Creative Writing MFA

Degree Awarded: Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
Minimum Required Credits: 30.0
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 23.1302
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 27-3043

About the Program

The Drexel Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing is a degree that combines the teaching of craft with hands-on exposure to the professional machinery of the literary industry. As a national leader in experiential education, Drexel is uniquely positioned to offer an M.F.A. that encourages writers to engage deeply with the world in order to reflect upon it, write stories worth telling, and embark upon sustained and successful creative careers. The Drexel M.F.A. is the only low-residency M.F.A. located in the city of Philadelphia.

Students undertake an intensive two-year process of story creation, critique, revision, and career preparation. Coursework includes workshops, reading tutorials, and one-on-one packet exchanges with notable published writers. Several times throughout the program, students gather with faculty during immersive residences designed to deepen craft, foster artistic risk-taking and build professional readiness. A dedicated professional development residency brings students to New York where they meet with agents, editors and publishers and gain insight into the contemporary literary marketplace. Accomplished authors lead workshops and deliver craft talks at all residencies, culminating in a graduation celebration on campus.

Beyond the classroom, the Drexel M.F.A. is distinguished by a rich culture of engagement that extends learning into community-centered programming. Students have opportunities to participate in writing retreats, take on leadership roles on the editorial team of Drexel’s literary magazine, Paper Dragon and take part in craft chats, author visits and special events that foster community and creative exchange. Just as importantly, the program is intentionally designed as a lifelong artistic home – one that values mentorship, collaboration, and enduring relationships long after graduation.

Grounded in Drexel’s experiential, career-focused mission, the M.F.A. equips graduates with tools to create and market their own books and to pursue meaningful work across publishing, literary organizations, magazines, conferences, retreat centers, and community-based art spaces. At its core, the program affirms that art and industry are essential partners in improving the human condition.

Additional Information

For more information about this program, please contact the College of Arts and Sciences

Admission Requirements

Admissions Criteria

• A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university

Required Documents

• A completed application
• Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended
• Personal statement (400-750 words) addressing:
• Your experience with creative writing thus far
• Why you are seeking an MFA
• Why you are seeking an MFA from Drexel University
• Writing sample - Please provide 20-25 double-spaced pages, in Word or PDF file, of one of the following:
• Completed short story
• Collection of flash fiction
• Novel-in-progress
• Additional requirements for international students

Degree Requirements

¹

Students may repeat Option B for a total of 6 credits if Option C is not also selected.

Students may select Option B and Option C, in which case they would take only 3 credits of CW 7999.

Program Level Outcomes