Creative Writing, MFA

For Creative Writing, MFA, tuition costs 44,928 USD per year.

This is a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program in Creative Writing. It admits six students each year in poetry and six in fiction to work closely in small workshops with faculty. The coursework includes a strong emphasis on the study of literature.

Focus areas include poetry, fiction.

The program requires 48 credits, including workshops, forms courses, an essay seminar, English department courses, outside electives, and thesis preparation.

Graduates are prepared to teach composition and research writing to undergraduates and conduct tutoring sessions in a Writing Center.

Admission is based primarily on the writing sample and academic record. Applicants must submit an online graduate application, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Fiction applicants need a 20-page maximum writing sample, while poetry applicants need 10-12 poems.

The programme totals about 48 credit hours. The program usually takes six semesters to complete. For international students, tuition is well above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 42% of applicants.

Syracuse University is a private research university in Syracuse, New York, founded in 1870. With around 20,500 students and over 4,300 international students, the campus blends an active student life with strong research and professional networks. Its compact urban setting offers convenient access to cultural venues and internships across the Northeastern United States, while maintaining a welcoming community atmosphere for students from many countries.

Academics at Syracuse cover more than 200 programs across arts and sciences, engineering, business, communications and more, with interdisciplinary opportunities that encourage applied learning. Students work with experienced faculty in well-equipped labs, studios and media centers, and benefit from research projects, co-op placements and study abroad options. The university emphasizes experiential learning, career readiness and leadership development to prepare graduates for global careers.

International students find robust support through orientation, advising, language resources and cultural organizations, plus career services that connect students with employers and alumni. A vibrant campus life includes clubs, athletics and community engagement that help newcomers build networks and confidence. For students seeking a balance of academic rigor, practical experience, and a diverse, close-knit campus, Syracuse offers a supportive environment to grow academically and professionally.