Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing

Tuition is Estimated Tuition: $48,900 plus residency. Estimated tuition does not include fees or annual cost-per-credit increases. Figures are based on the 2026-27 rate..

This low-residency Master of Fine Arts program focuses on developing students' writing craft across genres like fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and screenwriting. Students participate in semiannual 10-day residencies on Enders Island, Connecticut, complemented by one-on-one remote mentoring sessions with faculty. The program is designed to tailor studies to individual writing goals within a supportive community of writers.

Focus areas include fiction, poetry, nonfiction, screenwriting, publishing/editing, spiritual writing.

The program requires 60 credits, distributed across coursework and a creative thesis. A pedagogy track, involving teaching assistantships, earns 9 credits toward the degree.

Graduates pursue careers as teachers, writers, museum interpreters, publishers, librarians, and editors, including adjunct instructors at the college level and high school teachers.

Applicants must submit an online application, a $60 fee (waived for current students), a Fairfield University transcript, one letter of recommendation, a personal statement, a resume, and a writing sample (20 pages for prose, 6-8 poems for poetry), with the writing sample receiving the heaviest emphasis. International students seeking an I-20 for an F1 student visa cannot be supported by this low-residency program.

The programme totals about 60 credit hours. Low residency, cohort-based program with a typical duration of 24 months. Students are expected to commit 25 hours per week to writing outside of residencies. For international students, tuition is around the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 45% of applicants.

Fairfield University, founded in 1942 and located in Fairfield, United States, combines rigorous academics with a values driven Jesuit tradition. Home to about 6,000 students including an international cohort, the university emphasizes ethical leadership, critical thinking and community engagement as central elements of its educational mission. The campus fosters a supportive environment where academic growth is linked to service and personal development.

Fairfield offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across liberal arts, business, engineering, health sciences and more, with approximately 119 program options that encourage interdisciplinary study. Small class sizes and a dedicated faculty promote close mentorship and practical learning experiences. The university’s commitment to social responsibility is reflected in service learning, internships and partnerships that prepare students for careers and graduate study.

International students receive targeted support to integrate academically and socially through orientation, advising and cultural programs. The Fairfield area provides access to regional industry hubs and internship opportunities while preserving a collegiate campus atmosphere. For students seeking a values centered education with strong professional preparation and a community minded culture, Fairfield University offers a clear pathway to academic success and meaningful postgraduation prospects.