Online MFA Creative Writing Schools
According to the Freelance Writing website, only two schools offer a full online MFA degree in creative writing; other online programs require at least a minimal amount of time on campus. That being said, however, there are some very good online MFA degrees in creative writing that have what they call "limited residency" requirement. In other words, you can do much of your coursework online and only have to go to the physical campus for a few classes. Many of the classes at the campus are presented as an extended workshop so you do concentrated work in a relatively short amount of time.
National University
National University offers an MFA in creative writing with no residency requirements. Students take one month-long course at a time and create a publishable piece of work as the final project. Focus areas include fiction, literary nonfiction, poetry and screenwriting. "This program is excellent preparation for a professional career in writing, working in the areas of publishing or filmmaking, and is the minimal academic qualification appropriate for those who desire to teach writing at the college or university level," according to the school's website.
University of Texas at El Paso
The University of Texas at El Paso is the other fully online creative writing MFA program. Students in this program also create a publishable piece of work as the final project. UTEP is unique because its MFA in creative writing is a bilingual program. In addition to preparing students to be successful in the publishing market, the program also turns out graduates who are prepared to teach creative writing in bilingual educational systems.
Wilkes University
The MFA in creative writing at Wilkes University can be achieved in just one year with a minimal residency requirement of two eight-day workshops. In this program, students have to choose one of two paths: publishing or teaching. Students also choose an area of concentration in creative nonfiction, fiction, poetry, screenwriting or playwriting.
Vermont College of Fine Arts
The Vermont College of Fine Arts offers MFA degrees in creative writing and writing for children and young adults. The low-residency creative writing program was established in 1981. Students are only required to be resident for two 10-day periods per year. The program has tracks in fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction. Students have to complete five residencies and four six-month semesters to meet graduation requirements.
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