As a writing instructor who’s spent years exploring top creative writing programs I can confidently say that NYU’s Creative Writing Program stands among the finest in the nation. Located in the heart of New York City’s vibrant literary scene this prestigious program has launched countless successful authors poets and screenwriters.
I’ve watched NYU’s program evolve into a powerhouse that combines rigorous academic training with real-world writing experience. The program’s faculty includes Pulitzer Prize winners National Book Award recipients and some of today’s most influential literary voices. Students benefit from intimate workshop settings where they can refine their craft while building valuable connections in the publishing world.
Key Takeaways
- NYU’s Creative Writing Program ranks among the top 10 nationwide, offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees with intensive workshops and academic study
- The program features award-winning faculty including Pulitzer Prize winners and National Book Award recipients, with notable instructors like Zadie Smith and Jonathan Safran Foer
- Students can pursue BA (36 credits) or MFA (32 credits) degrees with specializations in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction through small workshop settings
- Located in Greenwich Village, the program provides direct access to New York’s literary scene, publishing houses, and networking opportunities through various reading series and events
- The program boasts impressive career outcomes with 150+ published authors among alumni and strong industry connections to major publishers, literary agencies, and media companies
Overview of NYU’s Creative Writing Program
NYU’s Creative Writing Program operates within the College of Arts and Science, offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees. The program combines intensive writing workshops with rigorous academic study in literature and craft.
Program History and Prestige
The NYU Creative Writing Program launched in 1977 at 19 University Place. Throughout its 45-year history, the program has maintained its position in the top 10 creative writing programs nationwide, according to U.S. News & World Report rankings. The program expanded in 1984 to include both poetry and fiction tracks, establishing itself as a premier destination for aspiring writers.
| Year | Program Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1977 | Program Founded |
| 1984 | Added Poetry Track |
| 1996 | Lillian Vernon Creative Writers House Established |
| 2007 | Low-Residency MFA Launched |
Notable Faculty and Alumni
The program’s faculty includes Pulitzer Prize, National Book Award, and MacArthur Fellowship recipients. Notable current faculty members:
- Zadie Smith – Winner of the Orange Prize for Fiction
- Sharon Olds – Recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry
- Jonathan Safran Foer – Author of “Everything Is Illuminated”
- Anne Carson – MacArthur Fellowship recipient
Distinguished alumni include:
- Robin Coste Lewis – National Book Award winner
- Nicole Krauss – Bestselling author of “The History of Love”
- Darin Strauss – National Book Critics Circle Award winner
- Ocean Vuong – MacArthur Fellowship recipient
The program’s location in Greenwich Village positions students at the heart of New York’s literary scene, providing direct access to publishing houses, literary agencies and cultural venues.
Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Writing
The Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing at NYU provides students with comprehensive training in literary craft through a structured 36-credit curriculum. This program combines intensive writing workshops with literature courses to develop well-rounded writers.
Curriculum Requirements
The degree requirements include:
- 16 credits of creative writing workshops in fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction
- 12 credits of advanced literature courses focusing on contemporary authors
- 4 credits of craft courses examining specific elements of writing
- 4 credits of senior seminar culminating in a thesis project
Core courses incorporate:
- Contemporary World Literature
- Critical Analysis & Theory
- Digital Publishing & New Media
- Literary Magazine Production
Workshop Experience
NYU’s workshop structure creates an intimate learning environment with:
- 12 students maximum per workshop section
- Weekly peer manuscript reviews
- Individual faculty mentoring sessions
- Guest lectures from visiting writers
Workshop formats include:
- Round-table manuscript discussions
- Live writing exercises
- Public reading opportunities
- Editorial feedback sessions
The workshops focus on:
- Development of unique writing voice
- Mastery of narrative techniques
- Understanding of literary forms
- Professional manuscript preparation
- 4 advanced workshops in their chosen genre
- Cross-genre experimental sessions
- Collaborative writing projects
- Portfolio development workshops
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
NYU’s Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program delivers an intensive two-year curriculum designed for advanced literary artists. The program combines rigorous workshop experiences with deep literary study to develop professional-level writing expertise.
Program Structure
The MFA program requires 32 credits of coursework divided across four semesters. Students participate in:
- Four graduate writing workshops (16 credits) focusing on manuscript development
- Three literary seminars (12 credits) examining craft elements through close reading
- One craft course (4 credits) analyzing technical aspects of writing
- Two thesis consultations with faculty advisors during the final semester
Specialization Options
The MFA program offers three distinct concentrations:
- Poetry – Focuses on traditional forms, experimental verse, performance poetry
- Fiction – Covers novel writing, short stories, novellas
- Creative Nonfiction – Includes memoir, personal essays, literary journalism
Each concentration features:
- Dedicated faculty mentors specialized in the chosen genre
- Genre-specific craft seminars exploring form techniques
- Workshop groups limited to 8 students for focused feedback
- Cross-genre opportunities in elective courses
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Program Duration | 2 years |
| Total Credits Required | 32 |
| Workshop Size Limit | 8 students |
| Annual Acceptance Rate | 5% |
| Teaching Fellowships Available | 8-10 per year |
Literary Opportunities at NYU
NYU’s creative writing program offers extensive literary engagement opportunities through student publications, writing contests, and cultural events. These platforms create direct pathways for students to publish work and connect with established authors.
