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Finding a dedicated creative writing program at a school you're excited about can be a real challenge, and that's even before you start worrying about getting in. Nonetheless, there are some great options. In order to help you find the best school for you, this list rounds up some of the best colleges for creative writing in the United States .

The Best Creative Writing Programs: Ranking Criteria

You should never take college rankings as absolute truth —not even the very official-seeming US News ones. Instead, use these kinds of lists as a jumping-off place for your own exploration of colleges. Pay attention not just to what the rankings are but to how the rankings are determined.

To help with that, I'll explain how I came up with this highly unscientific list of great creative writing colleges. I started by narrowing my search down to schools that offered a specific creative writing major. (If you don't see a school you were expecting, it's likely because they only have a minor.)

In ranking the schools, I considered five major criteria:

  • #1: MFA Ranking —If a school has a great graduate creative writing program, it means you'll be taught by those same professors and the excellent graduate students they attract. Schools with strong MFA programs are also more likely to have solid alumni networks and internship opportunities. However, many schools with great undergrad programs do not offer MFAs, in which case I simply focused on the other four options.
  • #2: General School Reputation —The vast majority of your classes won't be in creative writing, so it's important that other parts of the school, especially the English department, are great as well.
  • #3: Extracurricular Opportunities —One of the key advantages of majoring in creative writing is that it can provide access to writing opportunities outside the classroom, so I took what kind of internship programs, author readings, and literary magazines the school offers into consideration.
  • #4: Diversity of Class Options —I gave extra points to schools with a variety of genre options and specific, interesting classes.
  • #5: Alumni/Prestige —This last criterion is a bit more subjective: is the school known for turning out good writers? Certainly it's less important than what kind of education you'll actually get, but having a brand-name degree (so to speak) can be helpful.

The Best Creative Writing Schools

Now, let's get to the good stuff: the list of schools! The exact numbering is always arguable, so look at it as a general trend from absolutely amazing to still super great, rather than fixating on why one school is ranked #3 and another is ranked #4.

#1: Northwestern University

Northwestern's undergrad creative writing program boasts acclaimed professors and an unparalleled track record of turning out successful writers (including Divergent author Veronica Roth and short-story writer Karen Russell).

Outside the classroom, you can work on the student-run literary journal, intern at a publication in nearby Chicago, or submit to the Department of English's yearly writing competition . The university is also home to a top journalism program , so if you want to try your hand at nonfiction as well, you'll have plenty of opportunities to do so.

#2: Columbia University

Like Northwestern, Columbia is home to both a world-class creative writing program and a top journalism school (plus one of the best English departments in the country), so you have a wide range of writing-related course options. Columbia also benefits from its location in New York City, which is bursting at the seams with publishing houses, literary journals, and talented authors.

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#3: University of Iowa

The University of Iowa's big draw is the infrastructure of its graduate Writers' Workshop, which is often considered the best MFA program in the country.

As an English and Creative Writing major here, you'll take classes from great young writers and established professors alike, and get to choose from a wide range of topics. This major provides transferable skills important for a liberal arts major with a creative focus. You'll also have access to the university's impressive literary community, including frequent readings, writing prizes and scholarships, and the acclaimed literary journal The Iowa Review .

#4: Emory University

Emory is renowned for its dedicated undergrad creative writing program , which draws the very best visiting scholars and writers. Students here have the chance to attend intimate question-and-answer sessions with award-winning authors, study a range of genres, compete for writing awards and scholarships, and work closely with an adviser to complete an honors project.

#5: Oberlin College

A small liberal arts school in Ohio, Oberlin offers very different advantages than the schools above do. You'll have fewer opportunities to pursue writing in the surrounding city, but the quality of the teachers and the range of courses might make up for that. Moreover, it boasts just as impressive alumni, including actress and writer Lena Dunham.

#6: Hamilton College

Hamilton is another small college, located in upstate New York. It's known for giving students the freedom to pursue their interests and the support to help them explore topics in real depth, both inside and outside the classroom. Hamilton's creative writing program takes full advantage with small classes and lots of opportunities to intern and publish; it also has one of the best writing centers in the country.

#7: Brown University

Brown's Literary Arts program offers one of the top MFAs in the US as well as an undergraduate major . For the major, you must take four creative writing workshops and six reading-intensive courses, which span an array of departments and topics, from music and literature to Middle East studies and Egyptology.

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#8: Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University has an excellent creative writing MFA program, lots of super specific class options, and a number of scholarships specifically earmarked for creative writing students. This school’s undergraduate English program also offers a concentration in creative writing that allows students to specialize in a specific genre: poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction. If you’re interested in exploring your potential in a specific writing genre, Washington University could be a great pick for you.

#9: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MIT might not be a school you generally associate with writing, but it actually has an excellent program that offers courses in digital media and science writing, as well as creative writing, and provides plenty of guidance on how graduates can navigate the tricky job market.

Not to mention the school is located in Cambridge, a haven for book lovers and writers of all kinds. Though it probably isn’t a good fit for students who hate science, MIT is a great place for aspiring writers who want to build writing skills that are marketable in a wide range of industries.

#10: University of Michigan

University of Michigan is one of the best state universities in the country and has a top-notch MFA program. This school’s undergrad creative writing sub-concentration requires students to submit applications for admittance to advanced creative writing courses. These applications give students crucial practice in both building a writing portfolio and articulating their interest in creative writing to an audience who will evaluate their work. If you're looking to attend a big school with a great creative writing major, this is a fantastic choice.

#11: Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins is another school that's known more for engineering than it is for writing, but, like MIT, it has a dedicated writing program. As a major here, you must take not only courses in prose, poetry, and literature, but also classes on topics such as philosophy and history.

#12: Colorado College

Colorado College is a small liberal arts school known for its block plan , which allows students to focus on one class per three-and-a-half-week block. The creative writing track of the English major includes a sequence of four writing workshops and also requires students to attend every reading of the Visiting Writers Series.

Bonus School: New York University

I didn't include NYU in the main list because it doesn't have a dedicated creative writing major, but it's a great school for aspiring writers nonetheless, offering one of the most impressive creative writing faculties in the country and all the benefits of a Manhattan location.

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How To Pick the Best Creative Writing School for You

Just because Northwestern is a great school for creative writing doesn't mean you should set your heart on going there. (The football fans are completely terrifying, for one thing.) So where should you go then?

Here are some questions to ask yourself when looking at creative writing programs to help you determine the best school for you:

Does It Have Courses You're Interested In?

Look at the course offerings and see whether they interest you. While you can't predict exactly what classes you'll love, you want to avoid a mismatch where what you want to study and what the program offers are completely different. For example, if you want to write sonnets but the school focuses more on teaching fiction, it probably won't be a great fit for you.

Also, don't forget to look at the English courses and creative writing workshops! In most programs, you'll be taking a lot of these, too.

What Opportunities Are There To Pursue Writing Outside of Class?

I touched on this idea in the criteria section, but it's important enough that I want to reiterate it here. Some of the best writing experience you can get is found outside the classroom, so see what kind of writing-related extracurriculars a school has before committing to it.

