The Creative Writing is a Master degree offered by Old Dominion University at its main campus in Aberdeen, United States of America. The program is delivered on campus as a Full Time course in English and requires approximately 2 years to complete. Students study at the university's main campus while gaining the knowledge and practical experience expected for this area of study. The next intake is available from August 28, 2027.

About Master of Creative Writing

As part of the English Department at ODU, the MFA Program began in 1994 with twelve students and three creative writing instructors. It continues to grow with vigor: today, a range of 25-35 students work with the program's talented 7-member creative writing faculty in fiction, poetry, and nonfiction.

In addition to taking workshops and craft courses with the MFA faculty, our students take courses with dynamic faculty who have expertise in American, British, and world literature, as well as literary theory, film studies, and rhetoric. In our 54-hour program, students graduate not only as writers but also as individuals competent in literary studies.

Our students accomplish a great deal, even while they are in the program: publishing fiction and nonfiction books with major publishers, stories and poems in national literary magazines and journals, articles and reviews in major newspapers, prestigious citations, awards, and grants.

Opportunities to participate in the MFA Reading Series held at Borjo Coffeehouse in University Village or at similar venues on and around campus
Opportunity to assist in the internationally recognized, annual ODU Literary Festival
Opportunity to present papers or give readings at the spring conference sponsored by the English Department
Writer-in-Residence Program (offered in both the fall and spring semesters) allows MFA students to work one-on-one with nationally renowned poets and writers
Offers valuable volunteer and short-term internship types of experiences Writers-in-Community Program gives creative writing graduate students the chance to facilitate writing workshops in various local venues

Disciplines

College of Arts & Letters

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Creative Writing at Old Dominion University

Entry Requirements

Application and $50 fee
Equivalent U.S. Bachelor's Degree
All prior Secondary/High School or College/University transcripts along with Diploma or Leaving Certificate.
Demonstrated English Language Proficiency
Financial Documentation (seeking F/J visas only)
Passport identification
Requirements & deadlines vary by program
1. Standardized Test Results (GRE, GMAT, MAT, MCAT, PRAXIS)
2. Essay/Personal Statement/Resume
3. Letters of Recommendation

Send all materials & correspondence to

International Admissions
Old Dominion University
2101 Dragas Hall
Norfolk, VA 23529 USA

Required Credentials

As a service to applicants, the Office of International Admissions evaluates all foreign academic credentials. All documents submitted during the application process become the property of Old Dominion University and cannot be returned.

Transcripts, translations and standardized tests must be official, sealed, stamped by the institution or testing agency and sent directly to the Office of International Admissions at Old Dominion University.
Testing authorities may include the Registrar or the Principal/Controller of Examinations.
When English is not the language of instruction, academic transcripts are required in both English and one's native language. Certified official translations by a licensed or professional translator must accompany academic documents not written in English. Translations of official documents completed by the student will not be accepted.
Once submitted, no additional documents can be uploaded through the online application. If you wish to include additional credentials, attach and send them directly to [email protected]. Please be sure your name and date of birth are clearly indicated in the email subject line.

English Requirements

PTEMin 53
IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 79

Career Opportunities after Completing Master of Creative Writing

Careers

Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn–half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

$75,640 Median Salary

Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers

$72,120 Median Salary

Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.

Editors

$68,230 Median Salary

Plan, coordinate, or edit content of material for publication. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication. Includes technical editors.

Writers and Authors

$72,120 Median Salary

Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.

Tuition and Fee Information for Master of Creative Writing at Old Dominion University

Application Fee 50

How to Apply for Master of Creative Writing at Old Dominion University

Your Choice

The Common Application, which allows you to complete one application and designate it to be used for multiple institutions, OR the new Old Dominion University Application. The choice is yours.

Our Commitment

Whichever method you choose, the admissions staff at Old Dominion University is committed to processing your application in a timely manner. Questions concerning the admissions process may be directed to [email protected], 757-683-3685. Questions relative to The Common Application need to be directed to the Help Center found at commonapp.org

Old Dominion University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. Visit https://www.odu.edu/equity for more information.