For many aspiring writers, the dream of dedicating themselves fully to their craft, refining their voice, and emerging with a polished manuscript feels like a distant fantasy. However, programs like the Northwestern MFA Creative Writing program offer a tangible pathway to turn that dream into a reality. This isn't just another graduate degree; it's an immersive, fully-funded journey designed to cultivate literary talent and prepare writers for a life deeply engaged with words.
Northwestern University, renowned for its academic rigor and vibrant intellectual community, has established its Litowitz MFA+MA program as a beacon for serious creative writers. It stands out not only for its commitment to artistic excellence but also for its comprehensive support system, ensuring students can focus wholeheartedly on their writing and scholarly pursuits without the burden of financial strain. If you're considering a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, understanding the unique facets of Northwestern's offering is crucial for making an informed decision about your future.
Table of Contents
- The Distinctive Litowitz MFA+MA Curriculum
- Unparalleled Financial Support
- The Creative Thesis: Your Capstone Masterpiece
- Faculty Excellence: Mentors Who Inspire
- Beyond the Classroom: Practical Experience and Career Pathways
- Navigating the Application Process and Program Requirements
- Why Northwestern Stands Apart for Creative Writers
- Conclusion
The Distinctive Litowitz MFA+MA Curriculum
The core of the Northwestern MFA Creative Writing experience lies in its innovative curriculum structure. Unlike many traditional MFA programs that solely focus on creative writing workshops, Northwestern offers a unique dual-degree pathway: the Litowitz MFA+MA. This integrated approach recognizes that a truly profound writer is not only a master of craft but also deeply steeped in literary history and theory.A Dual Degree Advantage: MFA in Creative Writing & MA in English
One of the most compelling aspects of this program is that **students will receive both an MFA in creative writing and an MA in English**. This isn't merely two separate degrees pursued concurrently; rather, **both degrees—the MFA in creative writing and the MA in English—are awarded simultaneously at graduation.** This dual-degree model provides a robust academic foundation that complements and enriches the creative work. It's a testament to Northwestern's belief that a strong understanding of literature—its history, forms, and critical interpretations—is indispensable for developing a sophisticated and original creative voice. The advantage here is multifaceted. For one, it broadens a student's intellectual horizons, exposing them to a wider array of literary traditions and critical perspectives. This can spark new ideas, challenge conventional thinking, and ultimately lead to more innovative and impactful writing. Furthermore, possessing an MA in English alongside an MFA can significantly enhance career prospects, particularly for those interested in teaching at the college level or pursuing academic research alongside their writing careers. It provides a versatility that a standalone MFA might not.Deepening Your Craft and Literary Understanding
The program's design is deliberate: **The Litowitz MFA+MA curriculum gives students time to deepen both their creative writing and their study of literature.** This extended period of immersion, spanning three academic years, allows for a more profound engagement with both disciplines. Students aren't rushed through their coursework; instead, they have the space to experiment, fail, revise, and grow as artists and scholars. The creative writing component emphasizes rigorous workshop participation, where students receive feedback on their manuscripts from peers and faculty. These workshops are complemented by craft seminars that delve into specific aspects of writing, such as narrative structure, character development, poetic forms, or the nuances of creative nonfiction. Concurrently, the MA in English component involves seminars in literary theory, periods, and genres, providing a rich intellectual context for their creative endeavors. Students also have some flexibility in their course selection; a limited number of courses **may be taken outside the English Department with permission of the Creative Writing DGS (Director of Graduate Studies)**, allowing for interdisciplinary exploration that could further inform their writing. This holistic approach ensures that graduates emerge not just as skilled writers, but as well-rounded literary intellectuals.Unparalleled Financial Support
A significant barrier for many talented individuals considering graduate studies in the arts is the prohibitive cost. Northwestern University addresses this head-on, making its program accessible to exceptional writers regardless of their financial background. The commitment to student success extends beyond the classroom and into practical support, which is a hallmark of the Litowitz creative writing graduate program. The financial package offered is truly exceptional: **Students will receive full financial support for three academic years and two summers, a total of 33 months.** This comprehensive funding typically includes tuition waivers, a generous stipend for living expenses, and health insurance. This level of support is rare in MFA programs and fundamentally transforms the graduate school experience. It means that students can devote their full attention to their studies and creative projects without the immense pressure of working multiple jobs to cover expenses or accumulating substantial debt. This freedom from financial worry allows for deeper immersion in the literary community, more time for reading and writing, and greater opportunities for intellectual exploration. It underscores Northwestern's investment in its students' potential and their belief in the value of sustained, unburdened creative development. This commitment to financial well-being is a critical factor for any prospective student, especially when considering a "Your Money or Your Life" decision like a multi-year graduate degree.The Creative Thesis: Your Capstone Masterpiece
