Unique Courses of Study
Students may focus their course of study in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, young adult fiction & nonfiction, literary genre writing (fantasy and sci-fi, mystery, etc.), graphic novels, or travel/food writing.
Admission Requirements
The MFA at HFU strives to admit students who demonstrate both the creative and academic abilities required to be successful given both the rigor and unique format of the low-residency program.
Application requirements include:
- A personal statement that provides insight into the applicant’s desire to obtain an MFA, artistic vision, personal history of writing, potential contribution to the program, and readiness to meet the requirements of the program.
- A writing sample consisting of original writing in the applicant’s primary genre (10-15 pgs. of poetry, 20-30 pgs. of prose).
- Official transcripts from all previous institutions of higher education attended by the applicant.
Focus on Professionalization
Emphasis on interdisciplinary practice supports student writing while providing opportunities for professionalization through writing related experiences such as directed independent studies in literature, internships, editorial practice, community engagement, work on social justice initiatives, teaching opportunities, etc.
Residencies in Philadelphia
The MFA at HFU is located on the main campus of Holy Family University, which is just a short ride by train or car from center city Philadelphia. Our location provides students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in city life, while also taking advantage of a self-contained campus to spend time on their studies. This balance of city and suburb allows students of all kinds to thrive in our residency environment where they attend seminars, lectures, genre-specific workshops, and readings to foster their growth as emerging writers. Our residencies are social happenings designed to help participants build lasting relationships with faculty and fellow students that form the foundations of their life in writing for years to come.
Careers in Writing
MFA graduates become accomplished authors, poets, novelists, screenwriters, and playwrights with books from respected publishers and individual publications in nationally renowned journals. However, many employers value the communication skills and the creativity that an MFA fosters, and with a terminal degree in Creative writing you are prepared for an incredible variety of careers.
Some of the diverse fields that see the MFA in Creative Writing as a unique or interesting qualification, if not a requirement, include education, publishing, marketing/PR, journalism, advertising, television and radio, law firms, not-for-profits, and communications consulting.
In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects growth for master's in writing careers through 2026, including an 8% increase for writers and authors, a 9% increase for public relations specialists, and an 11% increase for technical writers (“2018-19 MFA”).
Program Outcomes for the Graduate Program in Creative Writing
The overarching goal of the program is to prepare students to publish and work within the diverse field of creative writing. To this end, graduates of the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program will demonstrate skills and knowledge aligned with the following program goals:
- Identify exemplary and diverse model texts from which to draw inspiration
- Demonstrate knowledge of craft and literary analysis through an engagement with relevant works, critical thinking, reading, and writing
- Generate opportunities for professionalization, research, and community engagement
- Improve one’s ability to write, edit, and revise writing
- Generate a substantial body of written work
- Produce a creative thesis in a primary genre of study