Online MFA in Creative Writing: Program Overviews

A master's degree in creative writing prepares students for careers in writing as authors or writers. They explore a variety of writing styles so they can creatively express themselves.

Online Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

Through the online Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in creative writing program, students complete creative pieces of writing in many styles & genres, which are analyzed by fellow students & professors. The programs provide the opportunity for students to learn what editors & publishers are looking for in terms of voice, plot, characterization, rhythm, form & length. The goal is for students to create publishable work. Students gain practical experience in many genres so they can tailor their work & expertise to the style of writing they prefer.

In order to be accepted into one of the many online creative writing master's degree programs, students must have at least a bachelor's degree. Some programs also require that students have a portfolio of their work, which administrators can evaluate prior to acceptance.

Program Information & Requirements

Though some of the MFA in creative writing programs are available completely online, the majority of them have on-campus requirements as well. These are usually completed during a short time period, such as a week or a month, during which students attend intensive workshops. The program takes two years to complete, including the residency requirements. Online courses are accessed through Blackboard, or another educational server, which students use to access courses, interact with other students & complete assignments.

In addition to a computer & a reliable Internet connection, students also need to have certain computer software programs, such as Microsoft Office. Other programs, such as Adobe Flash & a media player, may also be required.

List of Common Master's Courses in Creative Writing

Online master's programs in creative writing don't have any general education requirements, but they do require that students publish work. Although most programs don't require that students complete an internship, students must attend on-campus workshops. These workshops are designed to further students' chances at publication, which is the ultimate goal of the programs.

Short Story Writing Course

This class covers the elements of a good short story. Students study short stories in order to identify techniques that could help them as they write their own. They learn how to develop characters, use dialogue & craft a plot that tells the story in a succinct but interesting fashion.

Poetry Composition & Critique Course

Students taking this course examine their own poetry to discover where they are succeeding & where they need work. They study published poetry & read texts to help them learn to express themselves poetically.

Fiction Writing Course

Students examine advanced principles in writing fictional stories, including different forms & ways to tell a story. This is often covered through workshops, where students share their work with others in order to discuss it & receive feedback.

Creative Nonfiction Course

This course covers techniques students can use to make their nonfiction writing more interesting to readers. Students use elements of fiction in personal essays, travel articles & book reviews.

Online Korean Language Programs & Courses

There are currently no online programs for studying the Korean language, nor is Korean commonly offered as a standalone degree major by a traditional college or university. However, some schools do offer supplemental online resources for those learning Korean as part of their East Asian studies or language & culture degree programs. Elementary through post-advanced coursework material is available.

Overview of Korean Language Programs & Courses

Typically, East Asian studies & language & culture programs are offered as bachelor's degrees, although in some instances the student can pursue a master's degree or doctorate in the subject. Korean, like many languages, is typically taught according to level of difficulty. Students with no former training begin at the basic or elementary level; as their understanding of the language increases, so does the complexity of the coursework. Those who successfully finish fourth or fifth year classes should be fully fluent in speaking, reading & writing Korean.

Program Information & Requirements

Bachelor's degrees in East Asian studies & similar language & culture programs typically take four years to complete; master's degrees generally require two years of full-time study. Other Korean language classes are offered online as part of a non-degree option, which allow students to study at their own pace. Students need a computer & Internet connection to access online components, which can include online lessons that utilize text, audio & graphics to help students become fluent in the Korean language. Resources that discuss Korean language, culture, art, history & philosophy may also be made available to interested students.

Common Course Descriptions

Korean language courses are offered at multiple levels of difficulty & generally require students to complete courses in consecutive order.

Elementary Korean Course

Also referred to as 'first-year Korean', this course is designed for those who have no prior background in the language. Students learn to read & write Hangul, the native Korean alphabet, & begin lessons in basic grammar & vocabulary. Towards the end of the course, curriculum focuses more on listening comprehension & conversational skills.

Intermediate Korean Course

This second-year course builds upon the writing, reading, listening & speaking skills attained during the elementary course. Students learn new words & expressions & develop an improved understanding of the language as a whole. Towards the completion of the course, students are expected to verbally engage in a lengthy dialogue with others on a variety of subject matters.

Advanced Korean Course

Students should have a solid comprehension of the Korean language prior to the start of the course. Advanced skills in speaking, reading, writing & listening are taught, with frequent exercises provided in each. At the end of the course, students should be nearly fully fluent in all aspects of the Korean language, able to talk at length, expressing thoughts & feelings on nearly any given topic.

Fourth/Fifth Year Korean Course

Various Korean writing styles & genres are the primary focus of this course; students read & interpret everything from native Korean newspaper clippings to novels. Cultural & societal topics are also introduced. Successful completion of the course should elevate the student's understanding of the language to approximately the same level as that of a native Korean-speaking adult.

Online Foreign Language Degree Program Options

Research online foreign language associate's & bachelor's degree programs. Get information about online courses, program requirements, career prospects & salary to make an informed decision about your education.

Overview of Online Associate's Degrees in Foreign Language

Students in online foreign language programs learn to speak a new language, a skill that's beneficial in many industries & occupations. A large majority of online foreign language degree programs focus on a particular language, such as German, French, Korean, Spanish or Chinese. These Associate of Arts degree programs also offer foundational coursework for students planning to pursue a bachelor's degree in a foreign language or a teaching degree.

Program Requirements

The number of credit hours needed to earn an associate's degree in a foreign language is usually around 60 & full-time students could complete one of these programs in two years. Because of the interactive nature of learning a foreign language, a limited number of fully online associate's degree programs exist; some online programs require some in-person instruction or testing. Class lectures & the dissemination of assignments typically occur through podcasts, chat rooms & discussion boards that a student can access with a computer & an Internet connection. Some courses may require a student to purchase textbooks, & this can be accomplished online or at the campus bookstore.

Common Coursework

Students pursuing an online associate's degree in a foreign language typically need to complete general education requirements as a part of their degree program. English, the arts, history, math & humanities are some of the courses that may be necessary to fulfill the degree requirements. Foreign language courses include instruction in speaking, reading & writing the selected language. Common course topics include:

Conversational Speaking

Through progressive levels of courses, students become proficient in speaking & understanding others who speak the foreign language of their choice. Skills in expression & proper pronunciation are emphasized.

Composition & Reading

Class work focuses on grammar, spelling & sentence structure in the writing process. Students also analyze fiction & non-fiction literature & gain insights about the culture.

Foreign Language for Professionals

Students gain professional interaction skills in their foreign language. Language & cultural issues in the industries of business, education, health & legal environments are discussed.