Great options include getting involved with the campus newspaper, working on the school's literary journal, or interning at the university press.

Who Will Be Teaching You?

Who are the professors? What kind of work have they published? Check teacher ratings on Rate My Professors (but make sure to read the actual reviews—and always take them with a grain of salt).

If you're looking at a big school, there's a good chance that a lot of your teachers will be graduate students. But that's not necessarily a bad thing: a lot of the best teachers I had in college were graduate students. Just take into consideration what kind of graduate program the school has. If there's a great creative writing MFA program, then the graduate students are likely to be better writers and more engaged teachers.

What Are the Alumni Doing Now?

If you have a sense of what you want to do after you graduate, see if any alumni of the program are pursuing that type of career. The stronger the alumni network is, the more connections you'll have when it comes time to get a job.

What About the Rest of the School?

Don't pick a school for which you like the creative writing program but dread everything else about it. Most of your time will be spent doing other things, whether hanging out in the dorms, exploring off campus, or fulfilling general education requirements.

Many schools require you to apply to the creative writing major, so make doubly sure you'll be happy with your choice even if you aren't accepted to the program.

What's Next?

Are you sure a creative writing major is the right fit for you? Read our post on the pros and cons of the major to help you decide what path to take in college.

For more general advice about choosing a college, check out our complete guide to finding the right school for you. Some major factors to consider include deciding whether you're interested in a small college or a big university , an in-state or out-of-state institution , and a public or private school .

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Creative Writing and Literature Master’s Degree Program

Online Courses

11 out of 12 total courses

On-Campus Experience

One 1- or 3-week residency in summer

$3,220 per course

Unlock your creative potential and hone your unique voice.

Build a strong foundation in literary criticism and writing across multiple genres — including fiction, nonfiction, and drama — in our live online writing and literature program with an in-person writers’ residency at Harvard.

Program Overview

Through the master’s degree in creative writing and literature, you’ll hone your skills as a storyteller — crafting publishable original scripts, novels, and stories.

In small, workshop-style classes, you’ll master key elements of narrative craft, including characterization, story and plot structure, point of view, dialogue, and description. And you’ll learn to approach literary works as both a writer and scholar by developing skills in critical analysis.

Program Benefits

Instructors who are published authors of drama, fiction, and nonfiction

A community of writers who support your growth in live online classes

Writer's residency with agent & editor networking opportunities

Personalized academic and career advising

Thesis or capstone options that lead to publishable creative work

Harvard Alumni Association membership upon graduation

Customizable Course Curriculum

As you work through the program’s courses, you’ll enhance your creative writing skills and knowledge of literary concepts and strategies. You’ll practice the art of revision to hone your voice as a writer in courses like Writing the Short Personal Essay and Writing Flash Fiction.

Within the creative writing and literature program, you will choose between a thesis or capstone track. You’ll also experience the convenience of online learning and the immersive benefits of learning in person.

11 Online Courses

  • Primarily synchronous
  • Fall, spring, January, and summer options

Writers’ Residency

A 1- or 3-week summer master class taught by a notable instructor, followed by an agents-and-editors weekend

Thesis or Capstone Track

  • Thesis: features a 9-month independent creative project with a faculty advisor
  • Capstone: includes crafting a fiction or nonfiction manuscript in a classroom community

The path to your degree begins before you apply to the program.

First, you’ll register for and complete 2 required courses, earning at least a B in each. These foundational courses are investments in your studies and count toward your degree, helping ensure success in the program.

Getting Started

We invite you to explore degree requirements, confirm your initial eligibility, and learn more about our unique “earn your way in” admissions process.

A Faculty of Creative Writing Experts

Studying at Harvard Extension School means learning from the world’s best. Our instructors are renowned academics in literary analysis, storytelling, manuscript writing, and more. They bring a genuine passion for teaching, with students giving our faculty an average rating of 4.7 out of 5.

Bryan Delaney

Playwright and Screenwriter

Talaya Adrienne Delaney

Lecturer in Extension, Harvard University

Elisabeth Sharp McKetta

Our community at a glance.

80% of our creative writing and literature students are enrolled in our master’s degree program for either personal enrichment or to make a career change. Most (74%) are employed full time while pursuing their degree and work across a variety of industries.

Download: Creative Writing & Literature Master's Degree Fact Sheet

Average Age

Course Taken Each Semester

Work Full Time

Would Recommend the Program

Professional Experience in the Field

Pursued for Personal Enrichment

Career Opportunities & Alumni Outcomes

Graduates of our Creative Writing and Literature Master’s Program have writing, research, and communication jobs in the fields of publishing, advertising/marketing, fundraising, secondary and higher education, and more.

Some alumni continue their educational journeys and pursue further studies in other nationally ranked degree programs, including those at Boston University, Brandeis University, University of Pennsylvania, and Cambridge University.

Our alumni hold titles as:

  • Marketing Manager
  • Director of Publishing
  • Senior Research Writer

Our alumni work at a variety of leading organizations, including:

  • Little, Brown & Company
  • New York University (NYU)
  • Bentley Publishers

Career Advising and Mentorship

Whatever your career goals, we’re here to support you. Harvard’s Mignone Center for Career Success offers career advising, employment opportunities, Harvard alumni mentor connections, and career fairs like the annual on-campus Harvard Humanities, Media, Marketing, and Creative Careers Expo.

Your Harvard University Degree

Upon successful completion of the required curriculum, you will earn the Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, Field: Creative Writing and Literature.

Expand Your Connections: the Harvard Alumni Network

As a graduate, you’ll become a member of the worldwide Harvard Alumni Association (400,000+ members) and Harvard Extension Alumni Association (29,000+ members).

Harvard is closer than one might think. You can be anywhere and still be part of this world.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Affordability is core to our mission. When compared to our continuing education peers, it’s a fraction of the cost.

After admission, you may qualify for financial aid . Typically, eligible students receive grant funds to cover a portion of tuition costs each term, in addition to federal financial aid options.

What can you do with a master’s degree in creative writing and literature?

A master’s degree in creative writing and literature prepares you for a variety of career paths in writing, literature, and communication — it’s up to you to decide where your interests will take you.

You could become a professional writer, editor, literary agent, marketing copywriter, or communications specialist.

You could also go the academic route and bring your knowledge to the classroom to teach creative writing or literature courses.

Is a degree in creative writing and literature worth it?

The value you find in our Creative Writing and Literature Master’s Degree Program will depend on your unique goals, interests, and circumstances.

The curriculum provides a range of courses that allow you to graduate with knowledge and skills transferable to various industries and careers.

How long does completing the creative writing and literature graduate program take?

Program length is ordinarily anywhere between 2 and 5 years. It depends on your preferred pace and the number of courses you want to take each semester.

For an accelerated journey, we offer year round study, where you can take courses in fall, January, spring, and summer.

While we don’t require you to register for a certain number of courses each semester, you cannot take longer than 5 years to complete the degree.

What skills do you need prior to applying for the creative writing and literature degree program?

Harvard Extension School does not require any specific skills prior to applying, but in general, it’s helpful to have solid reading, writing, communication, and critical thinking skills if you are considering a creative writing and literature master’s degree.

