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Where Can I Get Help Writing My Thesis Online?

You’ve spent years preparing for your master’s degree or PhD. You’ve read, studied and spent hours of time and energy writing papers. Now you’ve arrived at the culmination of all this effort: writing your thesis. There are plenty of compelling stories about the time and energy that students have spent drafting their dissertations and theses.

The good news is that you’re not alone. While you certainly don’t want to hire someone to write your thesis for you, which goes against most institution policies and puts your academic integrity at risk, you can get plenty of help with certain aspects of your thesis online. Whether you’re looking for a little guidance or extensive assistance, various services can make writing or editing your thesis go smoothly.

Dissertation Editor

One of the greatest challenges of writing your thesis can be juggling your family or job responsibilities with your studies. The time that writing takes can add another layer of obligation to your already-packed schedule. Dissertation Editor is a company whose founder is a PhD-educated writer and professor, and it promises to help you complete your thesis or dissertation on time and in compliance with your university’s rules and regulations.

Dissertation Editor’s primary function is to guide you along in the writing process and provide a helping hand in understanding everything you need to take care of. It places you with a writer who specializes in your area of study, and this individual can help you organize and analyze your research while making sure that your thesis fits your writing style and personality. This company also specializes in helping with any statistical analysis that you use in your thesis.

Thesis Helpers

If you’re concerned about using a service to help you write your thesis because you think it’ll be obvious that you hired help, don’t worry. Thesis Helpers puts its team of experienced writers to work for you to help you craft a thesis that finishes your degree on a high note. No matter what level of help you need, from narrowing down a topic to advanced editing and proofreading, they’re available to help.

The writers have advanced degrees in their areas of expertise, and one of the best things about Thesis Helpers is that it gives you ultimate say in the final product of your thesis. This company can help you with revisions and additional research, and you can rest assured that your thesis will meet anti-plagiarism standards.

Best Dissertation

Sometimes when you’re writing a thesis or dissertation, you can get stuck on one section or chapter. You may not need assistance writing the whole thing, but getting some help with the exact portion you’re struggling with can come in handy. That’s one of the strengths of using Best Dissertation . You don’t have to rely on it for help with your entire thesis if it’s not what you need.

Like most of the top thesis-assistance services, Best Dissertation employs writers with advanced degrees who specialize in various fields of study. What truly sets this company apart is the live support that it offers any time of the day or night. It claims to take the stress and strain out of writing your dissertation or thesis.

While some companies place a premium on helping you get your thesis written, others emphasize the editing and proofreading process. If you don’t need help with writing but need a hand with proofreading and editing, Scribbr is a good option for you. Its editors can help you get a grasp on the grammar and tone that are appropriate for academic writing.

Scribbr doesn’t just provide boilerplate feedback that you can find anywhere. It offers personalized feedback aimed at helping you become a better writer in the long run. You can even see examples of how its editors work by looking at the company’s website.

My Assignment Help

Writing a thesis has its own challenges that other academic writing simply doesn’t, which is why the team at My Assignment Help offers its particular brand of expertise. If you need assistance with a dissertation or thesis at the PhD or master’s level, its writers have the level of education and experience to help you write an expertly crafted and edited thesis.

My Assignment Help prides itself on hiring subject matter experts, meaning you can pair up with a helper who already has an advanced degree in your field. They understand the nuances of academic writing that are specific to your area of study, and they can provide advice on everything from making your abstract more unique to crafting a thought-provoking conclusion.

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The graduate school of arts & sciences: a hub of intellectual discovery.

Graduate education at Boston University draws on the strength of our faculty, research programs, and facilities, as well as the historical and cultural advantages of our Boston location. With a richly international student body and a faculty fully engaged at the frontiers of knowledge, Boston University’s Graduate School of Arts & Sciences is making serious contributions to the intellectual developments of our time.

Our emphasis is on the individual graduate student, beginning with the proper match among interests, programs, and faculty advisors and continuing with a sustained concern for the student’s development as a researcher, scholar, practitioner, teacher, and professional.  We welcome students of every background and viewpoint and strive to provide an environment that supports and encourages their valued contributions.  Our programs are designed to build a solid foundation for a successful future both here at Boston University, recognized as one of only 62 distinguished research universities in the United States and Canada by the Association of American Universities, and beyond.

