Develop your voice, hone your writing.

Houston Christian University’s Master of Arts in Creative Writing will help you develop your individual voice and produce publishable works of poetry or fiction. This 30-hour workshop-based program provides focused training in fiction, poetry and creative writing within a supportive Christian environment. Courses and workshops are 100% online and synchronous, so you’ll get real-time feedback and community,  wherever you’re located.

With electives in the study of creative non-fiction writing or screenwriting, creative writing techniques and genres, and the integration of seminars exploring faith and the arts, this flexible program will expand your horizons and help you take your writing to the next level.

Whether you want to publish your work, progress in your career or simply grow as an artist, Houston Christian’s MA in Creative Writing provides the instruction and mentorship you need to thrive.

MA in Creative Writing Degree Highlights

  • 30-hour, workshop-based MA degree in creative writing
  • 100% online synchronous classes and workshops
  • Fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction writing workshops
  • Studies in foundational craft elements and literary genres
  • Supportive Christian environment emphasizing excellence and ethics
  • Small classes focused on mentorship

MA in Creative Writing Curriculum and Format

HCU’s 30-hour Master of Arts in Creative Writing degree is centered around the development of writing skills in writing workshops. Students establish a foundation with studies into poetic and fiction technique courses and apply their knowledge in core writing workshops. The Master of Arts in Creative Writing degree empowers students with electives to support their areas of interest.

The curriculum covers essential elements of craft while helping students refine their individual voices through intensive writing and feedback. Small classes allow for personalized attention from published faculty.

Students work closely with an advisor to select 18 credits of core workshops and technique classes in fiction and poetry. An additional 12 credits of electives allow further specialization.

Creative Writing Degree Outcomes

The Master of Arts in Creative Writing opens doors to new opportunities in publishing, media, marketing, and education. With training in fiction, poetry, and creative writing, graduates gain versatile and transferable skills applicable across industries. Beyond growing in the craft of writing, this degree can also open doors to new opportunities in publishing, media, marketing, and education.

Publishing and Editing

With refined creative writing and communication skills, graduates are empowered to pursue work in the publishing industry as editors, copywriters, content developers, and manuscript readers. Master’s level training provides an advantage when seeking these competitive roles. Students gain experience editing and providing feedback on peers’ writing that proves invaluable for a successful publishing career

Writing and Media Careers

Expertise gained in the MA Creative Writing program equips students for careers as professional writers, journalists, scriptwriters, speechwriters, technical writers, grant writers, and freelance writing and blogging. Strong writing skills are assets in corporate communications, marketing, public relations, and nonprofit/ministry work. Media outlets also seek advanced creative writing skills.

Teaching

With a master’s degree, graduates may teach writing and literature courses at the secondary or post-secondary level. Writers adept in theory and practice can inspire future voices. Many initially teach as adjuncts or lecturers while pursuing a terminal MFA or PhD degree to access tenure-track positions at colleges and universities.

Arts Administration

MA graduates may work for literary journals, libraries, museums, arts councils, and other organizations involved in promoting literary arts, planning community events, managing outreach programs, directing workshops, and processing submissions.

Continuing Education

The master’s degree cultivates lifelong learning habits that advance careers. Alumni return for doctoral programs, MFAs, post-graduate certificates, or additional master’s degrees to further specialize. The MA also provides foundational knowledge for law and PhD programs. Strong writing proficiency serves graduates in any field.

With Houston Christian University’s stellar reputation, the Master of Arts in Creative Writing degree signals advanced achievement and expertise to employers across sectors. Optional internships provide hands-on experience to further boost career prospects. Our Creative Writing alumni thrive as successful published authors, editors, journalists, educators, and more.

Master of Arts in Creative Writing Degree Plan

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Admissions

If you’re ready for a fulfilling journey in creative writing, Houston Christian University welcomes you to apply. Get started today:

Start your Master of Arts in Creative Writing at Houston Christian University today

Contact your program coordinator for more information about the Creative Writing Master's degree.
Matthew Boyleston, PhD
Professor of Creative Writing and English
Associate Director of Narrative Arts