George Mason University United States

Creative Writing

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon January 2027

Course Overview

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at George Mason University is an exceptional undergraduate degree, offering one of the nation's most comprehensive programs for aspiring writers. You will explore the craft of storytelling across fiction, poetry, and nonfiction, developing a strong foundation in literary analysis and the practical skills demanded by today's publishing and communication industries. This program is ideal for students who are passionate about language and eager to hone their creative voice while preparing for a professional writing career.

This full-time, on-campus BFA is studied over four years, integrating core English department requirements with specialised writing workshops. You will engage with subjects like digital creative writing, literary traditions, and minority literary traditions, culminating in a capstone project. The curriculum encourages practical experience through a portfolio submission and a final-semester capstone course, preparing you for diverse career paths in writing-intensive fields, including publishing, editing, and content creation, armed with a robust understanding of literary arts and professional communication.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This course explores the art and craft of creative writing, offering foundational knowledge and advanced workshops. Students will engage with various literary traditions, from historical periods to contemporary global voices, and delve into specific genres such as fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. The curriculum emphasizes developing a strong writing practice through dedicated workshops and exploring diverse literary forms and cultural expressions.

1 Core Courses in the Major

The Fields of English
Dimensions of Writing and Literature (Mason Core)
Digital Creative Writing
Introduction to Creative Writing (Mason Core)
Capstone and Thesis (Mason Core)

2 English Department Requirements

3 Literature Before 1800

Literature of the Middle Ages
English Poetry and Prose of the 16th Century
Introduction to Shakespeare
Studies in Shakespeare
English Renaissance Drama
English Poetry and Prose of the 17th Century
Augustan Age: 1660-1745
Age of Sensibility: 1745-1800
Restoration and 18th Century Drama
British Novel of the 18th Century
Early American Literature
Topics in Medieval and Renaissance Literature
Chaucer
Milton

4 Literature Before 1915

British Poetry of the Romantic Period
Prose and Poetry of the Victorian Period
British Novel of the 19th Century
Literature of the American Renaissance
Post-Civil War American Literature, 1865-1920
Development of the American Novel to 1914
Beginnings of African American Literature Through 1865
African American Literature: Reconstruction to 1903
Continental Fiction, 1770-1880
Continental Fiction, 1880-1950

5 Minority, Folkloric, or Popular Literary and Cultural Traditions

Topics: Women and Literature
Folklore and Folklife (Mason Core)
Popular Culture
Beginnings of African American Literature Through 1865
African American Literature: Reconstruction to 1903
African American Literature Through 1946
Contemporary African American Literature
Topics in Ethnic American Literature
Global Voices (Mason Core)
The Idea of a World Literature (Mason Core)
World Literatures in English
Topics in Folklore Studies
Folklore and the Supernatural
Folk Art and Folk Artists
Folklore and Migration
RS: Topics in Folklore Research (Mason Core)
Topics in Popular Literature
Science Fiction
Critical Study of Children's Literature
RS: Writing Ethnography (Mason Core)

6 Writing or Literature Electives

Professional and Technical Writing
Honors Independent Study
Internship
RS: Writing Ethnography (Mason Core)
Advanced Fiction Writing Workshop
Advanced Workshop in Nonfiction
Advanced Poetry Writing Workshop
Topics in Creative Writing
Independent Study
Document Design
Folklore and Folklife (Mason Core)
Popular Culture
Contemporary African American Literature
Twentieth-Century Poetry
Twentieth-Century Fiction
Modern Drama
Topics in Folklore Studies
Folklore and the Supernatural
Folk Art and Folk Artists
Topics in Popular Literature
Science Fiction
Critical Study of Children's Literature
Topics in Fiction
Topics in Poetry
Topics in Drama
Topics in Literary Nonfiction (for fiction and poetry concentrators only)

7 Required Workshop Courses

Poetry Writing
Fiction Writing
Creative Nonfiction Writing

8 Concentrations in the Major

9 Concentration in Fiction (FIC)

Fiction Writing
Forms of Fiction
Contemporary Fiction
Advanced Fiction Writing Workshop

10 Concentration in Nonfiction (NFIC)

Creative Nonfiction Writing
Forms of Nonfiction
Topics in Literary Nonfiction
Advanced Workshop in Nonfiction

11 Concentration in Poetry (POE)

Poetry Writing
Forms of Poetry
Contemporary Poetry
Advanced Poetry Writing Workshop

12 Writing-Intensive Requirement

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 40,420.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 40,420.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 40,420.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 40,420.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 161,680.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 1,200.00 - USD 2,000.00
Food & Groceries USD 4,200.00 - USD 6,000.00
Transport USD 1,200.00 - USD 1,800.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,440.00 - USD 2,400.00
Estimated Total USD 6,840.00 - USD 10,200.00

Living cost estimates are based on Fairfax Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

60%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Advertising & Media SalesAmusement & Recreation ServicesFilm & Television ProductionJournalism & ReportingMedia Production & EditingMuseums & Cultural HeritageMusic & Performing ArtsPublic Broadcasting & DocumentarySports & AthleticsTalent & Artist Management

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Global language solution

Warner Bros

Why Study Creative Writing at George Mason University

What makes this program stand out

January 2027 Closing soon

Next intake is in January 2027

Very Fast Application response time

George Mason University typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 days, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at George Mason University in United States

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Creative Writing at George Mason University

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during breaks. On-campus work does not require a separate permit.

What English language score do I need for this course?

English language requirements include a Duolingo overall score of 110, or a TOEFL total score of 80, among other specific scores in each section. For IELTS, a minimum overall score of 6.5 is required.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as authors, editors, content writers, and scriptwriters.

What will I actually study in this course?

The BFA in Creative Writing offers concentrations in fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. It emphasizes creative thinking and vocational writing skills, alongside a final portfolio submission.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Creative Writing program has intake months in January and August. Prospective students should apply before these dates to enroll.
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