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Online Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing: Creative Writing Careers

Express Yourself Through a Variety of Creative Writing Careers

The online MFA in Creative Writing program from Eastern Oregon University prepares you above all for success in your literary writing, but it also will prepare you for diverse writing-related and communications careers. Through courses guided by acclaimed and award-winning authors, you’ll explore diverse genres of contemporary literature while honing your creative skills and developing the expertise to educate others, particulary in the field of creative writing.

  • $72,270 median annual salary for writers who develop media content1
  • $75,260 median annual salary for editors2
  • 64,000 openings for high school teachers each year through 20333

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for authors and writers in 2024 was $72,270.1 The Bureau also reports a growing demand for high school teachers, with an average of 64,000 openings projected each year from 2023 to 2033.3 With an online MFA, you’ll be qualified for both of these careers and more. Additional certifications typically are required for primary and secondary teaching on a state-by-state basis. 

Editor

$75,260/YEAR

High School Teacher

$64,580/YEAR

Additional creative writing-related careers:

  • Copywriter
  • Journalist
  • Postsecondary teacher
  • Social-media content writer

Get in Touch

We are here to answer any questions you may have. Contact an enrollment counselor at 855-805-5399 or complete the request for information form and we will be in touch.

Program Outcomes and Skills Acquired

Program Outcomes: Expert Skills for Diverse Creative Writing Careers

EOU’s MFA in Creative Writing program gives you the opportunity to:

  • Hone your writing talents to submit high-caliber work to literary journals
  • Complete a practicum from a list of options or of your own design that mirrors the writing careers you want to pursue
  • Collaborate with peers and faculty during workshops, giving and receiving constructive feedback
  • Apply workshop critiques to attune your writing to current and potential audiences
  • Join a diverse community of writers and form a network for future career development
  • Review written content for structural and grammatical concerns, gaining experience for editing roles
  • Transform your creative ideas into appealing works of literature relevant to your preferred genre
  • Participate in the optional Landscape, Ecology, and Community concentration

Skills and Traits You’ll Gain

  • Writing fluency
  • Creative and critical thinking
  • Awareness of literary markets
  • Editorial career skills
  • Knowledge across genres
  • Knowledge in ecological issues and literature

Career Support

Take the next step in advancing your creative writing career with help and support from our faculty of expert instructors.

Career Services

Eastern Oregon University Career Services offers in-person coaching and online resources to help students broaden their career choices and understand the value of their education in relation to employment. This includes outreach to all students in all academic programs, on and off campus, coupled with outreach to employers, service providers and government agencies.

Fieldwork/Practicum through EOU’s Career Services

EOU offers diverse fieldwork and practicum opportunities each term that allow students the mechanism to earn college credit tied directly to their current employment.

Career Readiness: Resume and Cover Letter Assistance

EOU Career Services has a robust collection of tutorials available to students, including information on resumes, cover letters, interview skills and soft skills.

Sources:

  1. Writers and Authors. Apr. 18, 2025. Retrieved Aug. 19, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/writers-and-authors.htm
  2. Editors. Apr. 18, 2025. Retrieved Aug. 19, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/editors.htm
  3. High School Teachers. Apr. 18, 2025. Retrieved Aug. 19, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm