creative writing mfa virginia

Creative Writing

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The UVA Creative Writing Program offers one of the best MFA programs in the country, along with undergraduate English concentrations in poetry and literary prose and elective coursework.

Explore Creative Writing Events

Creative writing stories.

Ta-Nehisi Coates Speaks at UVA on the Future of Reparations and the Power of Writing

Author, journalist and activist Ta-Nehisi Coates, spoke on Friday, March 8, to a UVA audience and to attendees of the ninth annual conference of the African American Intellectual History Society hosted by the University’s Carter G. Woodson Institute for African-American and African Studies.

https://as.virginia.edu/ta-nehisi-coates-speaks-uva-future-reparations-and-power-writing

Poetic Unity: 'A Standing Witness' Examines Our Nation’s Recent History Through a Cycle of Songs

Rita Dove was on sabbatical from the University of Virginia English department when Richard Danielpour emailed the U.S. Poet Laureate and Pulitzer Prize winner. The Grammy Award-winning composer wanted to discuss collaborating on A Standing Witness, a cycle of songs that covers 50 years of American history, with original music set to poems as lyrics. The project was no small task. And Dove says that, at first glance, it seemed outside her wheelhouse.

https://www.c-ville.com/poetic-unity

History and Poetry Meet in ‘A Standing Witness’

Some of the most important events of the past six decades will play out in the University of Virginia’s Old Cabell Hall on March 21 and 23.

https://news.virginia.edu/content/history-and-poetry-meet-standing-witness

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

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.

Program Highlights

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

Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) . A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Plan, coordinate, or edit content of material for publication. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication. Includes technical editors.

Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers

Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.

Writers and Authors

Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

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.

Alumni Careers

Requirements.

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

Featured Courses

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, nonfiction, and poetry 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.

Estimated rates for the 2023-24 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.

Ways to Save

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

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

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 Fellowship

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.

5016 BATTEN ARTS & LETTERS NORFOLK, 23529

Graduate Admissions

1000 Rollins Hall Norfolk, VA 23529

International Admissions

2101 Dragas Hall Norfolk, VA 23529

Related Programs

Enhance your college career by gaining relevant experience with the skills and knowledge needed for your future career. Discover our experiential learning opportunities.

Picture yourself in the classroom, speak with professors in your major, and meet current students.

From sports games to concerts and lectures, join the ODU community at a variety of campus events. 

MFA in Creative Writing

Virginia's low-residency program.

Randolph College > Academics > Graduate > MFA Creative Writing

Two years of one-on-one mentorship, five ten-day residencies, and a lifetime of support.

A New Kind of MFA Program

The Randolph College MFA in Creative Writing program is a two-year, intensive degree in creative writing: poetry, fiction, or nonfiction.

The low-residency program allows students to complete four semesters of one-on-one mentoring with our award-winning writing faculty remotely from home.

Students attend five 10-day residency sessions at Randolph College, one beginning each semester, as well as a final graduation residency at the end of the fourth semester.

Our award-winning writing faculty attend the residency sessions to mentor students, deliver insightful lectures, lead collaborative workshops, facilitate discussions, and present their writing.

The Master of Fine Arts is a terminal degree designed to develop individual artistry in…

Non-Fiction

Curriculum & Courses

The randolph difference, low-residency.

1-on-1 mentorship from home and five 10-day residencies on our beautiful campus.

2 Year Program

Earn your degree in 4 semesters of coursework, mentorships, and on-campus residencies.

Work one-on-one with a faculty mentor who provides training, feedback, and direction.

Diverse Faculty

Our faculty are accomplished writers and teachers who represent a broad spectrum of identity and culture.

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Low residency.

Take courses remotely from home and spend five 1-2 week residencies on campus.

Our faculty represent and value the full aesthetic and sociological diversity of contemporary theater.

MFA Faculty

Our diverse faculty of award-winning writers have demonstrated a talent and love for teaching and are committed to mentoring students with a spirit of rigorous compassion.

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

Campus:   Virginia Tech Blacksburg Campus,  Instructions: Residential/On Campus

Program Overview

Our three-year M.F.A. degree offers tracks in Poetry and Fiction, and all students are fully and equally funded via GTA-ships of more than $20,000 per year. We encourage cross-genre experimentation, offer additional courses in creative nonfiction, playwriting, new media creative writing, and literary editing, and all students have the opportunity to teach creative writing and composition, as well as serve as editors of our literary journal,  The New River Journal .

