Creative Writing (M.F.A.)
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.
Creative Writing (M.F.A.)
Description
What is Creative Writing at ODU like?
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.
Program Highlights
What makes Creative Writing at ODU unique?
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Opportunities to participate in the MFA Reading Series held at Borjo Coffeehouse in University Village or at similar venues on and around campus
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Opportunity to assist in the internationally recognized, annual ODU Literary Festival
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Opportunity to present papers or give readings at the spring conference sponsored by the English Department
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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
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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
AT A GLANCE
College / School:
Major:
Creative Writing
Degree Level:
Graduate
Careers
What are some careers in this field?
Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
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.
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.
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.
Employers
Graduates from this major have gone to work at
The Virginia-Pilot, USA Today, Norfolk Public Schools, NASA
Courses
What are some courses offered in Creative Writing at ODU?
ENGL 565:
AFRICAN AMERICAN LITERATURE
An investigation of how African American literature has innovated, influenced, and been influenced by literary movements, historical events, social transitions, and political upheavals.
ENGL 660:
Craft of Narrative
A detailed study of the techniques of fiction and nonfiction with some emphasis given to the various theories informing the genres. Prerequisites: Graduate standing and permission of instructor.
ENGL 681:
Contemporary Classics: The Thesis Reading List
This course offers students enrolled in the MFA in Creative Writing program the opportunity for rigorous study of contemporary master works in a particular genre. Designed to provide students with the opportunity to deeply investigate contemporary works for the required thesis reading list, this course counts as one of the literature requirements for the MFA degree. The course is best suited for students in the second year of the program; however, any MFA student may register. The course cannot be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: Graduate standing and permission of instructor.
Requirements
What are the requirements to apply for Creative Writing at ODU?
Students entering the Master of Fine Arts program in Creative Writing should meet the minimum university admission requirements (Graduate Admission)
The deadline to apply is March 1 for attendance the following fall.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with at least a 3.0 G.P.A
Submit writing samples in their genre (candidates should note genre on title page of submission)
Three letters of recommendation
Academic transcripts
Personal statement
Cost
Tuition and Fees
Estimated rates for the 2022-23 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.
Virginia Resident
Per Credit:
$ 571
Non-Resident
Per Credit:
$ 1,394
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Per Credit:
$ 595
Ways to Save
Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial aid
The Perry Morgan Fellowship
The Perry Morgan Fellowship in Creative Writing established in 2005 by Frank Batten and is awarded to two or more first year full-time graduate students enrolled in the creative writing program. Recipients must maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA.
The David Scott Sutelan Memorial Scholarship
The David Scott Sutelan Memorial Scholarship is made possible by an endowment established by David, Charles and May Scott Sutelan. The recipient will be seeking a Master in Fine Arts in the creative writing program.
The Friends of the MFA Program Fellowship
The Friends of the MFA Program Scholarship was established for the purpose of helping incoming students to mitigate tuition costs. This scholarship will be distributed annually to an incoming first-year student who isn't receiving any other tuition remission.
Next Steps
I like this program. What are the next steps?
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Contact
Need help applying?
Meet Your Enrollment Team
Our enrollment coordinators are ready to help you through the admissions process.
Graduate Program Director
Name:
John McManus
Location:
5020 BATTEN ARTS & LETTERS, NORFOLK, VA, 23529
Email:
Office:
757-683-4010
Graduate Admissions
Location:
1000 Rollins Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529
Phone Office:
757-683-3685
Fax:
757-683-6512
Email:
gradadmit@odu.edu
International Admissions
Location:
2101 Dragas Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529
Phone Office:
757-683-3701
Fax:
757-683-3651
Email:
intladm@odu.edu
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ODU commemorated the inauguration of President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D., during Homecoming Weekend 2022. Relive the historic weekend.
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