The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences offers MFA programs in Creative Writing, Playwriting, and Literary Translation, and 30 PhD programs in the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. We invite you to explore the details, programs and requirements , and application deadlines for your program of interest.

Malika Jeffries-EL , Associate Dean of the Graduate School

Accreditations and Memberships

Boston University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.; is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU); is recognized by the University of the State of New York; and is a member of the following agencies: the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers; the American Council of Learned Societies; Universities Research Association; EDUCOM Interuniversity Communications Council; and the National Association of Schools and Colleges of the United Methodist Church.

The Department of Chemistry of the College of Arts & Sciences is accredited by the American Chemical Society; programs in clinical and counseling psychology in the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences are accredited by the American Psychological Association. The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences is a charter member of the Council of Graduate Schools of the United States.

Financial Aid for PhD Students      Financial Aid for MFA Students

Serving as a Teaching Fellow in the Learn from Anywhere format will likely look different than teaching experiences you have had in the past. GRS, in partnership with colleagues across the University are working to provide you with information about these changes to ensure you have a smooth transition into the L f A format.

The Center for Teaching and Learning

To help faculty and TFs during the transition to remote teaching and the Learn from Anywhere framework, CTL has compiled a number of resources available on their website including guides for remote teaching in STEM , Teaching remotely for Accessibility, Equity, & Inclusion , and many more. A comprehensive list of these guides can be found here:  http://www.bu.edu/ctl/continuity-of-teaching-resources/

On Campus Research

As of September 2021, BU Campus has fully returned to on-campus research. The Research Recovery Toolkit will provide details about conditions and restrictions.

University-Sponsored Travel

All University-sponsored domestic and international travel for GRS students for the academic year must be reviewed and approved by the Associate Dean of GRS. To apply for an exception, please complete the form below. Students whose international travel requests are approved by the Dean should consult with the University’s Global Travel Risk Assessment Committee (GTRAC). Please find additional information about this process here .

Boston University’s  International Travel Risk Policy  provides valuable information and tools for students, faculty, and staff members planning or contemplating international travel. Please consult the policy for:

• Guidance on how to  register  your international travel plans with Global Programs for planning and emergency support;
• Restrictions on travel to high-risk destinations for undergraduates; and
• Requirements and minimum standards for  insurance and emergency evacuation coverage

University-Sponsored Travel to High-Risk Destinations is not restricted, however, graduate students traveling to high-risk destinations and/or their sponsoring units are encouraged to seek advice from the GTRAC to develop steps to help mitigate risks.

University-Sponsored Travel Exception Request

GRS students who wish to be considered for an exception to the Policy Regarding University-Sponsored Travel must complete this form. You may be asked to complete additional documentation depending on the duration and location of your travel. Please contact the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences at [email protected] for more information.

• Student Name
• Department or Program
• International
• Dates of Proposed Travel
• Destination(s) (please indicate travel within states or host countries as well)
• Mode of transportation
• Description of Purpose of Travel Please provide a brief description of the purpose and necessity of travel to this particular location.

Financial Matters

Information regarding your PhD fellowship, cost of attendance, and additional options for funding can be found here .

Tax Information

Information regarding your stipend and taxes can be found here .

Health & Wellness Resources

While we strive to continue to provide you virtual resources for your coursework and research, we also want to support your overall well-being during this extremely challenging time. Here are some resources to take care of you .

Virtual Resources for Well-being

Headspace App for Mindfulness & Meditation

Behavioral Medicine’s Counseling & Support Groups

Sexual Assault Response & Prevention’s (SARP) Crisis Counseling

BU School of Public Health’s Calendar of Community Yoga & Meditation

Wellness & Prevention Services Support for Students in Recovery from Substance Use

Coffee & Conversation with the Howard Thurman Center

Group meetings & appointments with Chaplains through Marsh Chapel

Meditation, Shabbat services, and appointments with Rabbis at BU Hillel

Student Health Services’ Telehealth Medical Services and resources specific to COVID-19

FitRec’s Guide to Keep Moving Wherever You Are

Sargent Choice Nutrition Center’s Nutrition Counseling & Workshops

Resources for preserving mental health in times of social distancing from the American Psychological Association

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Boston University is committed to continuing to provide you resources to ensure your academic success during this evolving climate.