Why choose this program?

Our three-year M.F.A. degree offers tracks in Poetry and Fiction, and all students are fully and equally funded via GTA-ships of more than $20,000 per year. We encourage cross-genre experimentation, offer additional courses in creative nonfiction, playwriting, new media creative writing, and literary editing, and all students have the opportunity to teach creative writing and composition, as well as serve as editors of our literary journal, The New River Journal .

In the years since the program started, we’ve been consistently ranked among the top 30 programs in the country by Poets & Writers in their  M.F.A. rankings .

The faculty members in our creative writing program at Virginia Tech are accomplished, prize-winning, innovative, and diverse: Ed Falco ,  Evan Lavender-Smith ,  Khadijah Queen ,  Lucinda Roy , Sophia Terazawa , and Matthew Vollmer .

Our program is small—we admit 4–5 students a year in each genre—and we pride ourselves on the diversity and rigor of our program, our respect for our students’ voices, our financial support for our students, the individual attention students receive from faculty, and our robust  Visiting Writers Series . 

Our  students  and  alumni  are exceptional; they have  published books , received prestigious awards and fellowships for their writing, and gone on to further success as writers, teachers, and professionals.

All students have the opportunity to to hold editorial positions and gain publishing experience working on the digital journal, The New River Journal .

Emily Morrison Prizes in Fiction and Poetry, and other M.F.A. writing awards offered each year.

What You'll Study

The M.F.A. in Creative Writing is designed to be completed in three years. Students may specialize in Fiction or Poetry. A minimum of 49 hours is required for this terminal degree. A series of creative writing workshops, courses in form and theory, new media writing, composition pedagogy, and literature and theory electives are designed for students wishing to pursue careers as writers or writer/scholars at the college level. Students also have the opportunity to work as editors on The New River: a Journal of Digital Writing and Art . A creative thesis, a written final exam, and an oral defense are required.

The 49 hours required for the degree must be distributed as follows:

• Creative Writing Workshops: 15 hours (6704/Fiction, 6714/Poetry, 6724/Playwriting, 6734/Creative Nonfiction, 6744/New Media Writing); at least 9 hours must be in the designated specialty; students are encouraged to explore other genres in 6 hours of workshops.
• Form and Theory Courses: 6 hours (5734/Form and Theory of Fiction, 5744/Form and Theory of Poetry).
• GTA Training and Composition Pedagogy: 3 hours.
• Creative Writing Pedagogy and Practicum: 3 hours.
• Editing a Literary Journal (5774): 6 hours 
• Research & Thesis (5994): 6 hours; a book-length creative thesis (a collection of poetry; a collection of short stories, or a novel)
• Graduate English courses: 9 hours; students may use an independent study in Editing a Digital Journal to help fulfill this requirement.

Admissions Requirements

• Minimum GPA 3.0 (4 Scale)
• TOEFL/ IELTS score Required  (If Applicable)

Learn more 

Tuition and Fee

Tuition & Fee Rates

Funding Opportunities

The Department of English has a limited number of  graduate assistantships and fellowships  available for students applying for full time study on the Blacksburg Campus. Entering students can apply for such funding as part of their admissions application.  No separate application  required.

• All students equally and fully funded through Graduate Teaching Assistantships.
• GTA-ships include tuition remission, health insurance, and stipends of more than $20,000 per year for all three years of the program

Find out what loans are available as a graduate student and other opportunities.

How to Apply?

Visit the Admission Requirements page for information on how to apply, including requirements, deadlines, and application fee.

Course List

Course List 

Plan of Study

Download Plan of Study

Applications Deadlines

Deadline is Jan. 15, 2024. 

