Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

Low-Residency MFA in Creative Writing

Drexel’s low-residency MFA in Creative Writing blends the art of storytelling with real-world engagement and professional development. Rooted in Drexel’s commitment to experiential learning, this two-year program empowers writers to refine their craft while gaining firsthand insight into the publishing industry.

Students participate in online workshops, reading tutorials, and personalized mentorship with accomplished, published authors. Three immersive residencies—in Philadelphia and New York City—offer intensive, face-to-face learning experiences that deepen creative practice and build professional networks.What sets Drexel’s MFA apart is its focus on preparing students for life beyond the page.

At Drexel, you’ll write stories that matter—and gain the tools to share them with the world.

Program Deadlines

The deadlines below are the dates by which applications must be submitted and all application requirements received.

Fall (Domestic Low-Res) - May 1 (Priority); August 1
No Spring or Summer intake.
International students may apply, but no visas issued

Program news

APPLY PROGRAM CONTACT PROGRAM FUNDING STUDENT HANDBOOK

Program Highlights

In-person featured guests include award-winning authors such as Mary Beth Keane and Alyson Richman.
Virtual and in-person collaborative sessions with industry specialists from Penguin Random House, St. Martin’s, Audible, Hachette, Lippincott, Authors Guild, Kirkus, and other respected leaders.
Participate in Writing Through the Walls, an innovative creative writing exchange with incarcerated writers.
In-person visit to Folio Literary Management in Manhattan.
Remote practice pitch sessions with agents from top tier agencies.
Optional creative writing retreat in Collioure, France.
Optional in-person and remote teaching assistantships let you gain experience and a salary that can be put toward your degree.
Distinguished as a Yellow Ribbon University and named a "Military Friendly School" by GI Jobs magazine.
Earn credit for your work experience. If you have published a novel, you may be eligible to earn credit for your work experience.

Earn Credit for Work Experience

If you have published a novel, you may be eligible to earn credit for your work experience. Accepted students can contact their academic advisor to request a formal review of their novel(s) for course credit consideration. Credit earned through work experience can be used as MFA course equivalencies.

For more information, contact gradcoas@drexel.edu.

Scholarship and Teaching Assistantship Opportunities

Drexel University is thrilled to introduce new scholarships and funding opportunities exclusively for MFA program applicants. These initiatives will enrich the vibrant tapestry of our program.

MFA Gift Fund

The goal of the MFA Gift Fund for Marginalized Writers is to support diverse voices and diverse literature by funding writers whose personal experiences of marginalization inform their literary pursuits.

Application Requirements

Completed online application
Application Fee (Note: Online programs have no application fee.)
Transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions (note: Drexel can pull Drexel University transcripts)
Resume or CV
Application Essay: Please write approximately 250-500 words addressing your experience with creative writing thus far and why you are seeking an MFA in Creative Writing degree from Drexel.
Additional Writing Sample: Please provide approximately 20-25 double spaced pages of one of the following: (a) a collection of flash fiction, (b) a completed short story, or (c) a novel in-progress. Writing samples must be submitted in Word of PDF format, and the applicant must be the sole author.
Language Proficiency Exam Scores (International Students Only): TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, and Duolingo examinations accepted.

NOTE: GRE Exam is not required

Minimum Language Proficiency Exam Scores:

TOEFL: 100/600/250
IELTS: 7.0 Overall Band
PTE: 68
Duolingo: 110

Application Requirements

Program News

A group of MFA students gather for a residency

The BA to MFA Experience: Finding a Community of Creative Writers at Drexel

At Drexel, creative writing students don't just study the craft—they foster a lifelong community of writers. Learn more through one student's experience from the BA in English prorgram through the MFA in creative writing program.

A person writes in a notebook beside a cup of coffee

$25,000 Gift Supports Scholarships for MFA in Creative Writing

Thanks to a recent gift from Robert “Rob” Silverman, BS ’69, Drexel’s Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program will be more accessible to the next generation of writers. The MFA program’s work toward fostering creativity and excellence in writing inspired Silverman’s gift, which pledges $25,000 over the next five years to fund MFA Merit Scholarships.

Meet Jason Arehart, Winner of the Running Wild Press Writing Contest

Jason Arehart, a recent graduate of Drexel's Creative Writing MFA program, was awarded the first-place prize for his novel, which explores family and community relationships during a tragic event.