Degree Completion Delays

If issues resulting from COVID-19 (such as illness, travel restrictions, and/or BU policy) affects your capacity to make substantive degree progress this semester and you are concerned about the implications on the maximum   length of time to degree ,  please reach out to your program’s DGS and to GRS ( [email protected] ).

Students who face issues using online platforms to complete their work should contact the Office of Disability & Access Services . 

Virtual Resources for Academic Well-being

Professional Development & Postdoctoral Affairs has created a BU Doctoral Student Slack Workspace . Join to connect with your peers, receive writing support, and ask questions of the Grad Affairs team directly.

Educational Resource Center’s Peer-tutoring, writing assistance, & more

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General inquires regarding technology can be sent to [email protected]

Boston University continues to monitor public health and safety guidelines and will provide the university community information regarding graduation and commencement exercises once we are able to do so.

Following University policy, all dissertation defenses can continue to be held remotely. Please collaborate with your defense committee to find an appropriate solution.

All final approval pages for dissertations should be submitted electronically as a PDF to [email protected]. Digital signatures are acceptable using tools such as Adobe Reader.

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UMass Boston

• Creative Writing MFA

Further your commitment to writing as the center of your professional life.

Intensive study and practice of fiction and poetry writing with award-winning and nationally renowned faculty at the most diverse university in new england..

UMass Boston's Creative Writing MFA offers you an intense, 3-year program and focused opportunity to further your commitment to writing as the center of your professional life. Through a combination of mentoring by accomplished faculty in a series of creative writing workshops, courses focused on the study of literature offered through the English MA Program, and electives that include the practice of literary editing, the teaching of creative writing, documentary poetics, the art of memoir, and more—you will have the guidance to develop and shape your work to the full extent of your talent.

All accepted students receive funding. Graduate assistantships offer the opportunity to work with students as teaching assistants and fellows, or in editorial positions with one of our sponsors, including 826 Boston, Hanging Loose Press, Write on the Dot, Consequence Magazine, Breakwater Review, and Arrowsmith Press.

Career Possibilities

Pursue a career as a professional writer, publishing your work in literary journals, magazines. Work as an editor and collaborate with writers to refine their work and shape the final product for publication. These are just a few of the possibilities.

Become a(n):

• Writer/Author
• Literary Agent
• Writing Instructor/Professor

Start Your Application

Plan Your Education

How to apply.

Applicants must meet general graduate admission requirements in addition to the following program-specific requirements:

• A 3.0 GPA overall and in the student’s major
• Three substantive and detailed letters of recommendation, at least two from former teachers familiar with the applicant’s most recent academic and creative work
• A 3-5 page personal statement focusing on the role of the candidate’s reading life in his or her development as a writer. (Note: The general Graduate Admissions application refers to this as a statement of interests and intent. They are one and the same.)
• Applicants must indicate whether they are applying in FICTION or POETRY in their Statement of Purpose. If you want to apply in both genres, include one writing sample in FICTION and one in POETRY and indicate in the Statement of Purpose that the application is for both.
• A writing sample of 10 manuscript pages of poetry or 20 manuscript pages of fiction
• GREs are encouraged but not required

Deadlines & Cost

Deadlines: January 15 (priority) for fall. While rare, if space is available, we’ll happily consider applications until June 1 (final deadline).

Application Fee: The nonrefundable application fee is $75. UMass Boston alumni and current students that plan to complete degree requirements prior to graduate enrollment can submit the application without paying the application fee.

Program Cost Information: Bursar's website

Writing Workshops (24 Credits)

Complete one from below four times.

• CW 601 - MFA Poetry Workshop 6 Credit(s) or
• CW 602 - MFA Fiction Workshop 6 Credit(s)

Literature Courses (9 Credits)

Complete three graduate literature courses.

Electives (9 Credits)

Complete three from below.

• CW 605 - Memoir Workshop 3 Credit(s)
• CW 606 - Literary Editing and Publishing 3 Credit(s)
• CW 614 - The Teaching of Creative Writing 3 Credit(s)
• CW 675 - Creative Writing Internship 3 Credit(s)
• CW 697 - Special Topics in Creative Writing 1-6 Credit(s)

Students may elect courses offered by other graduate programs with approval from the graduate program director.

