MFA Creative Writing

LIU's M.F.A. in Creative Writing prepares students to both be professional writers in the world and to be visionary literary citizens. Situated in the heart of Brooklyn, LIU’s MFA in Creative Writing is an innovative creative writing program centered on world literature, multi-genre education, and publishing. Our applied MFA prepares students for careers in creative writing, academia, translation, and publishing. During their two-year residential program, students have the opportunity to study poetry, fiction, nonfiction, playwriting, and translation, and thus receive a robust multi-genre education.

In our MFA’s publishing courses, students study directly with professionals at the heart of the publishing industry. During the course of their study, students learn about commercial, independent, and academic publishing with frequent guest literary agents, editors, and leaders from seminal national and international literary arts organizations. We also focus on the performative aspects of the writing industry including audiobooks, public performances and speaking, and adaptations. Students learn about the intersection between book publishing and popular and new media. Students also gain vital publishing industry experience through literary internships centered in New York City and through the practicum of editing LIU’s flagship literary journals.

For those students looking to pursue a doctorate degree in Creative Writing, Comparative Literature, World Literature, Translation, or within area studies post-graduation, our program’s curriculum provides an integral education in world literature and translation. The program will be premiering a number of global workshop initiatives including the Overseas Writers’ Workshop in the near future with opportunities for students to immerse themselves in world literatures in various countries.

In addition, matriculating and non-matriculating students are welcome to earn a Certificate in Translation or post-MFA Certificate in Manuscript Preparation.

A five-year BA/MFA track is also available to students seeking a combined undergraduate and graduate education in creative writing, translation, and publishing.

For more information about the MFA and other opportunities on publishing and translation, contact the Co-Director of the MFA in Creative Writing and Director of the George Polk School of Communications Robin Hemley at robin.hemley@liu.edu