Initial eligibility requirements can be found on our creative writing and literature master’s degree requirements page .

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Best English Programs

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Earning a master's degree or

Earning a master's degree or doctorate in English can improve your writing skills, sharpen your analytical abilities and broaden your literary knowledge. These are the top schools for a graduate degree in English. Each school's score reflects its average rating on a scale from 1 (marginal) to 5 (outstanding), based on a survey of academics at peer institutions. Read the methodology »

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English Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

The Master of Fine Arts Program in Creative Writing at The Ohio State University is designed to help graduate students develop to the fullest their talents and abilities as writers of poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction. Creative writing classes are conducted as workshops or tutorials, and there are numerous opportunities for related study both within and beyond the Department of English.

All students are fully funded for three years in a program that is well known for its sense of community and a faculty that is as committed to teaching as to their own writing.  Approximately 36 graduate students are taught by tenure track, visiting, and affiliated (Film Studies) faculty, who also teach in the undergraduate program. Graduate student TAs teach introductory and intermediate special topics undergraduate creative writing courses, undergraduate literary publishing, as well as first-year and second-year writing (required courses for all OSU undergraduates). TAs teach two classes a year, one in autumn and one in spring. In addition, they have the opportunity to work as editors of OSU's prize-winning, nationally distributed literary magazine, The Journal, and to serve on the editorial staff of our two annual book prizes, one in poetry and one in prose.

Course offerings are varied and numerous. Special topics graduate workshops (in the long poem, in characterization, in literary translation, in humor writing, and so on) ensure that, in addition to "regular" workshops, opportunities abound for experimentation. Our graduate program includes coursework designed for "crossing over," such as, poetry workshops for MFA fiction writers or essayists with little experience writing poems; and "forms" classes in prosody, the novel, the memoir, novellas, for example. 

Screenwriting for MFAs is offered regularly, and many students also elect to study playwriting or writing for performance as an elective. Some MFAs choose to pursue the Graduate Interdisciplinary Specialization in the Fine Arts (GISFA), which allows them to take graduate courses in other arts disciplines. Indeed, Ohio State's size and breadth offer our students the chance to explore many disciplines that enrich their study and practice of creative writing.

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English (Ph.D.)

The Ph.D. program in English at ULL affords students close professional guidance from a diverse graduate faculty distinguished in its commitment to both teaching and research. All doctorates in English have a foundation in British and American language and literature, thus students receive a broad education in the discipline that prepares them to teach effectively at any college level and provides the background for advanced research in their areas of particular expertise. Students also receive training in preparation for career diversity.

Ph.D. students may choose from the following concentrations:

  • Literary and Cultural Studies 
  • Creative Writing
  • Folklore 
  • Linguistics
  • Rhetoric & Composition

Ph.D. Exam Areas Ph.D. students design three areas of concentration for their comprehensive exams with guidance from exam committee members of their choosing. Some possible areas include:

  • English Literature to c.1500
  • English Literature of the Renaissance
  • English Literature of the Restoration and Eighteenth Century
  • British Literature of the Nineteenth Century
  • British Literature from c.1900 to the Present
  • American Literature to 1865 
  • American Literature from 1865 to 1945
  • American Literature from 1945 to the Present
  • Literary Theory
  • Rhetoric and Composition Studies
  • Africana Literature and Theory
  • Children’s Literature
  • Creative Writing Studies
  • Feminist Theory and Criticism
  • Narrative Film
  • Southern Literary Studies
  • Speculative Fiction
  • Folklore Studies  

Related Programs

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Literary Journals

Get involved with Rougarou , the graduate-run literary journal housed in the English department, and the Southwestern Review (SWR) , our in-house print literary journal featuring creative work from current students.

Community Sharing

As one of the English Department’s longest-standing traditions, the Thursday Night Reading Series (TNRS) features weekly readings of original poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, drama, and experimental works from UL graduate students and faculty.

The Studio serves as a 21st-century lab and small-group workspace for UL students in the English Department to learn, create, prosper, and transition from student to professional. Students can work on and complete solo or collaborative projects for clients, including local non-profits and UL programs, with the guidance of a faculty mentor.

Teaching Experience

The English department offers graduate students the opportunity to teach and design their own courses —an experience that is extremely valuable on the job market.

Application Information

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Application Deadlines

Fall: January 15 

Spring: November 1  

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Funding opportunities such as assistantships and fellowships can help pay for your degree while letting you earn valuable experience for your career.

Learn more about funding opportunities and how to apply >>

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For more information about the program and funding availability, please contact: Dr. Leah Orr, Graduate Coordinator Phone: (337) 482-5462 Griffin Hall 228 Email: [email protected]

English According to Grad Students and Faculty

English ph.d..

"I appreciate Professor Honegger's nurturing nature, as he cares for his students with a level of concern and support akin to that of a parent looking after their own children." Jwahr Alotaibi, English Ph.D. student
“I chose the graduate program at ULL for its accessible faculty, flexible research options, and rate of job placement for graduated students. I warmly recommend the program to anyone interested in Creative Writing at a graduate level.” Ben Porter, English Ph.D. Student
"Our students come from around the state, the country, and the world, bringing a diverse range of experiences to our program.  That makes our seminar discussions really engaging and interesting, and students learn from each other as much as they do from the faculty as they develop their own scholarly personas and research projects." Leah Orr Ph.D., Associate Professor of English
"As a graduate student, my professors have shown exceptional leadership qualities, actively contributing to collaborative research projects and fostering a positive and inclusive academic environment for me and my peers." Queen Nneoma Kanu, English Ph.D. Student

Careers in English

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Alumni Highlight: Sydney Doyle

Sydney Doyle, a distinguished alumna of our English PhD program, has seamlessly merged her academic background with a successful career at Tulip Interfaces. Currently part of the Product Education team, Sydney owns Tulip University, the customer education hub, where she plays a pivotal role in scaling education, planning roadmaps, and designing learning experiences. Despite entering the tech and manufacturing field without prior background, Sydney's expertise in building online courses at ULL equipped her with skills for LMS content development. Her unique blend of a PhD in English and Creative Writing brings a deep understanding of learning theory, research prowess, and the ability to simplify complex topics to the tech world. Sydney's impactful journey also includes serving as the poetry editor of Rougarou, showcasing her collaborative spirit in publishing issues with her peers during her time at ULL.

Career Opportunities

  • Professional Writing
  • Technical Writing
  • Legal Document Review
  • Primary and Secondary Education

Program Requirements

In addition to satisfying the  Graduate School application and admission  requirements , you must also submit:

  • Curriculum Vitae with relevant academic and professional experience
  • Critical Writing Sample with Academic Works Cited Page (10-20 pages)
  • The genre of the piece should reflect your intended focus area; specify either fiction, poetry, drama, or creative non-fiction. (This document should be uploaded as either a part of or alongside your critical writing sample in your application portal.)
  • Your chosen concentration
  • Your critical research interests and long-term plans for research
  • Your creative writing interests, if applying to creative writing concentration
  • Your alignment with faculty interests and/or University resources

The following points are some other factors that the department looks for when making its admissions decisions. If possible, please discuss any of the following that apply:

  • Teaching experience or other work experiences that will contribute to your success
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (in proposed research, service, teaching, work experience, or elsewhere)
  • Collaborative, community-building, or leadership experience
  • Evidence of perseverance, work ethic, or dedication

Students accepted into the Ph.D. degree program in English must complete at least 75 hours of graduate credit after earning the bachelor's degree. These hours include 15 credit hours of core coursework, 36 credit hours of concentration coursework, and 24 credit hours of dissertation coursework. Beyond the required coursework, students also must satisfy the comprehensive examination, foreign language, and dissertation requirements.

