MFA in Creative Writing in Fairfax United States | George Mason University

Established in 1980, Mason's MFA program has built a nationwide reputation with faculty of international acclaim who mentor students in honing their literary craft. Beyond their frequent publications, our instructors actively participate in prestigious organizations such as PEN/Faulkner, the Academy of American Poets, and the Association of Writers & Writing Programs - essential networks for fostering a dynamic writing career.

This 48-credit residential program provides specialization in three genres: fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, typically finished within three years. The coursework blends academic study with creative practice, offering ample elective options that allow students to customize their journey while honoring our program's heritage.

The Forms course (3 credits), required for both poetry and prose students, serves as foundational training in literary structures and traditions. We recommend enrolling in the relevant concentration-specific class during the initial semester. This intensive course involves diverse readings and examines each form's historical development, often tracing its evolution to modern published works. Students also engage in stylistic experimentation through workshop-style sessions.