Visit Campus

Visit Campus / Attend an Open House

Contact Program Leader

Matthew Vollmer 431 Shanks Hall  540-231-8322 [email protected]

Contact Program Specialist

Marie Trimmer Graduate Programs Coodinator 310 Shanks Hall 540-231-4659  [email protected]

Meet Our M.F.A. Students

Our Students

Current Students

• Visiting Writers Series
• Meet Our Graduates
• M.F.A. Bookshelf
• Graduate School
• Forms and Documents
• Time Table of Classes
• Add/Drop Online

Matthew Vollmer 431 Shanks Halll 540-231-8322l [email protected]

Faculty In Creative Writing

• --> General Item Ed Falco -->
• --> General Item Khadijah Queen -->
• --> General Item Evan Lavender-Smith -->
• --> General Item Lucinda Roy -->
• --> General Item Matthew Vollmer -->
• --> General Item Sophia Terazawa -->

Literary Awards 

• Creative non-fiction nomination
• Emily Morrison prize for fiction
• Emily Morrison prize for poetry 

Faculty Bookshelf

Recent Academic News

• --> Article Item Students Participated in 2023 Women’s and Gender Studies Undergraduate and Graduate Conference , article -->
• --> Article Item Faculty Members Awarded Research Grants from CLAHS in 2022-2023 , article -->
• --> Article Item Faculty Awarded Funding Through New Faculty Mentoring Grant Program , article -->

News Stories

Related Programs

English (M.A)  

Rhetoric and Writing (Ph.D.)

Department of English

College of humanities and sciences, creative writing faculty.

Students work closely with outstanding writers to strengthen their craft, develop their literary aesthetics, and enrich their understanding of existing traditions.

Geoff Bouvier, PhD

[email protected]

Creative Writing

Gretchen Comba, MFA

Teaching Professor

and Associate Chair

[email protected]

20th/21st Century

Gregory Donovan, PhD

[email protected]

Kathleen Graber, MFA

and Director, MFA in Creative Writing

[email protected]

Sonja Livingston, MFA

Associate Professor

[email protected]

Clint McCown, MFA

[email protected]

Jessica Hendry Nelson, MFA

Assistant Professor

[email protected]

SJ Sindu, PhD

[email protected]

creative writing

David Wojahn, MFA

[email protected]

University of Virginia

Charlottesville , VA

http://creativewriting.virginia.edu/

Degrees Offered

Fiction, Poetry

Residency type

Program length.

Three fully funded years.

Financial Aid

All our students receive the same amount of funding and they do not have to re-compete in their second or third year.

Teaching opportunities

In their second year, all of our students teach a 1/1 load of creative writing in poetry or fiction and the courses are largely of their own design. In a third year, our students teach a 2/2 load and primarily in first-year undergraduate writing (composition).

Editorial opportunities

Our MFA program is also the home of Meridian, a semiannual literary magazine edited by our graduate students and distributed nationally. Meridian publishes twice a year, in January and May. The journal features outstanding fiction, poetry, and nonfiction from both emerging and established writers, and work from Meridian contributors has gone on for inclusion in Best American Poetry, Best American Essays, New Stories from the South, and the Pushcart anthology.

Cross-genre study

Limited. Our MFAs do not sit in the other genre’s workshops, but there are opportunities to take additional graduate-level workshops in different genres, and from the same core writing faculty.

