Creative Writing

The University of Texas at Austin offers two separate degrees in creative writing with different emphases, the Master of Arts degree and the Master of Fine Arts Degree. The English Department administers the M.A.; the Michener Center for Writers administers the M.F.A. Program. Although both programs share faculty, workshops, visiting writers, and visiting readers, they also have distinct differences in terms of length, specialization, and means of student funding.

Programs at a glance

Master of Arts in English, Creative Writing

Master of Fine Arts in Writing

The M.A. Program in Creative Writing: The English Department sponsors this two-year program. Students specialize in one genre (fiction or poetry) and complete a manuscript at the end of their second year. Qualified M.A. students may be funded through both teaching assistantships and fellowships. These funding opportunities are intended to complement the academic and scholarly training that students receive in graduate courses, and is thus an important means by which the graduate program is able to produce scholarly teachers and writers. Typically, students who have been awarded teaching assistantships assist literature and creative writing courses during their first year-and-a-half. During their last semester, when they are preparing their Master's Reports, all students currently receive a fellowship that pays tuition plus a stipend. Students graduate with a Master of Arts in English, Creative Writing.

The M.F.A. Program in Writing: Founded in 1993 and made possible by a generous endowment from the late James A. Michener, the M.F.A. Program is a three-year program. The Michener Center for Writers is closely affiliated with the graduate writing programs of English, Theatre, and Radio-TV-Film. M.F.A. Students must work in two genres--one primary and one secondary--chosen from fiction, poetry, screenwriting, and playwriting. Each student admitted for the M.F.A. receives full-time support with a James A. Michener Fellowship, and fellowships are renewable for all three years of the program, contingent upon annual reviews. Students graduate with a Master's of Fine Arts in Writing.

Which degree is right for you? There are many reasons why one program may be more appealing than another depending on your individual needs. Some students prefer a shorter or longer program for career advancement or personal reasons. Some prefer a full fellowship; some may want to acrue experience for future teaching careers in creative writing. Similarly, some students appreciate the M.F.A's multi-genre emphasis, whereas others are ready to focus on one genre. Assessing your needs as a writer is important when considering which program is right for you.

Although students may apply for both the M.A. and the M.F.A. Programs, each application must be conducted separately. The English Department cannot answer questions about the M.F.A. Program, nor can the Michener Center for Writers answer questions about the M.A. concentration.

Students interested in applying to the M.A. Program in Creative Writing can visit the English Graduate Programs' application procedures page .

Students interested in applying to the M.F.A. Program can learn more about the program through the Michener Center for Writers website, or by contacting Emil Kresl at (512) 471-1601 or by e-mail at mcw@www.utexas.edu. Applications may be requested by mail at the J. Frank Dobie House, 702 East Dean Keeton, Austin, Texas 78705.