• ENGL 459 Seminar for Tutors may be taken for graduate credit (see Undergraduate Catalog)
• ENGL 675 - Reading and Writing Poetry 3 Credit(s)
• ENGL 676 - Reading and Writing Fiction 3 Credit(s)
• ENGL 681 - Advanced Workshop in Poetry 3 Credit(s)
• ENGL 682 - Advanced Workshop in Fiction 3 Credit(s)

Thesis Courses (6 Credits)

Complete the course below both semesters of the third year.

• CW 699 - MFA Thesis 3 Credit(s)

Graduation Criteria

Complete 48 credits from twelve courses including four writing workshops, three literature courses, three electives, and two semesters of thesis workshops.

The MFA degree requires six semesters of full-time study, with 9 credits required in each of the first four semesters, and 6 credits in the final two semesters, during which students will concentrate on completing a thesis in fiction or poetry under the direction of a faculty member. MFA workshops are limited to 12 students, and seminars are limited to 15. Students have the opportunity to interact with writers in our Global Voices Visiting Writer series (recent visitors have been Raquel Salas Rivera and Carole Maso), and work with visiting prose writers - recently these have included Jane Unrue, ZZ Packer, and Fanny Howe.

Capstone: Completion of an MFA thesis of 48 to 64 pages of poetry or 100 to 200 pages of fiction written under the supervision of a thesis advisor, reviewed by a thesis committee, and subject to a public defense.

Statute of limitations: Five years.

Contact & Faculty

Graduate Program Director John Fulton john.fulton [at] umb.edu (617) 287-6700

English & Creative Writing MFA Department englishmfaprogram [at] umb.edu (617) 287-6702

Fiction Faculty

John Fulton , Program Director & Associate Professor Askold Melnyczuk , Professor Eileen Pollack , Visiting Assistant Professor

Poetry Faculty

Jill McDonough , Professor Shangyang Fang , Associate Lecturer

English Department

Learn more about UMass Boston's English department, our programs, and our faculty.

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Creative Writing Graduate Programs in the Boston Area

1-4 of 4 results

Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Cambridge, MA •

Harvard University •

• • Rating 4.6 out of 5   10 reviews

Other: I am Harvard Extension School student pursuing a master degree, ALM, in sustainability. I have achieved a 3.89 in this program so far and have qualified, applied, and accepted as a 'Special Student' in the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Through this School, I will be focusing my time at the John A. Paulson school of Engineering & Applied Sciences. Looking forward to wrapping up my final year on campus! ... Read 10 reviews

Harvard University ,

Graduate School ,

CAMBRIDGE, MA ,

10 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.

Featured Review: Other says I am Harvard Extension School student pursuing a master degree, ALM, in sustainability. I have achieved a 3.89 in this program so far and have qualified, applied, and accepted as a 'Special Student'... .

Read 10 reviews.

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences - Boston University

Boston, MA •

Boston University •

Blue checkmark.

Boston University ,

BOSTON, MA ,

Graduate School of Arts and Social Sciences

Lesley University •

• • Rating 4.75 out of 5   4 reviews

Master's Student: Classes are challenging. The material covered sometimes feels beyond the scope of the class, yet appropriate to the specific module. Professors are responsive and generally provide great feedback. Classes are based off of a shell, so all students receive a very similar education even with different professors. ... Read 4 reviews

Lesley University ,

4 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Classes are challenging. The material covered sometimes feels beyond the scope of the class, yet appropriate to the specific module. Professors are responsive and generally provide great feedback.... .

Read 4 reviews.

Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering

Loyola Marymount University •

Graduate School •

LOS ANGELES, CA

Miami University

• • Rating 4.52 out of 5   23

Emerson College

• • Rating 4.7 out of 5   60
• • Rating 4.7 out of 5   60 reviews

Current Master's student: I recently got admitted into the Master of Speech Pathology program at Emerson College! I cannot be more excited for this opportunity. What makes Emerson better than other colleges is their wholistic view on applicants. Many programs often look at just gpa but fail to consider other areas in life that show you are capable to excel. Emerson gives you the opportunity to show your potential in other areas than just academics. ... Read 60 reviews

60 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.