Learn more about the Ph.D. in English curriculum in the catalog . 

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University of Evansville

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English and Creative Writing

Fall into a book and find a pathway to yourself, your world, your work. UE’s English Education, Creative Writing and Literature degrees prepare students for top graduate schools and successful careers in a wide variety of fields including education, publishing, law, and business.

Introduction

DaLisa McCallum and Charlie Ericson

Words open worlds. When we study literature, we study how human experience can be embodied in language that awakens, delights, inspires and excites. Reading together, we meet new characters, cultures, and time periods, while also encountering ourselves in new ways. Through lively discussion and rigorous research, UE English majors explore literary works of lasting influence while developing the critical skills that will prepare them for success beyond our classrooms. Whether they work in business or education, serve their communities in libraries or literacy programs, or go on to graduate school or law school, our graduates leave the University of Evansville's English programs ready to engage with the challenges of today’s world.

Creative Writing

Our innovative curriculum includes courses in genre fiction, screenwriting, creative nonfiction, and contemporary poetry, among others .

In addition, we offer students editing and publishing internships with nationally and internationally-recognized literary journals such as The Evansville Review and Measure . These hands-on experiences introduce students to the professional life of writers, editors, and publishers, preparing students for graduate school or careers as editors and publishers as they learn alongside prize-winning and widely-published faculty who are committed to building mentoring relationships and introducing students to the professional world of writing, editing, and publishing.

Benefits for UE Creative Writing Students

  • Exciting internship opportunities with magazines, nonprofit organizations, advertising agencies, and more.
  • Readings and workshops led by UE faculty and notable writers, editors, and publishers who come to campus as guests.
  • Hands-on editing experience with The Evansville Review , Measure , and more.

Departmental News

Katie Darby Mullins has essay published at Barrelhouse Posted: March 1, 2024

Professor  Katie   Mullins had an essay come out called "Song and Dance Man" through Barrelhouse Books. This piece is an exploration of her early adolescent obsession with Andy Kaufman and anti-comedy which seems inexplicably linked to the back brace she had to wear through middle school. The essay spans her years of chronic pain with no diagnosis, her eventual stroke, and how jokes that aren't funny, because of her life experience, always seemed to make her laugh. 

UE's Andiron Lecture Series to Feature Guest Speaker Posted: March 21, 2023

The next installment of the Andiron Lecture Series at the University of Evansville (UE) is set for Wednesday. Assistant Professor of English, Sara Petrosillo, will be giving a lecture to launch her new book entitled Hawking Women: Falconry, Gender, and Control in Medieval Literary Culture. The book was recently published by the Ohio State University Press.

Baines gives paper at Louisville Conference Posted: February 27, 2023

Robert Baines, Associate Professor of English, gave a paper at the Louisville Conference on Literature and Culture at the University of Louisville on Friday, February 24. His paper, titled “How Far is Too Far?: Ulysses, Finnegans Wake, and the Boundaries of Modernism,” was part of an International James Joyce Foundation panel that also included Thomas Gurke and Josephine A. McQuail.

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  • Department of Foreign Languages and Cultures

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2024 Best Creative Writing Master's Degree Schools in New York

College Factual reviewed 14 schools in New York to determine which ones were the best for master's degree seekers in the field of creative writing. Combined, these schools handed out 397 master's degrees in creative writing to qualified students.

What's on this page: * Our Methodology

  • Best Master’s Degree Schools List

Choosing a Great Creative Writing School for Your Master's Degree

Best Creative Writing Master's Degree Schools in New York

A Great Overall School

The overall quality of a master's degree school is important to ensure a good education, not just how well they do in a particular major. To take this into account we consider a school's overall Best Colleges for a Master's Degree ranking which itself looks at a host of different factors like degree completion, educational resources, student body caliber and post-graduation earnings for the school as a whole.

Other Factors We Consider

The metrics below are just some of the other metrics that we use to determine our rankings.

  • Major Focus - How many resources a school devotes to creative writing students as compared to other majors.
  • Major Demand - The number of creative writing students who choose to seek a master's degree at the school.
  • Educational Resources - How many resources are allocated to students. These resources may include educational expenditures per student, number of students per instructor, and graduation rate among other things.
  • Accreditation - Whether a school is regionally accredited and/or accredited by a recognized creative writing related body.

Our complete ranking methodology documents in more detail how we consider these factors to identify the best schools for creative writing students working on their master's degree.

More Ways to Rank Creative Writing Schools

Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we've developed a number of rankings , including this Best Creative Writing Master's Degree Schools in New York list, to help you choose the best school for you.

Best Schools for Master’s Students to Study Creative Writing in New York

The following list ranks the best colleges and universities for pursuing a master's degree in creative writing.

10 Top New York Schools for a Master's in Creative Writing

Columbia crest

Columbia University in the City of New York is a wonderful choice for students pursuing a master's degree in creative writing. Columbia is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of New York. More information about a master’s in creative writing from Columbia University in the City of New York

NYU crest

It's hard to beat New York University if you want to pursue a master's degree in creative writing. NYU is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of New York. More information about a master’s in creative writing from New York University

Syracuse crest

Every student who is interested in a master's degree in creative writing needs to take a look at Syracuse University. Located in the midsize city of Syracuse, Syracuse is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. More information about a master’s in creative writing from Syracuse University

New School University crest

It's difficult to beat The New School if you wish to pursue a master's degree in creative writing. Located in the large city of New York, New School University is a private not-for-profit school with a large student population. More information about a master’s in creative writing from The New School

SUNY Stony Brook crest

SUNY Stony Brook is a very large public university located in the suburb of Stony Brook. More information about a master’s in creative writing from Stony Brook University

Cornell crest

Located in the city of Ithaca, Cornell is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. More information about a master’s in creative writing from Cornell University

CCNY crest

CCNY is a fairly large public college located in the city of New York. More information about a master’s in creative writing from The City College of New York

Hofstra crest

Hofstra is a large private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Hempstead. More information about a master’s in creative writing from Hofstra University

Sarah Lawrence crest

Located in the large suburb of Bronxville, Sarah Lawrence is a private not-for-profit college with a small student population. More information about a master’s in creative writing from Sarah Lawrence College

Manhattanville crest

Located in the suburb of Purchase, Manhattanville is a private not-for-profit college with a small student population. More information about a master’s in creative writing from Manhattanville College

Related Programs

Learn about other programs related to Creative Writing that might interest you.