• Maria Adelmann MFA (Fiction) 2012
• Susanne Antonetta MFA (Fiction) 1989
• Taylor Antrim MFA (Fiction) 2004
• Hajjar Baban MFA (Poetry)
• Jasmine V. Bailey MFA (Poetry) 2010
• Sierra Bellows MFA (Fiction) 2008
• Tina Louise Blevins MFA (Fiction) 2008
• Will Boast MFA (Fiction) 2007
• Carrie Brown MFA (Fiction) 1998
• Jennifer Chang MFA (Poetry) 2002
• Joseph Chapman MFA (Poetry) 2008
• Ye Chun MFA (Poetry) 2006
• Emma Copley Eisenberg MFA (Fiction) 2015
• Caitlin Fitzpatrick MFA (Fiction) 2016
• Chris Forhan MFA (Poetry) 2003
• Aja Gabel MFA (Fiction) 2009
• Chris Gavaler MFA (Fiction) 2006
• Eleanor Henderson MFA (Fiction) 2005
• Onyinye Ihezukwu MFA (Fiction) 2015
• Greg Jackson MFA (Fiction) 2013
• Caitlin Kindervatter-Clark MFA (Fiction) 2012
• Michael Knight MFA (Fiction) 1996
• Doug Lawson MFA (Poetry) 1995
• David H. Lynn MA (Fiction) 1982
• Brendon Mathews MFA (Fiction) 2005
• Davis McCombs MFA (Poetry) 1995
• Sjohnna McCray MFA (Poetry)
• Karen Salyer McElmurray MFA (Fiction) 1986
• Charles McLeod MFA (Fiction) 2005
• Erika Meitner MFA (Poetry) 2002
• Lailee Mendelson MFA (Fiction) 1997
• Lulu Miller MFA (Fiction)
• Susan Morehouse MFA (Fiction) 1984
• B. A. Newmark MFA (Poetry) 1985
• Michael Parker MFA (Fiction) 1988
• Lydia Peelle MFA (Fiction) 2006
• Thomas Pierce MFA (Fiction) 2013
• Donald Platt MFA (Poetry) 1987
• Dana Roeser MFA (Poetry) 1981
• Bobby C. Rogers MFA (Poetry) 1988
• Christa Romanosky MFA (Poetry)
• Alexis Schaitkin MFA (Fiction) 2013
• Sean Shearer MFA (Poetry) 2019
• Joe B. Sills MFA (Fiction) 2011
• Safiya Sinclair MFA (Poetry) 2014
• Austin Smith MFA (Poetry) 2012
• Lisa Russ Spaar MFA (Poetry) 1982
• Eleanor Stanford MFA (Poetry) 2005
• Darcey Steinke MFA (Fiction) 1987
• Adrienne Su MFA (Poetry) 1993
• Larissa Szporluk MFA (Poetry) 1994
• Lisa Williams MFA (Poetry) 1996

Send questions, comments and corrections to [email protected] .

Disclaimer: No endorsement of these ratings should be implied by the writers and writing programs listed on this site, or by the editors and publishers of Best American Short Stories , Best American Essays , Best American Poetry , The O. Henry Prize Stories and The Pushcart Prize Anthology .

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Virginia Tech

MFA in Creative Writing

Info for Current Students

** Deadlines for Spring 2023 **

March 1, 202 4: Deadline to apply for graduation on Hokie Spa

May 11, 202 4: Last Day to defend for MFA students

April 6, 2024 :  Your Annual Review form is due to your advisor electronically

By  April 15, 202 4: advisors put completed Annual Review form (hard copy) in advisees’ boxes or send via email; advisees sign these and bring them to Marie Trimmer in 310 Shanks Hall (or put them in her mailbox #113)

April 15, 2024 : Your Plan of Study form, with signatures, is due to Marie Trimmer, Graduate Program Coordinator

General Forms

MFA Plan of Study  

Plan of Study Change Form

Change of Committee/Advisor Form

Annual Review of Student Progress  

Independent Study Request Form

Request to enroll in a 4000-level course 

Thesis Information and Forms

Creative Thesis, Defined

Individual MFA Faculty Thesis Guidelines and Info

Thesis Committee Request Form

Thesis & Exam Timeline

MFA Program Deadlines Checklist

Graduate School Degree Deadlines

Guidelines for Submitting Thesis to Graduate School

MFA Policies & Procedures

Travel Forms

• Fill out the MFA Travel Approval Spreadsheet (shared via email) by Sept 16 (for fall travel) or Jan 15 (for spring travel)
• Submit the  TRAVEL APPROVAL FORM  to Andrew Fortin at least 4 weeks BEFORE you travel (and please use  GSA rates  for per diems).
• Submit the  TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT FORM  to Sandra Ross within 2 weeks of returning–and never later than June 1

Info on Literary Prizes

Fall Literary Awards

Virginia Tech Fiction Prize : The Virginia Tech Fiction Prize is awarded for the best short story or novel excerpt written by a student currently enrolled in the MFA program. Entries are due by November 1st. Click here for full submission guidelines.

Virginia Tech/Poetry Society of Virginia Award : Administered by the Academy of American Poets. The Virginia Tech/Poetry Society of Virginia Prize is awarded for the best poem written by a student currently enrolled in the MFA program. Entries are due by November 1st. Click here for full submission guidelines.

