Bachelor of Fine Arts: Creative Writing

B.F.A. Degree with a major in Creative Writing
Interested in a Creative Writing Certificate?

Unleash Your Words, Ignite Your Imagination

UMF offers Maine’s only Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, with courses in poetry, fiction, screenwriting, and journalism. The program includes an apprenticeship that provides hands-on experience, from editing literary journals to teaching writing and producing a TV show, helping students gain real-world skills for their careers.

The University of Maine at Farmington offers the state’s only Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, giving students the chance to study poetry, fiction, screenwriting, and journalism. The program is designed to help writers develop their craft while exploring a variety of literary forms.

A key feature of the program is the apprenticeship, which provides hands-on experience similar to an internship. Students gain practical skills by editing literary journals, teaching creative writing, and even producing a TV show, preparing them for real-world careers in writing, publishing, media, and beyond.

Questions? Ask a Professor

Save more than $5,500 per year in tuition.

Through the NEBHE Tuition Break program, students from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont receive a $5,670 tuition discount on all UMF degree programs.
Learn More

Write, Create, and Connect: Your Creative Writing Journey

UMF’s Creative Writing program offers small classes and one-on-one mentoring, helping students develop their strengths in poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. Students work closely with published faculty, join the UMF Writers Guild, attend national conferences, and participate in readings and workshops, including the Visiting Writers Series featuring acclaimed authors.

Hands-on experience is central to the program. Apprenticeships give students market-ready skills, from editing literary journals and working at poetry presses to teaching, writing for local media, and producing TV shows. The program culminates in a Senior Seminar, where students compile a professional portfolio and share their work at a Senior Reading, celebrating their achievements as writers.

UMF Creative Writing student publishes a book

Hannah Binder, a Creative Writing student at UMF, always felt she was a writer at heart. Now, with her second published work, there’s no doubt.

Binder, who writes under the name Hannah Paige, came to Farmington from the San Francisco Bay Area in California. She was looking for a quality college Creative Writing program that could help her hone her writing skills, and a community she could embrace.

Hannah’s first book, Why We Don’t Wave, was published during her senior year in high school. Her second, 30 Feet Strong, was published in 2019 while she attended UMF, and is about a young man born on September 11, 2001, and the connection he has with four people affected by the 9/11 tragedy.

See Hannah’s Story

What Can I Do With A Degree in Creative Writing?

A Creative Writing major opens up a wide range of careers that combine writing, storytelling, and communication skills. A Creative Writing degree doesn’t just teach you how to write—it develops critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills that are highly valued in many industries.

Writing & Publishing Careers

  • Novelist, poet, or short story writer

  • Screenwriter, playwright, or scriptwriter

  • Copywriter or content writer for businesses, websites, or marketing

  • Editor for books, magazines, literary journals, or online publications

  • Freelance writer or author

Media & Communications

  • Journalist or reporter

  • Social media manager or content strategist

  • Public relations or communications specialist

  • Technical writer or grant writer

Education & Arts Engagement

  • Creative writing teacher or instructor

  • Workshop leader for community programs

  • Literary program coordinator or arts outreach

Entertainment & Digital Media

  • Film, TV, or video game scriptwriting

  • Podcast or storytelling production

  • Content creation for multimedia platforms

Entrepreneurship & Consulting

  • Launch your own literary magazine or publishing company

  • Writing coach or consultant

  • Community arts and cultural project leader

Your Path to Becoming a Skilled Writer

The UMF Creative Writing program combines coursework, workshops, and hands-on experience to help you develop your craft. Students take classes in poetry, fiction, and non-fiction, and participate in small seminars with one-on-one faculty mentoring.

A key component is the apprenticeship, where you gain real-world skills through editing literary journals, working with presses, teaching, or producing media projects. The program culminates in a Senior Seminar, where you create a professional portfolio and showcase your work at a Senior Reading. These requirements ensure that by graduation, you’re not only a skilled writer but also ready for careers in writing, publishing, media, and beyond.

Your Creative Writing Roadmap

Contact Us to Get Started!

Office of Admissions
246 Main Street
Farmington, Maine USA 04938-1994
Apply Now! Email Admissions Call Us