Low-Residency MFA in Fiction and Nonfiction

Harness your passion for storytelling with SNHU's Mountainview Low-Residency MFA in Fiction and Nonfiction. In this small, two-year creative writing program, students work one-on-one with our distinguished faculty remotely for most of the semester but convene for weeklong intensive residencies in June and January. At residencies, students critique each other's work face-to-face, meet with major authors, agents and editors and learn how to teach at the college level.

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English (I Have a Bachelors)

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Best Creative Writing Colleges in the Middle Atlantic Region

Explore all the Best Creative Writing Colleges in the Middle Atlantic Area or other specific states within that region.

Other Rankings

Best associate degrees in creative writing, best doctorate degrees in creative writing, best bachelor's degrees in creative writing, best overall in creative writing.

View All Rankings >

Rankings in Majors Related to Creative Writing

Creative Writing is one of 4 different types of Writing Studies programs to choose from.

Notes and References

  • The bars on the spread charts above show the distribution of the schools on this list +/- one standard deviation from the mean.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ( IPEDS ) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of the rest of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s ( College Scorecard ).
  • Credit for the banner image above goes to KOKUYO . More about our data sources and methodologies .

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Study in Russia in English

best graduate schools for english creative writing

Sabrina Collier

Want to  study in Russia   in English?  Russian   universities  are offering a growing number of degrees taught in English, and the Russian government is keen to attract international students, currently offering 15,000 state-funded places to international applicants, which include full tuition, dormitory accommodation and a monthly maintenance allowance of ₽1,630 (~US$25).

Read on to find out how you can find the right English-taught program for you, and how a degree from Russia , one of the world’s fastest-growing economic powers, could get your future career off to a strong start.

How to study in Russia in English

Although many Russian universities offer  preparatory language courses  to help students gain the necessarily skills to study in Russian, there are a range of English-taught programs available if you’d prefer English as the language of instruction.

The majority of courses taught entirely in English are at master’s level. A useful search tool for finding English-taught programs at Russian universities can be found on the website  StudyinRussia.ru , allowing you to narrow down your search by degree level, field of study/subject, mode of study, course length, city, and of course your preferred language.

The exact requirements for getting admitted to an English-taught program at a Russian university will vary, but in general you will need to provide a document such as a diploma or certificate that certifies your previous education, a cover letter and proof of your English language proficiency with the required score on a test such as  IELTS  or  TOEFL  (not required if you’re a native speaker). Some universities might also ask for a CV, portfolio, references from teachers, and for you to complete a Skype or phone interview in English.

Another great resource for finding English-taught programs in Russia is our free course matching tool , which includes over 900 programs in Europe, including Russia. 

Russian universities offering undergraduate English-language programs

As mentioned above, the majority of opportunities to study in Russia in English are for master’s degrees, so you may need to be flexible about your choice of program. However, some universities do offer English-taught bachelor’s degrees, often in science subjects. Bachelor’s degrees in Russia take four years to complete. A quick search on the StudyInRussia.Ru’s search tool finds courses from Russian universities such as:

  • Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) – Offers English-taught programs in aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering and computer science. The tuition fee for these is ₽400,000 per year (about US$6,100).
  • National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute) – Offers bilingual English/Russian programs in various subjects. Fees start at ₽211,640 (~US$3,230) per year.
  • National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE) – English-taught bachelor’s degrees are available in mathematics, politics, Russian studies, business, management and economics, some of which are double degree programs run in conjunction with the University of London.
  • Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University) – One of the few Russian universities to offer English-taught programs in humanities subjects (History, Politics), as well as linguistics, regional studies and state and municipal management. Fees start at US$3,300.
  • Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University – Offers an English-taught bachelor’s degree in International Business, which has tuition fees of ₽262,000 (~US$4,000) per year for foreign students.

Russian universities offering graduate English-language programs

  • Lomonosov Moscow State University – Offers programs in English within the faculties of biology, political science, economics, the business school and more.
  • Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) – English-taught master’s degrees are available for mathematics, computer science, aerodynamics and more, with tuition currently standing at ₽400,000 (~US$6,100).
  • National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE) – 31 English-taught master’s degrees will be offered in 2019.
  • National University of Science and Technology MISiS – English-taught postgraduate programs include the Physics of Condensed Matter and Quantum Technologies program, open in the areas of Physics and Astronomy and Materials Technology.
  • Novosibirsk State University – Five master’s degrees taught in English are available, including classics, materials science and financial management. Tuition fees start at US$3,800 per year.
  • Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University) – Various master’s programs are on offer in English, such as organic farming, chemistry, economics, law, and international relations. Fees start at US$3,500 per year.
  • Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University – Offers a range of English-taught master’s degrees in engineering, natural sciences, and management subjects. Tuition fees start at ₽280,800 (~US$4,300) per year.
  • St Petersburg State University – In the 2019/20 academic year St Petersburg State University will offer 14 master’s degrees taught entirely in English, plus several other programs in German, French, Spanish and Italian.
  • Tomsk Polytechnic University – English-taught master’s degrees are available in subjects such as nuclear medicine, big data solutions and physics. Fees start at ₽227,490 (~US$3,500) per year.
  • Ural Federal University – Offers 13 fully-taught English master’s programs and one taught partially in English. Fees start at ₽222,900 (~US$3,400) per year, although high-achieving students may be able to get a discount.

Please note that these lists are not exhaustive. This article was originally published in November 2012. It was last updated in March 2019.

Want more content like this?  Register for free site membership  to get regular updates and your own personal content feed.

This article was originally published in March 2019 . It was last updated in September 2021

The former Assistant Editor of TopUniversities.com, Sabrina wrote and edited articles to guide students from around the world on a wide range of topics. She has a bachelor's degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from Aberystwyth University and grew up in Staffordshire, UK. 

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Masters in Creative Writing Programs in America

1-25 of 223 results

Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Cambridge, MA •

Harvard University •

Graduate School

  • • Rating 4.56 out of 5   9 reviews

Other: I am Harvard Extension School student pursuing a master degree, ALM, in sustainability. I have achieved a 3.89 in this program so far and have qualified, applied, and accepted as a 'Special Student' in the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Through this School, I will be focusing my time at the John A. Paulson school of Engineering & Applied Sciences. Looking forward to wrapping up my final year on campus! ... Read 9 reviews

Harvard University ,

Graduate School ,

CAMBRIDGE, MA ,

9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.

Featured Review: Other says I am Harvard Extension School student pursuing a master degree, ALM, in sustainability. I have achieved a 3.89 in this program so far and have qualified, applied, and accepted as a 'Special Student'... .

Read 9 reviews.

