Writing - Nonfiction
The Writing: Nonfiction Master of Arts program at Columbia University is a two-year, full-time graduate degree dedicated to the art and craft of creative nonfiction. Designed for emerging writers seeking to refine their voice and develop original work, the program emphasizes narrative structure, voice, research, and revision within nonfiction genres such as memoir, personal essay, biography, literary journalism, and cultural criticism. Students are encouraged to explore new forms while engaging with the ethical and stylistic complexities of writing from real life.
Offered through Columbia’s School of the Arts, the program provides access to award-winning faculty, visiting writers, and a vibrant literary community in the heart of New York City. The curriculum combines writing workshops, literature seminars, and one-on-one faculty mentorship to support each student’s growth as a writer. With a focus on both artistic expression and editorial discipline, students leave the program with a polished manuscript and the professional tools to pursue publication, teaching, or advanced research. Columbia’s dynamic environment fosters creative risk-taking while grounding students in the literary traditions and critical thinking essential to lasting work.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Writing - Nonfiction
- Degree Type: Master of Arts
- Duration: 2 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 19 December 2025
- Location: Columbia University, United States
- Field of Study: Creative Writing
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Foundations in Voice and Form
- Nonfiction Writing Workshop I
- Forms of Nonfiction: Memoir and Essay
- Seminar in Narrative Ethics
- Reading as Writers: Literary Models
Semester 2 – Technique, Reflection, and Research
- Nonfiction Writing Workshop II
- Craft Seminar: Literary Journalism and Biography
- Research Methods for Writers
- Elective in Editing, Publishing, or Cross-Genre Practice
Semester 3 – Advanced Manuscript Development
- Nonfiction Writing Workshop III
- Seminar in Structure and Revision
- Literature Elective or Independent Study
- Publishing Strategies and the Writer’s Market
Semester 4 – Thesis and Professional Preparation
- Nonfiction Writing Workshop IV (Thesis)
- Capstone Project and Public Reading
- Portfolio and Career Planning
- Master Class with Visiting Nonfiction Authors
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program pursue careers as authors, journalists, editors, and content creators in a wide range of media and literary fields. Many publish essays, memoirs, biographies, or longform journalism in respected outlets, or secure book contracts with major publishing houses. Others work in magazine writing, documentary development, creative consulting, or cultural criticism, producing deeply researched and personally voiced content. Alumni also go on to roles in publishing, literary agencies, and higher education, where their advanced training in craft and critique informs both teaching and editorial work. Columbia’s literary network, public readings, and industry panels provide graduates with mentorship and pathways into the writing world.
Why Choose This Program
This program is ideal for writers who want to explore nonfiction as both a literary art and a powerful tool for truth-telling and personal voice. Columbia University’s Writing: Nonfiction MA offers an immersive, workshop-centered environment that prioritizes originality, discipline, and critical engagement with the world. Students are supported in developing their own projects while learning from acclaimed faculty and peers who bring diverse perspectives to the page. The program’s location in New York City provides direct access to publishers, editors, and literary events that can help launch and sustain a writing career. For those committed to crafting meaningful, lasting nonfiction, this degree offers the space, mentorship, and structure to grow with depth and confidence.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 212 854 1754
Email: admissions@columbia.edu
Address: University of Columbia, Admissions Office, New York, NY, United States
