What is the value of a MA or an MFA in Creative Writing?

Question

I would like to pursue a graduate degree in Creative Writing but am wondering what your opinion is as far as it's marketable value. I would be doing it partially for my own benefit as well, but I'd like to know if any of you view a Master's degree as a good career move for an aspiring creative non-fiction writer.

Answer 1

If you're going to pursue an academic degree for creative writing but are doing it only "partially for [your] own benefit," you might want to think twice.

I have an MFA in creative writing from the Iowa Writers' Workshop. It hasn't made me millions, or even thousands ... but I didn't pursue the degree in order to get wealthy. That is, "marketable value" wasn't an issue--except for something to laugh about. But you say you are interested in creative nonfiction, which may have more money-making potential than poetry.

Plenty of nonfiction writers make money. I'm sure you know this. And they fall into different categories: Those who are in it for the cash and prestige vs. those who are in it because they would write anyways, paid or unpaid.

I just personally get a little edgy when people talk about "career moves" and "marketable value" when discussing creative pursuits, so I'm a little biased that way. I mean, I imagine Vincent Van Gogh sitting around deliberating on his financial portfolio's prospects before deciding to become a painter. In many cases, it just doesn't work that way. Painting decided to use Vincent Van Gogh, if you know what I mean. In other words, if you are an artist--if it has decided you, and not vice versa--then thinking about the dollar payoff is a little goofy.

But anyway, an MFA doesn't have much marketable value, unless you want to teach. But, you could learn plenty in grad school that would improve your writing, which could increase your chances of publications and book deals and grants and such.

The short answer--after this confusing long wind--is: It's a gamble either way. Even if you are talented, you could find your work not being accepted for one reason or another. I wouldn't pursue an MFA in order to get rich. Go to business school or something. The odds are better.

Answer 2

While there is nothing wrong is getting an advanced degree, if you are pursuing a career as a writer you really don't need any degree. A degree in creative writing only has relevance if you are looking at pursuing some kind of academic career.

The other thing you need to consider is will you ever want to go after a Doctorate. Since the MFA is a terminal degree, you won't be able to use it as a platform for pursuing a higher degree. With an MA you can.

The other thing to consider is if you want to pursue an academic career in writing, having a substantial writing portfolio will speak more than having the right degree. When I was in the Creative Writing Program at George Mason University in Virginia, I remember we had full professors who only had BA's, but who were fairly well know writers within their respective genres.

Hope that helps.

Answer 3

I went to grad school for an MFA in Creative Writing and ended up leaving, partly because of the people in the program, but also because I found out I didn't want to teach. It seems that getting an MFA is great if you want to teach English or Writing at the college level (especially if you get a TA position while you're a grad student). There are good classes that can help you on your personal writing, and yes, you create a publishable work by the end of the program. However, I do not think I gained much insight into marketing my work.

Answer 4

if you're going to get a degree in creative writing, get an MFA. It's a terminal degree, so it's comparable to a PhD, which enhances your marketability for the job you will need to support yourself while you write. An MA is not a terminal degree, and isn't worth as much to someone in creative writing as opposed to someone studying and teaching composition.

Answer 5

I think the commercial value of such a degree would be in the academic world. If you just intend to write and try to publish, I doubt that the degree would make any difference to your acceptance. As you said, the process of getting the degree has its own value to you personally, and obviously is intended to TEACH you something that will help you write.