Literary Magazines and Publications
NYU houses several prestigious student-run literary magazines that showcase emerging voices. The Washington Square Review publishes biannually, featuring poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction from graduate students and established writers. Minetta Review, NYU’s oldest literary publication, accepts submissions across genres and includes visual art. West 10th serves as the undergraduate literary journal, providing publishing experience through editorial positions and submission opportunities. These publications maintain distribution partnerships with major bookstores in New York City, including McNally Jackson Books and The Strand.
Reading Series and Events
The NYU Creative Writing Program hosts the Friday Evening Reading Series at the Lillian Vernon Creative Writers House, featuring 28 events annually. Distinguished authors like Zadie Smith, Ocean Vuong, and Claudia Rankine have participated in craft talks and readings. The Emerging Writers Series spotlights MFA students alongside established writers every month. Additional events include:
- Poetry Forums featuring Pulitzer Prize-winning poets each semester
- Fiction workshops with visiting literary agents and editors
- Publishing panels with representatives from major New York publishing houses
- Student thesis readings held at local bookstores and cultural venues
- Cross-genre symposiums exploring intersections between literature and other art forms
Each event includes networking sessions, allowing students to build professional connections in the publishing industry. The Writers in New York summer program adds 12 specialized readings and workshops during June and July.
Student Life and Community
NYU’s Creative Writing Program cultivates a dynamic community where students connect through shared literary interests. The program’s location in Greenwich Village creates an immersive environment for aspiring writers to develop their craft alongside peers.
Writing Groups and Organizations
NYU hosts 15 active writing groups spanning various genres including fiction, poetry, screenwriting and literary translation. The Undergraduate Creative Writing Club meets weekly in the Lillian Vernon Creative Writers House, organizing peer workshops and collaborative writing sessions. Three major student-run organizations – Writers’ Block, Poetry Society and Prose & Cons – coordinate monthly open mic nights, writing competitions and literary festivals reaching 500+ attendees annually.
Campus Resources
The Bobst Library provides dedicated writing spaces with 24/7 access to over 50,000 literary works and digital manuscript archives. Students gain access to:
- Creative Writing Resource Center with specialized software for manuscript formatting
- 8 private writing rooms equipped with ergonomic workstations
- Digital media lab for audio/visual poetry projects
- Writers’ Studio offering one-on-one consultations with published authors
- Dedicated librarian for creative writing research assistance
- Print publishing facilities for chapbooks and literary magazines
The Writing Center employs 25 trained graduate tutors who conduct 3,000+ individual writing consultations each semester. Additional resources include recorded craft talks, publishing workshops and a digital archive of visiting writer seminars.
Career Preparation and Outcomes
NYU’s Creative Writing Program equips students with professional writing skills through industry immersion experiences. The program’s career-focused initiatives connect students with publishing professionals while developing their creative portfolios.
Industry Connections
The program maintains active partnerships with 75+ literary agencies, publishing houses, and media companies in New York City. Students gain direct access to industry professionals through:
- Monthly networking events featuring editors from Penguin Random House, HarperCollins & Simon & Schuster
- Internship placements at leading literary magazines like The Paris Review & The New Yorker
- One-on-one mentoring sessions with literary agents representing top agencies
- Publishing workshops led by acquisition editors & marketing directors
- Summer publishing institute programs offering hands-on experience in book production
Post-Graduate Success Stories
NYU Creative Writing graduates have achieved significant career milestones across various writing fields. Notable alumni accomplishments include:
| Achievement Category | Number of Alumni | Notable Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Published Authors | 150+ | Ocean Vuong, Nicole Krauss |
| Major Literary Awards | 45 | National Book Award, PEN/Faulkner |
| Editorial Positions | 85+ | The New York Times, The Atlantic |
| Literary Agents | 30+ | ICM Partners, Writers House |
| Screen/TV Writers | 40+ | HBO, Netflix Original Series |
- Top-tier publishing houses (Knopf, Little Brown)
- Leading literary magazines (Granta, Poetry Magazine)
- Digital media platforms (Medium, Substack)
- Television networks (AMC, Showtime)
- Independent presses & literary nonprofits
Conclusion
NYU’s Creative Writing Program stands as a beacon for aspiring writers looking to transform their passion into a successful career. I’ve found that the program’s blend of rigorous academic training exceptional faculty and prime location in New York City creates an unparalleled learning experience.
Whether you’re pursuing a BA or MFA the program offers more than just writing instruction – it’s a gateway to the publishing world. The intimate workshop settings combined with extensive networking opportunities and industry connections make NYU an ideal choice for serious writers.
I believe NYU’s track record of producing successful authors poets and screenwriters speaks volumes about the program’s effectiveness. For those ready to immerse themselves in a dynamic literary community while developing their craft NYU’s Creative Writing Program is a transformative choice.