Featured Review: Current Master's student says I recently got admitted into the Master of Speech Pathology program at Emerson College! I cannot be more excited for this opportunity. What makes Emerson better than other colleges is their wholistic... .

Read 60 reviews.

College of Business - University of La Verne

University of La Verne •

LA VERNE, CA

• • Rating 4.54 out of 5   13

College of Arts and Sciences - Suffolk University

Suffolk University •

Lam Family College of Business

San Francisco State University •

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

• • Rating 3.67 out of 5   3

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Department of English

Doctoral student Sahid Mondal's research considers postcolonialism, transnational and postnational studies, religion and secularity, and diasporic and migrant Muslim identities.

Doctorate in English (PhD)

Brandeis' English PhD degree program gathers a creative intellectual community for developing original research, writing and pedagogical projects. Founded in 1954, the program has long been distinguished by a culture of bold inquiry and dedicated mentoring. Our faculty hold research expertise in established and emerging fields, cutting across regions, languages, media, genres and theoretical concerns. Our students undertake research in every aspect of literary and English studies. We value diverse contributions to the humanities, innovative modes of scholarship, and interdisciplinary thought.

Why Brandeis?

The Brandeis Department of English is leading the way in the transformation of graduate education . As a small program, we are highly collaborative. In seminars, working and reading groups, pedagogical partnerships, and community-engaged projects, students discover new ways for literary and cultural study to matter. Curricula in public humanities and digital humanities put our work in conversation with many audiences, both in and beyond academia, as we promote the importance of scholarship to civic life. Our fourth-year, fully-stipended internship program has allowed students to work in translation, publishing, prison education, library special collections, university administration, and more. By assistant teaching and designing independent, original courses in writing and literature for Brandeis undergraduates, members of our program become experienced teachers.

Events and Opportunities

Our community benefits directly from Brandeis’ Mandel Center for the Humanities , which offers dynamic lecture series and workshops throughout the academic year. Brandeis is an active member of the Boston-area Consortium for Graduate Studies in Gender, Culture, Women, and Sexuality , which offers advanced seminars in specialized topics and research support. Located near Boston, Brandeis is convenient to dozens of museums, research libraries, archives, performance venues, and other valuable cultural resources. Brandeis Library’s own special collections in literature holds significant folios, manuscripts, and personal materials from literary history. Brandeis hosts the annual Novel Symposium and other significant academic conferences. Other major conferences are frequently held around Boston, a short train ride from campus.

Careers and Alumni

Our graduates have successfully pursued careers in academia and high schools, writing, non-profits, media, theater and business. For more information on alumni, visit our Recent Alums page .

• Undergraduate English Program
• Undergraduate Creative Writing Program
• Master of Arts in English
• Joint Master of Arts in English and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Director of Graduate Studies

Contact Professor John Plotz for more information about the program.

Professionalization Advisor

Contact Professor Ulka Anjaria or Professor Jerome Tharaud   to learn more about what you can do with your degree and to develop an individualized career plan.

Graduate Representatives

• Julia Baier (MA)
• Anik Chartrand (PhD)
• Savita Maharaj (PhD)

2024 Graduate Conference

March 18, 2024

This conference takes seriously what it means to write with - and about - care. How do we manifest care as a methodological and tangible practice in our work, livelihood, and subjectivity? How do we contest and resist capitalist and neoliberal agendas of the academic systems by embodying praxis of care? Finally, how does care expand the scope of the humanities to a broader audience? By exploring these and more questions, we hope to consider how care work might allow us to better foster kinship, alliances, and commitment to our various communities in and beyond the academy.

Keynote speaker: Dr. Ianna Hawkins Owen, Boston University

Visit the Conference Website

Recent News

The Department of English leads the way in transforming PhD programs to promote diverse career paths and a reimagined curriculum. 

The PhD program in English prepares students for a range of scholarly careers in English through a combination of literary studies with writing and rhetoric. In literary studies, we emphasize American literature, Transatlantic and Caribbean literature, Early Modern literature, and the study of gender and sexuality.

In The News

How Queer Comics Made Their Mark on History

Where Are All the Women in Early Modern English Literature?

