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English: Creative Writing

This concentration in the English MA is designed for those who wish to deepen their creative craft through practice and study, led by faculty who are active publishing writers. It is appropriate for those seeking a bridge to MFA or PhD work and for anyone seeking to further a writing career. Courses include workshops in all major genres, special topics, and a professionalization course. Like all concentrations in the EIU English MA, this program may be completed online or on campus.

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Degree Level

Master of Arts

Delivery

In Person / Fully Online

Time to Degree

4 Semesters

Credit Hours

34 Total, 34 in Major

Careers

Language, Postsecondary, Editors, Writers, Authors

English: Creative Writing students at EIU

Why Study English: Creative Writing at EIU?

Study in small classes (graduate seminars are generally capped at 16) with faculty, including publishing creative writers, who care about your success
Choose your experience: Our program can be completed on campus or completely online, full-time or part-time, depending on your needs
Our program is thesis-optional to serve the needs of those who want to undertake a solo project as well as those who find additional coursework more useful
Graduate assistantships are available to full-time, on-campus students on a competitive basis (apply by March 1 for the following fall if applying for an assistantship)

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"EIU is close to home, and very affordable. I am able to save money on both the commute, and on the tuition, due to EIU's very generous financial aid packages and scholarships."

Pamela Zimmerman

Class of 2026, Creative Writing major

Hands-On Experience

English 5025, Creative Writing Professional Development, focuses on active literary citizenship, including submitting your work, engaging with the publishing world, and building professional networks
Each year, the Little Bluestem literary festival brings guest writers to campus to offer master classes (for free) to aspiring writers
Students interested in writing for the stage or screen can submit short plays to the annual New Works Festival; the best submissions are produced on campus in collaboration with Theatre students and faculty
Our annual student conference offers an ideal space to gain experience presenting your work to a live audience
A graduate-level internship class is available for interested students, with support from our departmental internship coordinator

What You'll Learn

The MA program in English offers you the opportunity to work closely with publishing scholars in the field of your choice. Small classes with vibrant, engaged faculty challenge and inspire you to pursue your interests and prepare for a career or further study. Our two-year program offers concentrations in literary and cultural studies, creative writing, and rhetoric and composition.

View in Catalog

$78,270

Median Salary 4 Years After Graduation

Career Outcomes

English Language & Literature…
Editors
Writers & Authors
Poets, Lyricists & Creative Writers

Career Insights

Job Outlook Average Outlook

Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)

Personality Fit Artistic

Financing Your Degree Under the 2026 Rules

Federal graduate lending changed on July 1, 2026 - Grad PLUS loans ended for new borrowers and new federal borrowing caps now apply to graduate students. Here's why the math still works at EIU:

Estimated total for this degree: ~$15,606 (tuition and fees)

✓ That's only about 16% of the new $100,000 lifetime graduate borrowing limit - leaving room for whatever comes next in your career.
✓ A typical full-time year here runs about $8,262 - well under the new $20,500 annual federal loan limit, so federal loans alone can cover tuition and fees.
✓ Working? If your employer offers it, they can provide up to $5,250 per year tax-free toward your education - at EIU's rates, that can cover a good share of a part-time master's.

Estimates use 2026-2027 Illinois-resident tuition and fees and typical full-time enrollment. Your actual costs and aid depend on your program, enrollment, FAFSA, and prior borrowing.

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$15,606 total, just 16% of your $100,000 federal graduate borrowing limit

Connect With Us

Dr. Marjorie Worthington

Professor of English

mgworthington@eiu.edu

3321 Coleman Hall

217-581-2428

Message Dr. Worthington

or email mgworthington@eiu.edu directly

Angela Vietto

Professor of English and Chair, Department of English

arvietto@eiu.edu

3341

217-581-2428

Message Angela

or email arvietto@eiu.edu directly

Billy Panther

Head of Panther Pride

Old Main

217-581-2223

Message Billy

or email billy@eiu.edu directly

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