MA in English - Creative Writing in Orono United States | University of Maine

The University of Maine's Master of Arts in English program cultivates scholars, educators, and creative writers who recognize that personal achievement flourishes within a collaborative environment emphasizing mutual respect and robust peer-mentor relationships. Our program's specialized fields—including poetics, composition studies, literary analysis, and creative writing—all emphasize interactive discourse, innovative exploration, and cooperative learning. We thoughtfully question established disciplinary norms while embracing fresh perspectives and maintaining deep appreciation for our field's historical foundations. The program concludes with a professional portfolio that graduates utilize to pursue doctoral studies, teaching positions, public/private sector opportunities, or personal enrichment. Learners desiring an academic setting that both nurtures and pushes them to expand their understanding, investigate novel concepts, and develop skills in literary interpretation, research, composition, and pedagogy will thrive in our community. Our greatest asset lies in our methodological variety and the breadth of experiential learning we provide. MA students often discover surprising avenues for growth as they engage with diverse aspects of English studies. While expanding their literary knowledge, candidates might develop technical manuals, refine short fiction, design inventive curricula or funding proposals, and tackle complex topics ranging from poetic theory to empirical writing research and rhetorical analysis.

The Fiction Writing specialization enables students to concentrate on narrative craft and creative thesis development while receiving advanced training in literary studies and critical theory. Graduate fiction courses blend workshop formats with individualized mentorship, allowing aspiring writers to learn directly from established authors.