The culmination of the Northwestern MFA Creative Writing program is the creative thesis, a project that serves as both a significant artistic achievement and a tangible representation of a student's growth and mastery. This thesis is not merely an academic exercise; it is designed to be a publishable-quality work that launches the student's post-MFA writing career.Crafting Your Vision with Expert Guidance
The thesis is approached with the seriousness and rigor it deserves. **The final project of the MFA program is a creative thesis, an original work of high literary merit (judged on the basis of art as well as craft).** This emphasis on both artistic vision and technical proficiency ensures that graduates produce work that is not only personally meaningful but also meets the high standards of the literary world. The process is highly structured and supportive: **The creative thesis is structured and revised under the supervision of a faculty member (or faculty mentor) and a second reader.** This dual mentorship provides students with diverse perspectives and comprehensive feedback, guiding them through the often challenging process of drafting, revising, and polishing a substantial manuscript. The faculty mentor acts as a primary guide, offering in-depth critiques and strategic advice, while the second reader provides an additional layer of critical assessment, ensuring the work meets the program's stringent quality benchmarks. This rigorous mentorship is a cornerstone of the Northwestern MFA Creative Writing experience, distinguishing it as a program dedicated to producing accomplished authors.Diverse Forms for Your Literary Expression
The program understands that creative expression takes many forms, and the thesis requirements reflect this flexibility. **The project may be one long piece or a series of shorter pieces.** This means a student could choose to develop a full-length novel, a collection of short stories, a poetry manuscript, or a book-length work of creative nonfiction. This adaptability allows students to pursue the form that best suits their artistic vision and strengthens their particular genre. Whether you're an aspiring novelist, a poet, or a memoirist, the program provides the framework and support to bring your most ambitious literary projects to fruition. This flexibility is crucial for fostering individual artistic development rather than forcing writers into a single mold.Faculty Excellence: Mentors Who Inspire
The strength of any MFA program lies significantly in the caliber of its faculty, and Northwestern's Litowitz creative writing graduate program boasts an impressive roster of award-winning and critically acclaimed authors. These are not just academics; they are active, publishing writers who bring real-world experience and deep insights into the craft to their teaching. A notable example of the program's distinguished faculty is **Natasha Trethewey**. A former U.S. Poet Laureate and Pulitzer Prize winner, Trethewey's presence alone speaks volumes about the literary prestige and intellectual environment students can expect. Her expertise in poetry and her profound understanding of the American literary landscape offer invaluable guidance to emerging poets and writers across genres. Beyond individual luminaries, the program is also home to exceptional **creative nonfiction faculty at Northwestern University**. This emphasis on creative nonfiction is particularly strong, with faculty members who are not only acclaimed authors but also deeply connected to the broader literary ecosystem. Some faculty members, for instance, also hold positions or have affiliations with prominent literary organizations and platforms, such as **creative nonfiction faculty at Catapult** and **creative nonfiction faculty at StoryStudio**. These external affiliations highlight the faculty's active engagement with the publishing world and their commitment to nurturing the next generation of writers. Furthermore, some faculty members serve as a **mentor editor at The Op Ed Project**, demonstrating their expertise in public intellectual discourse and their ability to guide students in crafting compelling, persuasive narratives for a wider audience. This diverse and accomplished faculty ensures that students receive mentorship that is both academically rigorous and professionally relevant, preparing them not just to write, but to navigate the complexities of a literary career.Beyond the Classroom: Practical Experience and Career Pathways
While the primary focus of the Northwestern MFA Creative Writing program is on developing artistic craft and literary scholarship, it also recognizes the importance of preparing students for life after graduation. The program goes beyond theoretical learning, offering concrete opportunities that build practical skills and open doors to diverse career paths within the literary world and beyond. Crucially, **the program also offers opportunities for students to learn how to teach creative writing and edit a literary journal.** These hands-on experiences are invaluable. Teaching creative writing, often through assistantships, provides students with pedagogical skills, strengthens their understanding of craft by articulating it to others, and can be a vital stepping stone for academic careers. Learning to edit a literary journal, on the other hand, exposes students to the editorial process, manuscript selection, publishing logistics, and the broader ecosystem of literary magazines. This practical experience is essential for anyone considering a career in publishing, arts administration, or even self-publishing, as it provides a behind-the-scenes look at how literary work moves from manuscript to reader. The dual MFA+MA degree also significantly broadens career prospects. Graduates are well-equipped for academic positions that value both creative and scholarly credentials. Beyond academia, the rigorous training in critical thinking, analytical writing, and revision makes Northwestern MFA Creative Writing alumni highly competitive for roles in publishing, journalism, communications, marketing, and various non-profit sectors where strong narrative and communication skills are paramount. The program's investment in its students extends to preparing them for a sustainable and impactful career, whether as full-time authors or as professionals enriching other fields with their literary acumen.Navigating the Application Process and Program Requirements
