Creative Writing Programs in St. Louis, Missouri

Getting a Creative Writing Degree in St. Louis, Missouri

Earning a Creative Writing Degree in St. Louis, Missouri, offers aspiring writers access to an array of educational pathways, including BA, MFA, and certificate programs. A Creative Writing degree focuses on sharpening literary skills through intensive writing workshops, specialized courses, and practical assignments. Prospective art educators and creative professionals will appreciate the blend of theoretical coursework and hands-on practice available in Creative Writing programs across the state.

For those interested in pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing, schools such as the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL) and Washington University in St. Louis feature robust curricula, including writing samples (10–15 poems or 20–30 pages of prose) and interdisciplinary workshops. Additionally, Webster University offers a Creative Writing Minor that requires 18 credit hours, including ENGL 1500 (Introduction to Creative Writing).

About St. Louis

St. Louis is a culturally rich city known for its historic architecture, expansive parks, and dynamic arts scene. The city’s neighborhoods, including Central West End and Midtown, host numerous literary events, readings, and workshops. Local regulatory and educational bodies such as the City of St. Louis Department of Education (contact: (314) 622-4800) and the St. Louis County Department of Education (contact: (314) 615-5000) work closely with schools and arts organizations to foster creative opportunities in the region.

Creative Writing Programs in St. Louis, Missouri

Several local institutions offer Creative Writing programs that combine academic instruction with creative practice:

  1. University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL)

    • Program: MFA in Creative Writing
    • Address: One University Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63121
    • Neighborhood: Located in a central academic area of St. Louis
    • Program Details: UMSL’s MFA program includes intensive workshops (15 hours), courses in Form and Theory, Literary Journal Editing, and thesis preparation. Tuition for in-state students ranges between $12,000–$15,000 per year.
    • More Information: UMSL MFA Program

  2. Washington University in St. Louis

    • Program: MFA in Creative Writing
    • Address: 1 Brookings Dr, St. Louis, MO 63130
    • Neighborhood: Situated in the Central West End district
    • Program Details: The program emphasizes visiting writer series and interdisciplinary workshops. Admission requires an undergraduate degree and a competitive writing sample. Key deadlines are December 15 for UMSL and January 15 for Washington University.
    • More Information: Washington University in St. Louis English Department

  3. Webster University

    • Program: Creative Writing Minor
    • Address: 1205 Webster Ave, St. Louis, MO 63103
    • Neighborhood: Located in the Midtown area
    • Program Details: The minor requires 18 credit hours, including courses in poetry, fiction, playwriting, and drama workshops. The curriculum is designed to complement any major by focusing on genre-specific workshops.
    • More Information: Webster University Creative Writing Minor

For students located in or around St. Louis, these institutions provide a strong foundation. If additional nearby programs are considered, prospective students should evaluate the travel distance and campus neighborhoods to ensure a good fit.

Literary Opportunities in St. Louis

St. Louis boasts a variety of literary organizations and writing centers that enrich the local creative writing community:

  • St. Louis Poetry Center
    • Purpose: The center hosts readings, writing workshops, and supports local poets.
    • Location: Based in central St. Louis, the organization is a hub for the city’s literary events.
    • More Information: St. Louis Poetry Center

Additionally, professional networks such as the Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP) offer access to conferences, job listings, and a wealth of writing resources. These organizations not only provide venues for publication and networking but also foster ongoing collaborations within the creative community.

Prerequisites for Creative Writing Programs

Applicants to Creative Writing programs in St. Louis generally need an undergraduate degree, and many programs require submission of a writing sample. Typical prerequisites include:

  • For MFA Programs: A writing sample of 10–15 poems or 20–30 pages of prose, an undergraduate degree (any field), and meeting the minimum age requirements set by the institution.
  • For Creative Writing Minors: Successful completion of introductory courses, such as ENGL 1500, along with an 18-credit hour curriculum that covers core creative writing topics.

Prospective students should review each program’s specific admission criteria and deadlines for a comprehensive application package.

Career Opportunities for Creative Writing Graduates

Graduates with a Creative Writing degree can explore a wide range of creative and professional careers. Potential paths include:

  • Freelance Writer
  • Editor for literary journals and publishing houses
  • Educator or writing workshop facilitator
  • Literary Magazine Editor

Salary ranges for writers generally fall between $45,000–$70,000 annually, while editorial positions may offer between $50,000–$80,000 per year. Moreover, graduates may benefit from self-publishing ventures and freelance opportunities. For an in-depth look at the job outlook and further career statistics, visit the Writers and Authors job outlook page on bls.gov.

Get Started Today

St. Louis offers a comprehensive educational environment for pursuing a Creative Writing degree, from established MFA programs and minors to a supportive network of literary organizations and official educational resources. With clear admission requirements and diverse career opportunities, aspiring writers are encouraged to explore and apply to the programs that best suit their creative ambitions. Contact a school today using the available inquiry forms to take the next step toward a future in creative writing.