Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

Low-Residency MFA in Creative Writing

Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey in the realm of creative writing? Drexel University’s two-year, low-residency  MFA in Creative Writing is a career-focused program for fiction writers that provides a supportive environment to help you develop your craft and make the connections you need to succeed after your degree.

Fall Application Cycle, AY 25-26

May 15 (Priority)
Sept 1 (Final)

Program news

Apply by Sept. 1, 2025 Program Contact Program Funding Student Handbook (PDF)

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, schedule an academic advisor appointment with Nicole Pearson, MFA advisor, at nmp39@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.

Program News

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.

Inaugural Running Wild Press Writing Contest Announces Winning Authors

Drexel’s Creative Writing MFA program in the College of Arts and Sciences and the independent publishing company Running Wild, LLC are pleased to announce the winner of the inaugural Running Wild Press Writing Contest.

Running Wild Press Writing Contest Open for Submissions

Drexel students and alumni are invited to submit a fiction manuscript for the chance to win a professional book contract.

Planning for our summer 2025 retreat is underway!

Drexel StoryLab Writing Retreat in Collioure, France

The Drexel Storylab summer writing retreat is an immersion experience for anyone who is interested in pursuing Drexel's Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing. Storylab offers adult learners the chance to awaken their writing selves with craft workshops taught by Drexel faculty members and accomplished guest authors. Writers will stay at the historic Hôtel des Templiers in the south of France. Participants will fill their days with morning writing workshops, afternoon immersion experiences and evening craft talks. MFA students can take the retreat for credit for an additional fee.