Author: Eric McMillin

Introduction

There are many paths that one can take if they are interested in creative writing. One of these paths is get an MFA in Creative Writing. An MFA in Creative Writing is a Master of Fine Arts graduate degree that focuses on developing writing skills in various genres like nonfiction, poetry, and fiction. This is one way to improve one’s writing skills.

However, rising tuition costs, a competitive publishing market, and more means that one should carefully consider whether or not this is how they want to proceed. An MFA in Creative Writing offers a number of benefits. However, it is far from the only route for writers and sometimes isn’t the best route, either. With that being said, let’s first discuss what an MFA in Creative Writing does offer.

What an MFA in Creative Writing Offers

An MFA offers writers with various forms of structured learning, such as literary theory, craft classes, and workshops. All this helps writers develop their skills. Also, writers enjoy plenty of time to write in the form of protected space to focus on projects. Access to mentorship from established writers is something else that an MFA in Creative Writing offers.

Writers join a community that gives them the chance to become part of peer networks and make lifelong professional connections. Additionally, an MFA is a useful degree for any writer interested in teaching positions. This is especially true regarding teaching positions at universities.

Now, let’s continue by examining the pros of getting an MFA in Creative Writing.

Pros of Getting an MFA

While an MFA isn’t the right fit for everyone, there are a number of pros associated with earning this degree. Writers get dedicated writing time in a structured environment that encourages discipline. This can prove quite beneficial in improving one’s writing skills.

Additionally, writers enjoy access to mentors and feedback as part of their MFA program. This means that they can receive expert critique. Expert critique is incredibly valuable for writers and can assist them in refining their craft. There are several another pros of joining an MFA program, as well.

One pro is that MFA students have networking opportunities and can form connections with fellow writers, editors, and publishers. These connections can prove vital for a writer’s future success. Writers might later be able to publish their work because they established a personal relationship with a publisher previously.

Teaching opportunities are another pro of pursuing an MFA degree. Writers have opportunities to teach as part of their MFA program and this can benefit them greatly moving forward. These opportunities give them credential for tenure-track academic or adjunct jobs. Naturally, teaching can also help a writer learn more about their craft. Some writers learn quite a bit by teaching others about writing.

Another pro of an MFA program is that it provides writers with confidence and validation. This is because an MFA program gives writers an external recognition of their commitment to writing. However, an MFA in Creative Writing isn’t the best path for everyone.

Given this, it’s time to explore the cons of getting an MFA.

Cons of Getting an MFA

One of the main cons of getting an MFA is the high cost of tuition. Tuition costs range quite a bit and can be burdensome. This is why proper research into tuition costs is important.

Another con of earning an MFA is the uncertain career payoff. It is simply a fact that there are limited job opportunities in academia. Additionally, publishing success is not guaranteed, even for talented writers who take their work seriously and do everything they are supposed to do. The subjectivity of workshops is one more con.

While these workshops often provide numerous benefits, there is also a risk of homogenization in writing style. In other words, writers may encounter only similar writing styles to their own in these workshops. This can lead to decreased creative diversity.

Also, the opportunity cost is another major con of pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing. These programs typically take two to three years to complete. Writers could instead spend that time networking independently, working, or writing. This doesn’t mean that an MFA program is necessarily a poor investment of one’s time, but it is a significant time investment no matter what.

Oversaturation is a con of getting an MFA, as well. Thousands of MFA students graduate yearly. Despite this, there are limited openings in publishing or teaching. This oversaturation means that it can be difficult for MFA graduates to find jobs that interest them.

Considering these cons, one might want to know about alternatives to an MFA. Let’s discuss those alternatives now.

Alternatives to an MFA

Writer’s conference and workshops are one alternative to an MFA. Examples of these include Tin House and Bread Loaf. Community writing groups such as online communities or local writer meetups are another alternative. Writers can also study on their own via open courses, online resources, and craft books.

Additionally, fellowships and residencies provide writers with ample time and space to write. That can aid writers significantly, particularly ones who are struggling to find the time to write. Professional development is a viable alternative to an MFA in Creative Writing, as well.

Publishing, journalism, and editing jobs provide writers with industry experience in addition to compensation. Also, writers can complete a sort of DIY MFA. They can combine courses, reading lists, and critique groups without the formal degree to learn and develop their skills. All of these alternatives can prove worthwhile to writers. Which alternative, if any, suits a writer depends on that writer’s personality, professional goals, and writing experience.

Now that the alternatives are clear, let’s wrap this up with a quick recap of what we’ve discussed.

Conclusion

An MFA can be a valuable experience for some writers, but it is far from the only path writers can take. It’s important to recognize the pros and cons of an MFA before pursuing it. Additionally, there are alternatives that offer similar benefits without the cost of an MFA program. In the end, a writer should choose their path based on their preferred learning style, financial situation, and career goals. Doing so is the best way to follow the path that suits one’s unique writing journey.