What’s the Difference Between an MFA in Creative Writing and an MA in English Literature?
The difference between an MFA (Master of Fine Arts) in Creative Writing and an MA (Master of Arts) in English Literature is primarily rooted in their focus structure and career outcomes. This article explores the nuances of each degree, highlighting their unique aspects to help aspiring graduates choose the best path for their career goals.
MFA in Creative Writing
Focus: The MFA program is a practice-based degree that emphasizes the craft of writing. Students primarily focus on developing their own creative work, encompassing prose fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. This intensive writing practice is central to the MFA experience.
Curriculum: The curriculum typically includes workshops where students receive peer feedback, engage with the critique process, and refine their writing skills. Additionally, students take courses on literary theory and sometimes aspects of publishing. These courses aim to foster the development of a unique personal voice and style in writing.
Outcome:
Graduates of the MFA program often choose careers as writers, a role that encompasses a wide range of activities, from novelists to screenwriters. Many also find themselves teaching creative writing at various educational levels, from high schools to universities. The MFA is generally seen as the highest degree in creative writing, making it highly valued by the industry and academia.
MA in English Literature
Focus: The MA in English Literature is more academically oriented, focusing on the in-depth study of literature, literary theory, and criticism. This degree delves deeper into the analysis of texts, genres, and critical perspectives within a broader historical context.
Curriculum: Students engage in extensive reading, analysis, and research, often culminating in the writing of research papers. The program explores various literary movements and critical approaches to literature, allowing students to develop a comprehensive understanding of the subject.
Outcome: Graduates are well-prepared for careers in teaching, publishing, editing, and other roles related to literature and education. Given its academic nature, the MA is often considered a stepping stone to further academic study, such as earning a PhD in English.
Key Differences
In essence, the MFA is geared toward individuals who wish to hone their writing skills and create original work, emphasizing the practical, creative aspects of writing. On the other hand, the MA in English Literature is more focused on the academic study of literature and its historical and contemporary contexts. The decision between the two should be made based on one's career goals and personal preferences in writing versus literary analysis.
For those interested in diving deep into the practical aspects of creative writing, an MFA might be the ideal choice. It offers hands-on experience and the opportunity to develop a unique voice. Alternatively, those who are passionate about the academic study of literature and its broader implications might find the MA in English Literature more suitable. This degree provides a solid foundation for advanced academic research or a career in Literature-related fields.
Additional Insights:
In MFA Creative Writing: Students are required to work across multiple genres throughout the degree program. As a fine arts program, the focus is primarily on the writing process rather than the study of literature as a scholarly subject. MA English Literature: The subject deals heavily with the teaching and usage of English language. It emphasizes understanding and interpreting a wide range of texts from different historical, cultural, and critical perspectives.Understanding the differences between the MFA and MA degrees can help prospective students make an informed decision based on their personal and professional aspirations. Whether one is passionate about writing fiction, poetry, and nonfiction or deeply interested in the academic analysis of literature, there is a suitable path to follow.