Creative Writing, MFA
Located in one of the most vibrant literary and creative communities on the east coast, Holy Family University’s MFA in Creative writing is dedicated to faculty mentorship, immersive experiential learning, as well as the rigor of craft.
Program Overview
The MFA at Holy Family University allows students to hone their skills by working one on one with award-winning, internationally-renowned faculty in a program that provides individualized instruction while recognizing the expanding role of creative writing beyond the traditional academy.
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.), or travel/food writing.
The MFA at HFU respects the value of our students' time, as well as the growing demand for professionalization within the field of creative writing. Built into our flexible, two-year curriculum are opportunities for students to put their work in the hands of publishers, agents, and well-known literary figures. Our focus on interdisciplinary practice supports student writing while providing opportunities for professionalization through writing related experiences such as directed independent studies, internships, editorial practice, community engagement, work on social justice initiatives, teaching opportunities, and more.
The MFA at HFU is a diverse and inclusive community that provides students with unique opportunities to sharpen their craft against the backdrop of Philadelphia's teeming artistic landscape, which allows students to build relationships with students, faculty, and community members that will prepare them for a long and fulfilling life in writing.
You Will Learn
- To create a sustainable practice of writing in your daily life that encourages discipline, creativity, and growth.
- To connect with an audience by developing a greater understanding of craft, genre conventions, and intention, as well as ways to challenge yourself and your audience through experimentation.
- To revise with purpose, so that your work may evolve in ways that align with your intended goals.
- To engage with the professional elements of the writing life, prepare for publishing opportunities, and create these opportunities.
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
Related Programs
Literature, Minor UG
Literature enhances any program. A close study of Literature improves critical thinking and an appreciation for good writing, both of which provide a strong foundation for any career.
English, B.A. UG
The English major fosters skills in critical analysis, independent thinking, creativity, research, and writing. Students take core courses in literary analysis, literary history, language, creative writing, and focused research.
Creative Writing, Minor UG
The minor in Creative Writing is focused on the three major genres of nonfiction, poetry, and fiction. Cross-genre writing and fluidity of writing style are encouraged for students to explore their creative potential.