MFA in Creative Writing: Poetry

Earn your Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing: Poetry at Carlow

You can begin the journey toward becoming a published poet with a MFA in Poetry from Carlow University. You will explore your creativity, refine your voice, collaborate with other students and work with acclaimed and published poets.

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Three students look at a computer screen. One is pointing. They are all smiling.

Credits Required:

36 credits

Cost per credit:

$1,059/credit

Time to degree:

As few as 5 semesters

Delivery:

On campus, some online

Poetry degree curriculum

Carlow’s MFA in Poetry program includes four 11-day residencies in Pittsburgh and Dublin, Ireland, that feature workshops, master classes, seminars, lectures and readings. Practicum work will be on a writing and reading plan designed with your mentor; you will submit work for critique, review and collaborative feedback. By the end of the program, you will create a book-length manuscript of publishable poetry.

Quick Facts

Develop your critical engagement with poetry
Prepare a publishable body of work
Cultivate connections with peers and faculty
Adapt your learning experience to your schedule

View Plan of Study

Career opportunities for Poetry

With your master’s in Poetry, you will be well equipped to work as a creative writing professor or become a published poet.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for poets is slated to decline 2% over the next 10 years, but many poets go on to publish their work in literary magazines and other outlets.

Admission requirements and application process

You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:

Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
Two essays: Self-assessment of your writing ability and a critical response to a substantive piece of literature
10 poems you authored
Current resume or curriculum vitae
Two letters of recommendation that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work

An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success.

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anytime

Start terms:

Fall, Spring & Summer

Contact Admissions

If you are interested in this graduate program, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.

admissions@carlow.edu

+1 (412) 578-6059