Master in Creative Writing (MFA)

California Institute of the Arts, located near Valencia in Southern California, is a leading institution for creative education founded with a legacy of innovation in the arts. CalArts encourages experimental practice across disciplines including art, film, music, theater, dance, and animation, and offers a compact, studio-focused learning environment where students develop original work under the mentorship of practicing artists and industry professionals.

The institute promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on learning, supporting individual artistic development with cutting-edge studios, performance spaces, and digital labs. Small class sizes and intensive critique-based courses help students refine their voices and build professional portfolios, while visiting artists, festivals, and partnerships provide exposure to the wider creative industry. Academic advising, portfolio coaching, and career development services support transitions to festivals, galleries, studios, and commercial roles.

International students find a welcoming community and opportunities to participate in collaborative projects, residencies, and public exhibitions that elevate their practice. CalArts fosters a culture of experimentation, critical inquiry, and professional networking, making it a strong choice for creative learners who seek rigorous mentorship, cross-disciplinary exploration, and direct engagement with the contemporary arts scene in the United States.

The Master in Creative Writing (MFA) at California Institute of the Arts is a degree for students who want to become writers. This 2-year Master's program helps students develop their writing skills in a variety of genres.

The curriculum allows students to pursue their own interests and experiment with different genres. They work with a mentor to develop their writing skills and create a plan of study. Students can also choose to focus on a specific area, such as image and text, performative writing, or documentary strategies.

Graduates of this program can become novelists, poets, screenwriters, or editors. They can also work as teachers, publishers, or writers for magazines and newspapers. Some possible job titles include fiction writer, poetry editor, screenwriter, and publishing manager.