Creative Nonfiction Nomination for AWP Intro Journals Project : 2015 was the first year the MFA program accepted submissions of creative non-fiction pieces, in order to choose one to nominate for the  AWP Intro Journals Project . Entries are due November 1st. Click here for full submission guidelines.

Spring Literary Awards

Emily Morrison Prize for Fiction: This prize is provided through the generosity of the Morrison family. The annual prize is awarded to a student enrolled in the MFA Program in Creative Writing at Virginia Tech, and will be judged by a writer who is not a part of the Virginia Tech faculty. Entries are due March 15th. Click here for full submission guidelines.

Emily Morrison Prize for Poetry: This prize is provided through the generosity of the Morrison family. The annual prize is awarded to a student enrolled in the MFA Program in Creative Writing at Virginia Tech, and will be judged by a writer who is not a part of the Virginia Tech faculty. Click here for full submission guidelines.

Miscellaneous

Graduate Student Handbook

MFA Bookshelf

8 Lessons From Nikki Giovanni

How to Become a Writer in Virginia with a BFA, MFA or Similar Creative Writing Degree

Written by Jennifer Williams

Virginia is a state with a unique history, distinct people, and rich culture. In fact, the state’s earliest writer, Captain John Smith, was also one of its founders as it came to be the first English settlement. Even in times of war, Virginia was the place of surrender for both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.  To say that Virginia is unique seems like an understatement, but it truly is, and the writers who’ve emerged from this land are no less so.

The Art of Writing is in the Air and Soil and Blood of Virginia

Barbara Kingsolver is a household name for literature lovers. She’s also a long-time resident of Washington County. Kingsolver is known to have a deep appreciation of the region and frequently uses her home setting in Virginia as an inspiration for her writing. Living in an old farmhouse, she frequently spends hours writing at her desk, gazing out a set of bay windows overlooking the mountainside view and glimpsing the wooded land and scenic grazing of wildlife. One of her early novels, The Poisonwood Bible, was chosen for Oprah Winfrey’s top 10 books list and made her a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 1999. Kingsolver is also committed to promoting social justice causes and supporting new writers. To this end, in 2000, she started the PEN/Bellwether Prize for Socially Engaged Fiction, a literary award which promotes fiction inclusive of social justice issues and is today the largest prize for unpublished debut novels.

Eudora Richardson was one of Virginia’s early feminist authors. She grew up in Richmond and attended college at Hollins Institute and later Richmond College. She was recognized for her literary talent early in her life. However, Richardson believed deeply in the cause of women’s suffrage, and so this became her focus. She began to network and organize with other suffragettes and got involved with organizations like the National American Woman Suffrage Association, working hard to organize chapters in the southeastern areas of Virginia. Still, she remained a writer at heart and used her literary talent to call out the social and political injustices against women in an increasingly contemporary world. Today, two of her most prominent books, The Woman Speaker and The Influence of Men-Incurable, carry on her legacy as a distinguished feminist author.

Whether your talent is historical journaling, narrative fiction, or activist prose, the writings of those before you are a reminder that you, too, can have a successful writing career. Virginia’s diverse culture has always been a bedrock of literary opportunity, and today, large cities like Chesapeake and Arlington are still depots of activity for up-and-coming writers. If you want to become a writer in Virginia, making connections within your local writing community will get you off to a good start. Ultimately, though, the key to your success is having a degree in creative writing. As a prospective undergraduate, that means a BA or BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) in creative writing… while graduate students serious about a career in the literary arts let their talents roar with an MA or the esteemed MFA (Master of Fine Arts) in creative writing.

“What keeps you going isn’t just some fine destination but the road you’re on and the fact you know how to drive.” ~ Barbara Kingsolver, Animal Dreams

Virginia’s Creative Writing Classes, Courses, and Workshops Can Prepare You for a Creative Writing Degree

You’ve most likely realized by now that there’s no formal framework for becoming a writer. There’s no exact blueprint to follow like most other professions. Writing is just not that prescriptive. In fact, it’s utterly personal; no two authors develop the same intimate connection with the reader. Something so unique requires introspection and self-awareness that no cookie-cutter outline is going to do for you. This means that your journey as a writer starts with getting to know yourself – your convictions, beliefs, ideas, passions, and desires. The best way to do this is to reach out to your local writing community.