Brown University Graduate School

Providence, RI •

Brown University •

Brown University ,

PROVIDENCE, RI ,

Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences

Evanston, IL •

Northwestern University •

Northwestern University ,

EVANSTON, IL ,

Wilkes University

Graduate School •

WILKES-BARRE, PA

  • • Rating 4.2 out of 5   20

College of Charleston

CHARLESTON, SC

  • • Rating 4.33 out of 5   15

Queens University of Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, NC

  • • Rating 4.84 out of 5   19

College of Arts and Science

Nashville, TN •

Vanderbilt University •

Vanderbilt University ,

NASHVILLE, TN ,

Washington University in St. Louis - Arts & Sciences

St. Louis, MO •

Washington University in St. Louis •

Washington University in St. Louis ,

ST. LOUIS, MO ,

College of Arts and Letters - University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN •

University of Notre Dame •

  • • Rating 4.5 out of 5   2 reviews

Doctoral Student: The faculty at Notre Dame is excellent. The student to professor ratio makes for a wonderful one to one interaction between students and teachers. At Notre Dame, my interests, dreams, goals, research and career path matter. I loved this most. I feel taken seriously and supported with every possible resources for my mental, academic and career success. One gets many opportunities to grow talents through research, and presentations with helpful and supportive feedback from students and professors. For these reasons, I find it a place to be! On the down side, the weather is at first always a challenge for one who is not used to the harsh and gloomy midwestern winter. ... Read 2 reviews

University of Notre Dame ,

NOTRE DAME, IN ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says The faculty at Notre Dame is excellent. The student to professor ratio makes for a wonderful one to one interaction between students and teachers. At Notre Dame, my interests, dreams, goals, research... On the down side, the weather is at first always a challenge for one who is not used to the harsh and gloomy midwestern winter. .

Read 2 reviews.

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Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Los Angeles, CA •

University of Southern California •

University of Southern California ,

LOS ANGELES, CA ,

Cornell University College of Arts & Sciences

Ithaca, NY •

Cornell University •

Cornell University ,

ITHACA, NY ,

Rackham School of Graduate Studies

Ann Arbor, MI •

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor •

  • • Rating 5 out of 5   3 reviews

Master's Student: I was nervous about attending a prestigious school like The University of Michigan but once classes started I realized that I had made the right decision. Tuition is very expensive but I love my professors and I believe that I am getting the best education in the country! ... Read 3 reviews

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor ,

ANN ARBOR, MI ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I was nervous about attending a prestigious school like The University of Michigan but once classes started I realized that I had made the right decision. Tuition is very expensive but I love my... .

Read 3 reviews.

Krieger School of Arts & Sciences

Baltimore, MD •

Johns Hopkins University •

  • • Rating 4.53 out of 5   19 reviews

Master's Student: I have yet to enroll for Fall 2023 after receiving my acceptance letter due to a delay in my need-based financial aid from JHU. However the Homewood Campus in Baltimore is beautiful and my Student Advisor, Alexis has been extremely helpful in initiating my enrollment process and answering all of my questions in a timely matter. My intended Advanced Academic Program is the accelerated (2 semester), dual-modality, 40-credit M.S. in Biotechnology, Biodefense concentration. All of the anticipated course subjects are diverse and there's even a customizable core lab course on campus (at least until Summer 2024). I can't wait and I wish you all the best in your search for academic programs or professional certifications. ... Read 19 reviews

Johns Hopkins University ,

BALTIMORE, MD ,

19 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I have yet to enroll for Fall 2023 after receiving my acceptance letter due to a delay in my need-based financial aid from JHU. However the Homewood Campus in Baltimore is beautiful and my Student... .

Read 19 reviews.

The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences - University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA •

University of Virginia •

  • • Rating 4 out of 5   1 review

Alum: Very good in some areas, excellent in other areas, many academic choices available in all areas of study ... Read 1 review

University of Virginia ,

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Very good in some areas, excellent in other areas, many academic choices available in all areas of study .

Read 1 reviews.

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences - New York University

New York, NY •

New York University •

  • • Rating 4.8 out of 5   10 reviews

Master's Student: I am enrolled specifically in the Magazine concentration. My professors have all been helpful with helping me succeed and are willing to stay back to go over something I don't understand. There are multiple points of resources at this program. A director is your main academic advisor. Aside from that, there is a pitch specialist to assist with freelancing and two wonderful career advisors. They help with setting up mingle sessions, job fairs, and internship talks. As of now, I haven't had bad experiences, however, I will say that the program is expensive and is an awkward three semesters. Those two things aren't ideal, however, its not too much of a dealbreaker. ... Read 10 reviews

New York University ,

NEW YORK, NY ,

10 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I am enrolled specifically in the Magazine concentration. My professors have all been helpful with helping me succeed and are willing to stay back to go over something I don't understand. There are... .

Read 10 reviews.

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College of Liberal Arts - University of Texas - Austin

Austin, TX •

University of Texas - Austin •

University of Texas - Austin ,

AUSTIN, TX ,

College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences

Blacksburg, VA •

Virginia Tech •

Virginia Tech ,

BLACKSBURG, VA ,

Liberal Arts and Sciences - University of Florida

Gainesville, FL •

University of Florida •

Master's Student: Overall, the University of Florida seems to be a great school as far as rankings and attendance rates go. Despite the political turmoil going on in the state of Florida, there seems to be a relatively strong student body of undergraduate students. Graduate students, however, are less cohesive. Likely due to politics, our graduate student union is in jeopardy, and it is so difficult to get the union membership to 60%. In the Department of Sociology, Criminology, and Law, we have a very low union membership status, which is somewhat ironic considering the nature of our disciplines. The demands of balancing an assistantship and academic career are exhausting, and even more so with limited resources (financial, emotional, etc.). The faculty turnover in the dept. is also insane, likely due to the political situation that seems to be driving out all faculty members of color. Lastly, financial support is incredibly limited. All things aside, the education that I am receiving is appropriate. ... Read 1 review

Blue checkmark.

University of Florida ,

GAINESVILLE, FL ,

Featured Review: Master's Student says Overall, the University of Florida seems to be a great school as far as rankings and attendance rates go. Despite the political turmoil going on in the state of Florida, there seems to be a... .

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences - Boston University

Boston, MA •

Boston University •

Boston University ,

BOSTON, MA ,

College of Letters & Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI •

University of Wisconsin •

  • • Rating 4.22 out of 5   9 reviews

Alum: Aside from being really cold, UW-Madison is a great school. Needless to say, it is one of the top schools in the U.S. with a beautiful campus that has Lake Mendota and a lot of student life to enjoy. Academic was really good too, but given how the city is college town, you can feel the emptiness when students go back home during summer break. It is known as party school too with Mifflin Street Block Party. But it is also highly academically renowned school. So you can make your campus life as fun or as beneficial as you can. There are many gyms and libraries that can handle 40k + students. In addition, you have to check out Camp Randall, the football stadium and attend The MadHatters A Cappella show. I really miss this campus except for the weather. State street has many diverse restaurants that are authentic and delicious. One of the best campuses in the world. ... Read 9 reviews

University of Wisconsin ,

MADISON, WI ,

9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Aside from being really cold, UW-Madison is a great school. Needless to say, it is one of the top schools in the U.S. with a beautiful campus that has Lake Mendota and a lot of student life to enjoy.... .

