Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing 

The School of Graduate Studies: Traditional, On Campus

Rosemont College’s graduate creative writing program provides concentrations in poetry and prose, with prose writers having the flexibility to delve deeper into specific areas such as creative non fiction, short fiction, writing for young adults, novel writing, and dramatic writing. Our workshops cover a diverse range of genres including Poetry, Flash Fiction, Short Fiction, the Novel, Creative Non fiction, and Dramatic Writing. Additionally, we offer courses designed to support generative writing, creative writing and rhetorical pedagogy, as well as literature studies aimed at enriching the learning experience.

Furthermore, Rosemont MFA and MA students actively contribute to the literary community through the publication of Rathalla Review, featuring two online issues per year and a print annual each spring. Through collaboration with the MA in Publishing program, the MFA in Creative Writing offers writers an array of electives and concentrations, fostering close interaction with faculty members. Additionally, Rosemont provides a unique Double Degree option combining an MFA in Creative Writing with an MA in Publishing.

In our program, you’ll learn to read critically, explore literary traditions, and discover your place as a writer within the contemporary literary landscape. Through rigorous coursework and engagement with faculty and peers, you’ll develop the skills and insights necessary to thrive in the ever evolving world of creative writing and publishing.

Look Forward to a Successful Future

Learn to successfully publish full length works and individual pieces, whether they be poems, essays, or short stories, with leading publishing houses or independent presses. Elevate your career as both a writer and an educator in the craft of writing. Seek to win or be nominated for literary prizes such as the Pushcart Prize and prestigious major awards like the John Newbery Medal or the Shirley Jackson Award. Click on the toggle below for a limited list of works published by Rosemont students and graduates. 

A degree in Creative Writing with a certificate in Novel Writing can pave the way for a diverse range of career paths, including but not limited to:

• • Columnist
  • Communications Director
  • Designer
  • Editor
  • Freelance Writer
  • Literary Agent
  • Marketing Director
  • Production Manager
  • Published Author
  • Teacher

Why Study Creative Writing at Rosemont?

Our program is rapidly gaining national recognition for its unique blend of the creative arts with the business of publishing. Graduates of the Rosemont MFA program have earned acclaim from esteemed publishing houses, including those known as the “big five,” and have received significant accolades and awards.

In 2018, Erin Entrada Kelly, an alumna of the Rosemont MFA program (Class of 2016), was honored with the prestigious John Newbery Medal for her novel “Hello Universe,” which notably originated as her thesis. Erin crafted “Hello Universe” during her enrollment in CRW 7145, Constructing the Novel. Erin’s success is emblematic of the achievements of our program’s graduates, who consistently excel in publishing their work and advancing their careers in their chosen fields.

Our faculty members, all published authors, are deeply committed to student centered instruction. Together, students and faculty cultivate a dynamic and productive writing community. Here, students push the boundaries of their talent, explore new techniques and perspectives, delve into the rich traditions of the literary world, and gain practical knowledge of the publishing industry.

This community of writers is brought even closer together through a variety of events including student/faculty readings. Additionally, our program hosts events and conferences such as Push to Publish, held annually each fall, and LitLife, a springtime gathering. These occasions serve as invaluable opportunities for networking, sharing creative endeavors, and fostering a sense of camaraderie among our talented participants.

Rosemont takes pride in publishing Rathalla Review, a literary magazine entirely managed by MFA and Graduate Publishing Students. The magazine showcases the creative talents of emerging writers and publishes two online issues annually, along with a print edition released each spring. This platform serves as a testament to our commitment to fostering creativity and providing hands on publishing experience to our students.

Rosemont's intentionally small class sizes foster deep connections among students and professors, enabling you to discover your unique voice and expand your professional opportunities. Our intimate academic environment encourages active participation in learning - you'll contribute to discussions, engage with diverse viewpoints, and think critically about your own ideas.

Since 1921, Rosemont has been dedicated to supporting students like you in advancing their lives and those of their families through education. We believe in making quality education affordable and attainable; this commitment is reflected in every aspect of our application process.

Writer's Studio

Rosemont expands its literary community through non credit courses offered under the banner of the Rosemont Writer's Studio. These workshops, an integral part of Rosemont College's MFA Program, welcome MFA graduates from any institution as well as members of the vibrant Philadelphia writing community. They provide accessible avenues for focused writing and publishing education. Our aim is to offer affordable opportunities for individuals eager to enhance their skills and immerse themselves in a thriving literary environment.

With more degrees, diverse experiences, and expanded options, a brighter future awaits. The dynamic writing community at Rosemont not only presents numerous career pathways to explore but also extends ongoing support to maximize personal creativity and productivity, empowering you to achieve your writing aspirations.

Choose Your Path to Success

As previously mentioned, Rosemont College’s Graduate Creative Writing program provides elective areas of focus in poetry and prose. For prose writers, there’s a wealth of additional elective options available, including creative non fiction, short fiction, writing for young adults, novel writing, and dramatic writing. Moreover, students have the opportunity to augment their degree by adding an embedded Graduate Certificate in Novel Writing.

Furthermore, Creative Writing is seamlessly integrated into an accelerated double degree program alongside the Publishing MA degree, offering students a comprehensive educational experience that bridges the worlds of creative expression and publishing industry expertise.

Whether you’re embarking on the traditional path of full time study or returning to education as an adult learner, it’s essential to explore all your MBA embedded certificate options:

Whether you're embarking on the traditional path of full time study or returning to writing as an adult learner, it's essential to explore all master's degree, Graduate Certificate & program options offered at Rosemont College:

Take Your Education Even Further

3 Year Double Master's Degree

Rosemont's Double Degree program, combining an MA in Publishing with an MFA in Creative Writing, presents a remarkable opportunity to obtain two graduate degrees in just three years. In partnership with our distinguished MFA in Creative Writing program, the MA in Publishing offers a wide array of elective areas for specialization, accompanied by close mentorship from faculty members. This distinctive program provides a well rounded skill set, positioning graduates for a multitude of career prospects within both the creative writing and publishing industries.

At Rosemont, we offer a high quality education and a pathway to success that offers exceptional value within a challenging yet supportive environment. Recognizing the demands faced by adult learners, we offer flexible degree options aimed at supporting your continued growth through education.

Do You Want To Be A Teacher?

Advance to a New Chapter in Your Career

As an educator, you have a distinct perspective on how the successes and challenges of young learners in reading and writing profoundly shape their educational journey. If you're deeply passionate about empowering your students to become proficient readers, writers, and communicators, then Rosemont's online MA in Literacy with PK-12 Reading Certification could be the perfect fit for you.