--- title: Creative Writing MFA Careers Guide description: "A guide to creative writing careers with an MFA degree Chapter 1: What is an MFA degree in creative writing?" --- [![Logo MSMU](https://explore.msmu.edu/hubfs/MSMU%20Brand/Logos/Logo%20MSMU.svg "Logo MSMU")](https://www.msmu.edu/) - [Support the Mount](https://www.msmu.edu/about-the-mount/give-to-the-mount/) - [myMSMU](https://mountsaintmarysuniversi.sharepoint.com/sites/MYMSMU) - [Meet the Mount](https://www.msmu.edu/about-the-mount/) - [Degrees & Programs](https://www.msmu.edu/program-finder/) - [Admission & Aid](https://www.msmu.edu/admission--aid/) [![Apply Now](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/19602555/15c2d276-f9a9-4b7d-aa24-d2e06223cd27.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/19602555/15c2d276-f9a9-4b7d-aa24-d2e06223cd27) [Request Info](https://www.msmu.edu/admission--aid/request-info/?utm_source=ddexplore) Menu - [Support the Mount](https://www.msmu.edu/about-the-mount/give-to-the-mount/) - [myMSMU](https://mountsaintmarysuniversi.sharepoint.com/sites/MYMSMU) - [Meet the Mount](https://www.msmu.edu/about-the-mount/) - [Degrees & Programs](https://www.msmu.edu/program-finder/) - [Admission & Aid](https://www.msmu.edu/admission--aid/) [![Apply Now](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/19602555/15c2d276-f9a9-4b7d-aa24-d2e06223cd27.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/19602555/15c2d276-f9a9-4b7d-aa24-d2e06223cd27) [![Request Info](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/19602555/303c726c-442b-4c71-8e6f-4ba68f8cffdb.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/19602555/303c726c-442b-4c71-8e6f-4ba68f8cffdb) Search ![Logo MSMU](https://explore.msmu.edu/hubfs/MSMU%20Brand/Logos/Logo%20MSMU.svg "Logo MSMU") ### THE ART OF STORYTELLING: # A GUIDE TO CREATIVE WRITING CAREERS WITH AN MFA DEGREE ### Are you ready to find your place among a community of driven, creative writers? ### In today’s amazing world of evolving science and technology, there is one tool that is arguably the most influential ever created: the written word. Words connect humans to one another. Words transcend time and space and enable the sharing of theories, philosophies, ideas, stories, memories, events and experiences. Without words, communication would be lost; history would not be written; and our development as a culture would be limited. ### So you, as a professional writer, have the power to contribute to the creation and distribution of the written word. You have the valuable opportunity to obtain a respected **Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing** that will make you an impactful storyteller. Start writing your success story today. ![Eye Icon](https://explore.msmu.edu/hubfs/Premium%20Content/Psych%20Interactive%20eBook/Eye%20Icon.svg) ## HOW TO USE THIS RESOURCE You are busy and your time is precious, so we invite you to explore this resource in whatever way makes the most sense to you. Read this resource from cover to cover, or drop down to the section that appeals to you: ![graduation-cap-icon](https://explore.msmu.edu/hubfs/Premium%20Content/Icons/graduation-cap-icon.png) ### [What is an MFA Degree in Creative Writing?](https://explore.msmu.edu/a-guide-to-creative-writing-careers-with-an-mfa/chapter-1?hsLang=en#what-is-mfa-creative-writing) ![toolbox icon](https://explore.msmu.edu/hubfs/Premium%20Content/Icons/toolbox%20icon.png) ### [What Can You Do With an MFA in Creative Writing?](https://explore.msmu.edu/a-guide-to-creative-writing-careers-with-an-mfa/chapter-2?hsLang=en) ![Icon 4@2x-1](https://explore.msmu.edu/hubfs/Premium%20Content/Icons/Icon%204@2x-1.png) ### [Pen Your Future with an MFA in Creative Writing from Mount Saint Mary’s University](https://explore.msmu.edu/a-guide-to-creative-writing-careers-with-an-mfa/chapter-3?hsLang=en) ![Icon 5@2x-1](https://explore.msmu.edu/hubfs/Premium%20Content/Icons/Icon%205@2x-1.png) ### [Choose Your Niche with a Creative Writing Certificate](https://explore.msmu.edu/a-guide-to-creative-writing-careers-with-an-mfa/chapter-4?hsLang=en) ![checkmark icon](https://explore.msmu.edu/hubfs/Premium%20Content/Icons/checkmark%20icon.png) ### [Enroll in One of the Best MFA Creative Writing Programs in Los Angeles](https://explore.msmu.edu/a-guide-to-creative-writing-careers-with-an-mfa/chapter-5?hsLang=en) ![stairs icon](https://explore.msmu.edu/hubfs/Premium%20Content/Icons/stairs%20icon.png) ### [4 Steps to Applying to Graduate School at Mount Saint Mary’s University](https://explore.msmu.edu/a-guide-to-creative-writing-careers-with-an-mfa/chapter-6?hsLang=en) ![Icon 