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences - University of Illinois

Urbana, IL •

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign •

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ,

URBANA, IL ,

College of Arts and Sciences - University of Miami

Coral Gables, FL •

University of Miami •

  • • Rating 4.67 out of 5   6 reviews

Master's Student: I am in graduate school and needed something online but also wanted something that was going to challenge me and provide me with a step further than my undergrad school provided. I compared many MPA programs and chose the University of Miami because the program was so similar to the in-person MPA program, taught by the same professors, and included the same courses. While entirely online, I have come to know my fellow graduate students and come to know the faculty in each of the courses I have taken. I'm currently half-way through the program and cannot wait to complete this degree! ... Read 6 reviews

University of Miami ,

CORAL GABLES, FL ,

6 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I am in graduate school and needed something online but also wanted something that was going to challenge me and provide me with a step further than my undergrad school provided. I compared many MPA... .

Read 6 reviews.

BYU College of Fine Arts and Communications

Provo, UT •

Brigham Young University •

Brigham Young University ,

PROVO, UT ,

College of Liberal Arts - University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN •

University of Minnesota Twin Cities •

University of Minnesota Twin Cities ,

MINNEAPOLIS, MN ,

University of Washington College of Arts & Sciences

Seattle, WA •

University of Washington •

University of Washington ,

SEATTLE, WA ,

College of Humanities and Social Sciences - NC State University

Raleigh, NC •

North Carolina State University •

  • • Rating 5 out of 5   1 review

Graduate Student: NC State's MSW program will prepare you to handle a wide variety of social work careers. The professors are amazing and teach students how to engage in various social justice activities on multiple levels. This grad program was an excellent career decision. ... Read 1 review

North Carolina State University ,

RALEIGH, NC ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Graduate Student says NC State's MSW program will prepare you to handle a wide variety of social work careers. The professors are amazing and teach students how to engage in various social justice activities on multiple... .

College of Arts and Humanities - University of Maryland

College Park, MD •

University of Maryland - College Park •

University of Maryland - College Park ,

COLLEGE PARK, MD ,

Florida State University - The College of Arts and Sciences

Tallahassee, FL •

Florida State University •

Florida State University ,

TALLAHASSEE, FL ,

Chatham University

PITTSBURGH, PA

  • • Rating 4.32 out of 5   22

The Schools of Public Engagement at The New School

The New School •

NEW YORK, NY

  • • Rating 4.67 out of 5   6

Houston Christian University

HOUSTON, TX

  • • Rating 4.17 out of 5   24

Showing results 1 through 25 of 223

TCK Publishing

List of Writer’s Conferences and Workshops in North America: Updated for 2022

by Tom Corson-Knowles | 10 comments

List of 200+ Writer's Conferences image

There are hundreds of writer’s conferences, workshops, and events in North America every year.

All these events can be overwhelming, and it can be hard to find the right event for you.

That’s why our team put together this detailed list of the 200+ best writer’s conferences in North America every year.

Important Note on Writer’s Conferences

All of these events are annual, and usually take place around the same time each year. However, given the ongoing situation with Covid-19 pandemic, many of these conferences have been cancelled or postponed.

If you’re interested in attending any of these events, please check their respective websites for more detailed information about cancellations or postponements, or for information on their scheduled events for 2022.

List of Writers Conferences in North America

How to use this list.

You can use the search feature to quickly sort through the list to find the best writer’s conferences that match what you’re looking for.

For example, if you live in Texas, you can search for “Texas” or “TX” and find only those conferences that are within a few hours drive of where you live.

Once you’ve found a few conferences that look interesting to you, check out their websites or call them up for more information to make sure it’s a good fit for you.

Why You Should Attend a Writer’s Conference

Going to writer’s conferences is a big investment of time, money and effort. Being away from your family and day-to-day responsibilities is costly, so you want to make sure it’s worth your time.

Writer’s conferences are not just about learning how to write better . Here are a few benefits of attending writer’s conferences that you should know about.

1. Meet Other Editors, Authors, and Writers

At a large writer’s conference, you have an opportunity to meet hundreds of people that may be interested in you and your work. You will find people who can be very supportive and are ready to help you. But the best thing about meeting all these new people is you’ll be able to develop lifelong friendships and working relationships.

2. A Better Place to Learn

One of the reasons we write is because we love to read and gain knowledge. We get excited about learning new things and gain a solid understanding of writing and publishing. Writer’s conferences give new insights about writing craft, give you encouragement and support, and gives you real actionable advice about the journey of becoming a successful writer.

3. Improve Professional Effectiveness

Professionals in every industry know they need to attend conferences and industry events to stay at the top of their game. Writer’s conferences are an excellent way of improving your knowledge about your writing craft, and you’ll also learn about how to be professional by listening to the stories of other successful writers and what they did when they were just starting out.

4. Get Inspired

When you’re at a Writers’ Conference with thousands of other writers, authors, and publishers who are all passionate about writing, you will also get the desire to write more than you ever have before. It’s a great way to stay motivated and inspired and to make sure that you keep working on your writing career.

5. Community

Everyone at a writer’s conference shares a common love and passion for writing and stories, but they all come from different backgrounds and perspectives. This creates a dynamic community of writers. Many writers feel like they’ve finally “come home” when they show up at a writer’s conference for the first time.

So what are you waiting for? Find a writer’s conference near you and sign up!

Your family of writers will be there waiting for you.

P.S. Check out our guide on how to get the most out of a writer’s conference for more tips on what to do when you get there!

Tom Corson-Knowles

Tom Corson-Knowles is the founder of TCK Publishing, and the bestselling author of 27 books including Secrets of the Six-Figure author. He is also the host of the Publishing Profits Podcast show where we interview successful authors and publishing industry experts to share their tips for creating a successful writing career.

10 Comments

anne james

Hello! Can you direct me to a really good writers conference in California. I write non fiction.

Cole Salao

Hey Anne, I don’t know much about each conference here so I can’t recommend you a specific one. We do have 15 or so conferences located in California. You can find them quickly by using the search function (ctrl+f).

Donna J. W. Munro

Hi, I’d love for you to add our conference to the list. This year it’s in July, but normally it’s at the end of June. In Your Write Mind Workshop is a four day con that focuses on genre and popular fiction. It’s July 8-11 this year and is entirely virtual. Here’s the sign up page… Inyourwritemind.setonhill.edu

Kaelyn Barron

Thanks Donna, I’ll update the list!

Brian Eastman

Good afternoon!

We’re holding an in-person and virtual Writer’s conference in Blue Springs, Missouri, August 26-28, 2021 to help reconnect writers after the loss of most of our conferences last year. We’re looking forward to meeting other writers again! Our conference site is https://www.smiahwritersconference.com/ , we’d love to add this to your list and see you all!

Thanks Brian, I’ll update the list!

Renee La Viness

I’d like to add a few of our favorite annual conferences to this list, please.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Arkansas Writers Conference – https://www.arkansaswritersconference.com North Little Rock, Arkansas [email protected] xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Read.Write.Share. Conference – https://www.rwsweekend.org Little Rock, Arkansas https://www.rwsweekend.org/contact-us xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Tulsa NightWriters Craft of Writing Conference – https://tulsanightwriters.wordpress.com Tulsa, Oklahoma https://tulsanightwriters.wordpress.com/contact-us xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx East Texas Writers Guild – https://etwritersguild.org Tyler, Texas https://etwritersguild.org/contact xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Ozark Creative Writers Conference – https://www.ozarkcreativewriters.com Eureka Springs, Arkansas https://www.ozarkcreativewriters.com/contact-form xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Meet the Publishers! https://www.jespiddlin.com/publishers Tulsa, Oklahoma [email protected] xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

thanks for the suggestions, Renee! I’ll check them out and add them to the list :)

JP Robinson

Hello, I’d like to request that you add the Lancaster Christian Writers conference which is an annual conference that will be held online in April 2021. Dates and other info are available on our website:www.lancasterchristianwriters.com. Thank you for your consideration.