Applying to a highly competitive program like the Northwestern MFA Creative Writing program requires careful attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the requirements. The application process is designed to identify candidates with exceptional literary talent and academic potential. Prospective students will typically apply through the university's graduate school system. If you have **started an application for a TGS (The Graduate School) PhD or MFA program**, you'll be familiar with the portal. The system is user-friendly, and importantly, **your progress will be saved, return to complete it any time.** This flexibility allows applicants to meticulously craft their application materials, which typically include a writing sample (the most critical component), a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and academic transcripts. The writing sample should be your strongest, most polished work, showcasing your unique voice and mastery of your chosen genre.Academic Standing and Program Guidance
Once admitted, maintaining good academic standing is essential for continued progress in the program and for retaining the full financial support package. **Good academic standing is defined as having a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.00 and no more than one outstanding incomplete grade.** This standard ensures that students are consistently engaged with their coursework and meeting the program's academic expectations. To help students navigate the complexities of graduate study, Northwestern provides comprehensive resources. **The guide contains information about departmental regulations and requirements for the Litowitz creative writing graduate program.** This guide is an indispensable resource, detailing everything from course registration to thesis submission deadlines. It's crucial for students to familiarize themselves with this document. Furthermore, it's important to note that **the guide sometimes refers to general regulations of the graduate school, but it must always be used in conjunction with the most recent updates to the graduate school's website.** This ensures students always have the most current and accurate information regarding university-wide policies and procedures, which can sometimes change. Staying informed and proactive is key to a smooth and successful journey through the program. It's also worth noting that while this article focuses on the MFA in Prose & Poetry, Northwestern University also offers other specialized programs, such as **the MFA in Writing for the Screen and Stage**, which caters to aspiring playwrights and screenwriters. This highlights the university's broad commitment to fostering creative talent across various mediums. However, the Litowitz creative writing graduate program specifically refers to the MFA in Prose & Poetry and the dual MA in English.Why Northwestern Stands Apart for Creative Writers
In a landscape dotted with numerous MFA programs, the Northwestern MFA Creative Writing program distinguishes itself through a unique blend of features that cater comprehensively to the serious writer. It's not just about getting a degree; it's about undergoing a profound transformation as an artist and scholar. Firstly, the distinctive Litowitz MFA+MA curriculum is a game-changer. By integrating an MA in English with the MFA, students gain not only intensive training in their craft but also a deep, critical understanding of literature. This dual perspective enriches their writing, providing a broader canvas of influences and a sharper critical lens. The extended 33-month duration, supported by full funding, allows for this intellectual and creative depth to truly blossom, preventing the hurried pace often found in shorter programs. This extended period of immersion, unburdened by financial stress, is a rare luxury that allows for genuine artistic development. Secondly, the caliber of the faculty is unparalleled. With luminaries like Natasha Trethewey and other highly accomplished creative nonfiction faculty, students are mentored by writers who are actively shaping contemporary literature. This direct access to leading voices, combined with their commitment to teaching, creates an inspiring and challenging learning environment. The faculty's connections to the wider literary world, through affiliations with organizations like Catapult, StoryStudio, and The Op Ed Project, provide students with invaluable insights into the professional landscape. Finally, the program's commitment to practical skill development—through opportunities to teach and edit a literary journal—ensures that graduates are not only brilliant writers but also capable professionals. This holistic approach, from generous financial support and rigorous academic training to professional development, positions Northwestern as a premier destination for those seeking to make a significant impact in the literary world. It's a program that understands the multifaceted nature of a writer's life and prepares its students for success on all fronts.Conclusion
The Northwestern MFA Creative Writing program, specifically the Litowitz MFA+MA, represents a gold standard for graduate education in creative writing. Its unique dual-degree curriculum, unparalleled financial support, distinguished faculty, and comprehensive approach to artistic and professional development create an environment where aspiring authors can truly thrive. From the rigorous workshops and in-depth literary studies to the mentorship on the creative thesis and opportunities for practical experience, every aspect of the program is designed to cultivate writers of exceptional talent and intellectual breadth. If you are an aspiring author committed to honing your craft, deepening your literary understanding, and launching a meaningful career in the world of words, the Northwestern MFA Creative Writing program deserves your serious consideration. It's an investment in your future that promises not just a degree, but a transformative journey. Take the time to explore their official program guides, prepare your strongest writing sample, and consider how this unique opportunity could shape your literary destiny. The path to becoming a published author or a literary scholar is challenging, but with the support and guidance offered by Northwestern, it becomes a journey filled with unparalleled growth and discovery. Are you ready to unlock your full potential?
