Prose and Poetry (MFA) at Northwestern University

Programme overview

Explore Northwestern's creative writing MFA. MFA in prose and poetry specializations include poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, popular fiction, publishing and more. Northwestern’s part-time Master of Fine Arts in Prose and Poetry program provides students the opportunity to grow as artists within the specializations of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and publishing and professional development.

Faculty: School of Professional Studies | Study mode: full-time | Location: Evanston, IL, United States

What you will study

The 15-course curriculum includes workshops in a concentration, electives, and two thesis courses to complete the MFA program experience. Required courses vary by specialization .

Career pathways

On a more practical level, MFA students become better writers, which prepares them for a variety of careers. For details visit the Prose and Poetry Career Options page.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Independent studies round out the program and provide an opportunity to strengthen writing portfolios. Candidates for admission to the MFA program must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or its foreign equivalent and possess a strong academic record, preferably in English, writing or related fields. All applicants to the online Master of Fine Arts degree program at Northwestern must hold a U.S. bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or foreign equivalent.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applications for 2026-27 open September 15, 2026; deadlines vary by programme. The Graduate School application fee is $95 and nonrefundable, paid by credit or debit card.

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