Hi JP, thanks, I’ll check it out and add it to the list! :)

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Where could your English-speaking child go to school in Moscow?

best graduate schools for english creative writing

There were no private schools in the USSR, and they have been slow to emerge since. However, public schools are popular with Russians, and some are very good. And the merits of private education aren’t perceived as obvious. Yet, almost all modern trends in schooling have now taken root in Moscow, and many are becoming a godsend to expat families. 

International schools 

The early entrants into the post-Soviet education market,  these schools have almost always ostensibly catered predominantly to expats. The most coveted, the Anglo-American school , historically limited attendance by families with a “Russian background” to 15% in attempt to keep an “expat-dominated”  environment, but has somewhat relaxed this policy in recent years. More accessible options, including the International School of Moscow, the network of British International Schools ,  Cambridge International schools and the latest market entrant -  Brookes Moscow , find their student populations to be at least 50% from Russian-speaking families, sent there to learn English, rather than because it was their native language. According to some sources, many grade levels in these schools now have no expats at all. The tuition, usually costing up to $30,000+ per year, as well as hefty entrance fees, will sound prohibitive to many expats.   

best graduate schools for english creative writing

Traditional Russian private schools

These schools tuition fees range from a modest 40,000 rubles ($630) to those priced at around a million rubles (ca. $15,000) per year. In the upper range you can find the Moscow Economic School , Lomonosov School and Shkola Sotrudnichestva . More affordable options include: Novaya Shkola , Luchik , Mezhdunarodnaya schkola (Gribanovo), Nadezhda , The Academy School (just as much a tautology in Russian as it is in English) and many others. Unfortunately, it’s at these types of schools where an expat will have the least luck. Despite stated commitment to bi-lingualism, they depend, in their accreditation and reputation, on adherence to the Russian state-mandated school program and test performance. They require assessments in Russian to get in, and no capacity to teach it from scratch. They will likely reject a non-Russian speaking teenager, however many now do accept younger children.

Brenda Weston Bell is a British expat with experience working at, and with, various schools in Russia. She recently moved her 6-year-old daughter from an English-language program to a Russian private school, and believes that she is getting better value. Brenda says that the “international school” only had children from Russian families in it, and the choice of the environment was, ultimately, bad English versus good Russian. “In the Russian school [my daughter] was silent for about a month, and then she had a breakthrough and started chatting in Russian,” Brenda says. She would encourage other expat families with small children to take this opportunity to have them learn a second language, but warns that Russian private schools “do not want non-native Russian speakers” at secondary grade levels, because they are not competitive in all-important exams and could fail achievement benchmarks. 

Julia Casimir is an American with a 10-year-old son. The family came to Russia after a 4-year stay in China, where their son attended a local school and learned Chinese. In Russia, their experience was different: a Russian private school they approached refused to accept a non-Russian speaking child into 5th grade. The boy now attends an “international school”, but he is the only expat child from an English-speaking country in his class.

best graduate schools for english creative writing

Waldorf and Montessori

Waldorf (Steiner) schools are represented quite well in Moscow. They range from larger, fully accredited  schools, that sometimes deviate from Waldorf canons, in order to adhere to the state program (those include, among others, “ Put’ zerna ” [“Journey of a seed”] and The Free School in suburban Zhukovsky), to smaller “educational initiatives” which are, legally, homeschool enrichment programs, and depend in their legality on the children’s registration at another school. The second group adheres to Waldorf material more devoutly. 

They are all undersubscribed, and often lack entire grade levels due to no demand. In the best cases, they have 8-12 students per class, for a total of 25 to about 100 students school-wide (too few to be taken seriously by the Russians). The tuition is potentially affordable on a Russian salary, ranging from 18,000 to 40,000 rubles (ca. $280-$625) per month. All either have enrolled English-speaking expat children, or said they are willing to - especially if the child attended a Waldorf school overseas.  Meanwhile, Moscow public school No. 627, the only school in the system that follows the Waldorf curriculum, is indefinitely full. 

Montessori schools are also proliferant and generally willing to accept foreign children - most are pre-school and primary level, where bi-linguality is achieved best. A larger, but more expensive, Montessori School of Moscow recently opened an educational center for teenagers aged 12 to 15. It is open to expats, but tuition costs 100,000 rubles (ca. $1,564) per month.

The challengers: franchises, democratic schools & cryptocurrency

Older Russian schools seek to remain unique and exclusive, but a number of newer private school  models have sprung up in the last couple of years, that are trying, with varied success, to start not just a school, but a network of schools, into which they seek to recruit franchisees almost as enthusiastically as students. They have all admitted they will accept an English-speaking child.  They are all struggling: to develop, to lease more space for future locations, to recruit staff and to find enough children willing to attend, so that their institution would resemble a school in the first place. Each of these challenger models is envisioned as both infinitely scalable and individually tailored - turning down any student would be antithetical. 

The Lancman schools and SmartSchool are noted examples of such entrepreneurship. Tuition ranges from 40,000 to 100,000 rubles (ca. $625-$1,564) per month, and Lancman seems to follow the pricing model for consumer goods, setting rates higher in what they see as more desirable locations. 

Those expats who are adept of the democratic school model, such as the Summerhill school or Sudbury Schools, will no longer be disappointed in Moscow. The Nos school (which literally means “nose school” in Russian) is attempting to implement the model with flair in suburban Istra, west of Moscow. A scaled-down branch has also just opened in Moscow City Centre. Since the premise of democratic schools is antithetical to Russian government’s requirements for being licensed as a school, these also require enrolment in a licensed “partner” school, at a further cost of 5,000-12,000 rubles (ca. $78-$178)  to a 37,000 rubles ($578) a month tuition, in order to officially progress grades or graduate. 

The newest and most enigmatic entrant to the market is Slon i Giraf  [“An elephant and a giraffe”] school - or, rather, chain of schools, as it hopes to be soon - which is based on a popular network of science-themed summer camps. The school runs a democratic school model fused with the idea of monetarily rewarding children to achieve milestones (the rate and type of marketable achievements, which do not have to be academic, to be decided collectively by parents). It declares itself tuition-free, while seemingly offsetting the costs by the parent participation in the promotion of its own cryptocurrency (a scheme which you have to take an online course in and be examined on to comprehend fully - but it sure sounds like something only Russians could come up with!). The founder insisted that it takes at least 40 minutes in person to properly explain the concept, evoking a proverbial timeshare presentation - but participation is open to foreigners. So, good luck!

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best graduate schools for english creative writing

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    These schools tuition fees range from a modest 40,000 rubles ($630) to those priced at around a million rubles (ca. $15,000) per year. In the upper range you can find the Moscow Economic School ...