarship, Creative Writing, Rhetoric and Composition, Digital Humanities, Journalism, Creative and Cultural Industries.

Students complete 51 credits of academic coursework, culminating in two separate thesis projects: a book-length creative project and an essay on literature or rhetoric.

Graduates pursue careers in teaching English and creative writing at university, community college, or secondary school levels, and some continue to Ph.D. programs.

Applicants must submit official transcripts, a statement of intent, a creative writing portfolio (fiction, nonfiction, or poetry), a 12-15 page literary essay, two letters of recommendation, and a resume or CV. A GRE is required for applicants with a GPA below 3.0, with minimum scores of Verbal: 154, Quantitative: 147, and Analytical Writing: 4.0, or equivalent professional experience. Admission requires acceptance by both the MA in English and MFA in Creative Writing committees.

The programme totals about 51 credit hours. Full-time study typically takes three years. All graduate classes are offered in the late afternoon or evening. For international students, tuition is well above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 56% of applicants.

Chapman University in Orange, California, founded in 1861, offers a close-knit campus environment where small class sizes and regular faculty interaction shape the student experience. With about 10,000 students, Chapman balances strong academic programs in the arts, sciences, business and health sciences with hands-on learning, undergraduate research and studio practice. The university emphasizes mentorship and collaborative projects, helping students develop professional confidence and practical skills early in their studies.

Academically Chapman is designed for students who want immersive opportunities and clear career pathways. The curriculum blends theory and application across 88 programs, and students can pursue internships, research assistantships and industry partnerships that connect classroom learning to real-world settings. Faculty are accessible and often integrate community engagement or applied projects into coursework, which benefits students preparing for graduate study or employment.

Life on campus in Orange is active and student-centered, with a variety of clubs, cultural events and support services for international students adjusting to life in the United States. Proximity to Los Angeles expands internship and cultural options while Chapman maintains a manageable campus scale. Prospective international applicants should highlight academic fit and hands-on experience in their applications and explore Chapman resources for career advising and visa guidance to make the most of their time abroad.