The Chesapeake Bay Writers (CBW) group is an excellent opportunity to network and get your stuff read and out there. Here, you’ll meet fellow aspiring writers as well as published authors. There are several critique groups that you can participate in, including Saturday Poetry Series and Flash Friday Fiction. One interesting thing about CBW is that it manages its own member bookstore where you can publish and check out books by other CBW members. CBW also maintains a section in the Chesapeake Style Magazine where you can publish reviews for newly published books. If you’ve recently published, be sure to get one of your CBW colleagues to submit a review to get your name and work out there to the magazine’s 10,000-plus readership in the Williamsburg area.

Another amazing literary group to check out is the Arlington Writers Group (AWG). The group meets every Wednesday night at Washington-Lee High School to host a critique circle where you can network and get peer feedback. AWG also holds group writing exercise events and frequently hosts guest speakers. This is not a professionals-only organization, so don’t be shy! In fact, most AWG members are merely hobby writers looking to improve their skills and work toward publication.

You’ll also want to check out the Northern Virginia Writers Club (NVWC). This group holds online meetings once a month, in addition to writing workshops and panel discussions. You can also learn a lot about the business side of writing by attending one of NVWC’s guest speaking events. Be sure to double up on some good writing experience and cash money by entering NVWC’s Golden Nib Chapter Contest. You can submit fiction, non-fiction, or poetry of any subject. Three winners are chosen with $100, $50, and $25 cash prizes for first, second, and third place winners. All winners are advanced to the state-level for further competition. And, if you take home first place, your manuscript will be published in the Virginia Writers Club Golden Nib and Teen Nib Journal.

Remember, your local literary circulars have a slew of information, too, so don’t overlook them! The Virginia Quarterly Review (VQR) is a local publication with national recognition. In fact, it’s published works from some of the most memorable names in literature, including Robert Frost and Eleanor Roosevelt. Throughout its 75-year history, VQR has maintained its dedication to supporting literary expression. If you want to get published, simply submit your best piece of poetry, fiction, or non-fiction, and if your piece is selected for publication, you’ll receive a generous sum of $200 per poem and $1,000 plus for short fiction and prose.

Writing Colleges in Virginia Offering Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Creative Writing Provide a Path to Becoming a Writer

Ultimately, it’s a creative writing undergraduate or graduate degree that’s going to make the most difference in your career. It’s what brings together your experience, dedication, and networking and sets you apart from the amateurs. Don’t allow yourself to be confined to a lifetime of hobby writing.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Other Bachelor’s Degrees in Creative Writing in Virginia

Emory & henry college.

SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Accreditation: SACSCOC

Degree: Bachelor – BA

Private School

• English-Literature and Creative Writing

George Mason University

COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

Accreditation:   SACSCOC

Degree: Bachelor – BFA, BA

Public School

• BFA - Creative Writing (Fiction, Poetry, Creative Nonfiction)
• BA - English-Creative Writing concentration

Hollins University

JACKSON CENTER FOR CREATIVE WRITING

• Creative Writing and English-Creative Writing concentration

Liberty University

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Degree: Bachelor – BS

• English and Writing-Creative Writing

Old Dominion University

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND LETTERS

• English-Creative Writing concentration

Randolph College

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

• English-Creative Writing emphasis

Roanoke College

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES

• Creative Writing

Sweet Briar College

• English and Creative Writing

University of Virginia-Main Campus

COLLEGE OF GRADUATE SCHOOL AND ARTS AND SCIENCES

• English-Creative Writing (Poetry Writing, Literary Prose)

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND HUMAN SCIENCES

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) and Other Master’s Degrees in Creative Writing in Virginia

COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES AND  SOCIAL SCIENCES

Degree:  Master – MFA

• Creative Writing (Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry)
• Creative Writing (Poetry, Fiction, Nonfiction)

COLLEGE AND GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

• Creative Writing (Fiction, Poetry)

Virginia Commonwealth University

COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES AND SCIENCES

• Creative Writing (Dual Genre, Fiction, Poetry)
• Creative Writing (Poetry, Fiction)

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Information Session: MFA Programs in Creative Writing

• Post author By 46797344
• Post date April 5, 2024