7@2x copy](https://explore.msmu.edu/hubfs/Premium%20Content/Icons/Icon%207@2x%20copy.png) ### [Start Your Success Story — Connect with the Mount About Earning Your MFA Degree](https://explore.msmu.edu/a-guide-to-creative-writing-careers-with-an-mfa/chapter-7?hsLang=en) ## WHAT IS AN MFA DEGREE IN CREATIVE WRITING? Think about the moving piece of literature you just read; the thought-provoking podcast you just listened to; the creative advertisement you just saw — these types of influential creations would not exist without professionals who have mastered the art of creative writing. But, establishing yourself as a professional writer takes time and dedication. Fortunately, there is a program of study that is specifically designed to give you the skills and confidence to call yourself a writer.![Stock Image - Woman Writing at a Window](https://explore.msmu.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Premium%20Content/Creative%20Writing%20MFA%20eBook/Untitled%20design%20(8).png?width=775&height=518&name=Untitled%20design%20(8).png) ### The Solution? ### A Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. An [MFA in Creative Writing](https://www.msmu.edu/departments/creative-writing/mfa/) is an advanced academic degree that focuses on the art and practice of writing — it is an artist-in-training program that produces graduates who are exemplary writers, communicators, researchers and editors. - - - - - - - #### [NEXT](https://explore.msmu.edu/a-guide-to-creative-writing-careers-with-an-mfa/chapter-2?hsLang=en) #### [What Can You Do With an MFA in Creative Writing?](https://explore.msmu.edu/a-guide-to-creative-writing-careers-with-an-mfa/chapter-2?hsLang=en) - - - - - - - ![MSMU.lgo.stk.2c.LA](https://explore.msmu.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/MSMU%20Brand/Logos/MSMU.lgo.stk.2c.LA.png?width=246&name=MSMU.lgo.stk.2c.LA.png "MSMU.lgo.stk.2c.LA") [![Apply Now](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/19602555/2427c2c8-6355-4826-ab87-f827663fc641.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/19602555/2427c2c8-6355-4826-ab87-f827663fc641) [![Request Info](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/19602555/62894ca9-2748-4120-adca-395f88962c42.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/19602555/62894ca9-2748-4120-adca-395f88962c42) [![Plan a Visit](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/19602555/7d765942-974f-48c0-808d-47b1f425de9f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/19602555/7d765942-974f-48c0-808d-47b1f425de9f) WEST LA ### Chalon Campus 12001 Chalon Road Los Angeles, CA 90049 310.954.4000 DOWNTOWN LA ### Doheny Campus 10 Chester Place Los Angeles, CA 90007 310.954.4000 - [Academic Programs](https://www.msmu.edu/academics/) - [Academic Calendar](https://www.msmu.edu/academics/registrar/academic-calendars/) - [Careers at The Mount](https://www.msmu.edu/resources-culture/human-resources/employment/) - [Information Technology Resources](https://www.msmu.edu/resources-culture/information-technology/) - [Accreditation](https://www.msmu.edu/about-the-mount/accreditation/) - [Academic Programs](https://www.msmu.edu/academics/) - [Academic Calendar](https://www.msmu.edu/academics/registrar/academic-calendars/) - [Careers at The Mount](https://www.msmu.edu/resources-culture/human-resources/employment/) - [Information Technology Resources](https://www.msmu.edu/resources-culture/information-technology/) - [Accreditation](https://www.msmu.edu/about-the-mount/accreditation/) - - - - [Website Feedback](https://www.msmu.edu/resources-culture/website-feedback/) - [Campus Safety](https://www.msmu.edu/student-life/campus-security/) - [Title IX](https://www.msmu.edu/about-the-mount/title-ix/) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.msmu.edu/privacy-policy/) - [Institutional Complaint Process](https://www.msmu.edu/academics/financial-aid/institution-complaint-process/) - [Non-Discrimination Policy](https://www.msmu.edu/student-life/support-resources/title-ix/prohibiting-unlawful-harassment-and-discrimination/) - [Website Feedback](https://www.msmu.edu/resources-culture/website-feedback/) - [Campus Safety](https://www.msmu.edu/student-life/campus-security/) - [Title IX](https://www.msmu.edu/about-the-mount/title-ix/) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.msmu.edu/privacy-policy/) - [Institutional Complaint Process](https://www.msmu.edu/academics/financial-aid/institution-complaint-process/) - [Non-Discrimination Policy](https://www.msmu.edu/student-life/support-resources/title-ix/prohibiting-unlawful-harassment-and-discrimination/)