The Rutgers University–Camden Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
is a 39-credit terminal degree in the theory and practice of writing.

 


What makes the Rutgers-Camden MFA distinctive? 

We believe that all writers have something to say to one another: poets, fiction writers, and nonfiction writers alike. So while our students can concentrate in any genre, they are strongly encouraged to enroll in workshops and craft classes in disciplines other than their own. 

What kind of financial aid do you offer? 

Typically, the program is able to offer a number of teaching assistantships to incoming students, which come with tuition remission and a stipend ($36,395 in 2024-2025 school year). Currently, the exact number of teaching assistantships varies from year to year. Other students may be admitted with partial scholarships that cover tuition for a certain number of credits per year.  

Where are you located? 

Rutgers-Camden is housed on a beautiful campus a single train stop from Philadelphia, one of the most vibrant and affordable cities on the East Coast. We’re about 90 minutes from Manhattan and two hours from Washington, D.C.

Who will teach me? 

The poets Gregory Pardlo, and Patrick Rosal; fiction writers Lauren Grodstein and Lisa Zeidner; and nonfiction writer Paul Lisicky. We also regularly welcome visiting professors like Stephanie Cawley, Airea D. Matthews, and Tom McAllister. 

How do I apply? 

See our How to Apply page as well as the Graduate and Professional Admissions application. 

Anything else I should know? 

We’re the home of the award-winning literary magazine StoryQuarterly and the NEA-supported Writers in Camden reading series. We offer a variety of international opportunities in Europe, Asia, or South America. We send students into Camden’s after-school programs to teach creative writing. And we provide an escape to nature through our writing residencies at the Rutgers University Pinelands Field Station. 

Still want to know more? 

Join our network to get more information about the program, see our FAQs, or contact us at mfa@camden.rutgers.edu. Or hear from current and former students by listening to our Recording Rutgers podcast episode on Spotify.