[ skip to content ]
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.
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
Creative Writing
Graduate
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.
MEDIAN SALARY
Plan, coordinate, or edit content of material for publication. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication. Includes technical editors.
MEDIAN SALARY
Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.
MEDIAN SALARY
Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.
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.
Graduates from this major have gone to work at
An investigation of how African American literature has innovated, influenced, and been influenced by literary movements, historical events, social transitions, and political upheavals.
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.
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.
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
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.
$ 571
$ 1,394
$ 595
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 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 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 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.
Our enrollment coordinators are ready to help you through the admissions process.
John McManus
5020 BATTEN ARTS & LETTERS, NORFOLK, VA, 23529
757-683-4010
1000 Rollins Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529
757-683-3685
757-683-6512
gradadmit@odu.edu
2101 Dragas Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529
757-683-3701
757-683-3651
intladm@odu.edu
ODU commemorated the inauguration of President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D., during Homecoming Weekend 2022. Relive the historic weekend.
It's time to fall in love with ODU! Join us for our last Open House event of the semester on Saturday, November 19.
Visit the Commencement Office for information on event times, caps & gowns, tickets and more!