Letters of Ignatius Sancho Offer Window To Life of Black Man in 18th Century London

In writing and rhetoric, we emphasize teaching and assessing writing, community engagement, diversity and identity, and empirical research methodologies. We also have exceptional offerings in the digital humanities, including digital archiving, network analysis, digital editing and encoding, geospatial analysis, and text mining.

Students in the PhD program in English undertake a program of study designed to train them to be productive scholars, teachers, and leaders in their chosen fields. In coursework, students read and analyze the important texts, current issues, and critical methodologies of the discipline. Drawing on the breadth of this preparation, students demonstrate their ability to recognize and produce scholarly arguments in designing the three comprehensive field papers in areas of scholarly interest and competence corresponding to recognized and emerging fields of study. Finally, the dissertation provides an opportunity for designing a focused research project in consultation with a dissertation advisor.

Throughout the program, faculty work closely with doctoral students to develop their scholarly and professional identities in preparation for careers in academia. As students complete their studies, the department offers strong support for the academic job search, including workshops on stages from dissertation writing to the job market itself, individual advising, mock interviews, and a departmental dossier service.

Learn more about this PhD program in English from the College of Social Sciences and Humanities .

• All doctoral students receive full five- or six-year teaching fellowship funding
• Opportunities for involvement in research and teaching in centers including the NULab for Texts, Maps, and Networks; the Writing Center; the Digital Scholarship Group; and the Humanities Center as well as with individual faculty
• The department focuses particularly on the fields of American Literature; Transatlantic and Caribbean Studies; Digital Humanities; and Writing and Rhetoric

We have a high rate of placement for students conducting both local and national job searches. Our graduates have obtained tenure-track positions at four-year colleges and universities across the country and abroad, including: Columbia College (Chicago); the Florida Institute of Technology; Frankiln Pierce University; McKendree University; Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts; Middle Tennessee State University; the National Technical University, Norway; Oberlin College; Park University (Missouri); Providence College; Sterling College; Rhode Island College; Wesleyan College (Georgia); and the University of Puerto Rico. Other full-time placements include positions in departments of English and in writing programs at the American University of Dubai; the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; the University of Southern California; and Wheelock College (Boston). Tenure-track placements at two-year colleges include Bristol CC, Queensborough CC, and Quincy College.

Application Materials

Application.

• Application fee – US $100
• Personal statement
• Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended
• English proficiency for international applicants
• Three letters of recommendation
• Scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) – Optional
• Writing sample

Admissions deadline for Fall term: December 1

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Is the GRE test required for admission?

No. We no longer require nor recommend the GRE or any other standardized test for admission, and we do not weigh any scores submitted.

Does the Ph.D. admissions committee consider applications from applicants without a B.A. or M.A. in English?

Yes. We expect either a degree in English or a closely related field, or else 6 courses in English or a closely related field.

Does the Ph.D. program in English at Boston College accept students who do not have a Master's Degree?

Students arrive in our doctoral program with A.B.'s, B.A.'s, and Master's degrees. A M.A. is not required.

If I do have a Master's degree, will I receive credit for my past work?

Since we don't have a "credit based" program for our doctorate in English, you aren't transferring course work. But having a solid background of graduate courses will enable you to move more quickly, perhaps, towards planning your sequence of oral examinations. If you have taken a course in Composition Theory or the teaching of Writing, that will normally allow you to not take our required course. And of course foreign language tests are credited towards your requirement here. Usually one language is transferable.

How can I apply to both the Ph.D. and the M.A. program? Are rejected Ph.D. applicants automatically considered for the M.A.?

Students who apply to the Ph.D. program who do not already have an M.A. are automatically considered for the M.A. program as well.

Does the Ph.D. program accept M.A. candidates from Boston College itself, and are they given any special preference?

We of course welcome M.A. applicants from our own program, and several have enrolled in recent years. But all applicants are placed in the same pool for admissions purposes.

What kinds of foreign language preparation are necessary for admission?

Since students do need to pass language examinations or complete translation courses here at B.C., strong language preparation is highly recommended.

Does the Ph.D. program in English accept students who intend to concentrate in Creative Writing?

No, while we have many excellent faculty members who are creative writers, and occasionally offer workshops in this area, we do not offer a Creative Writing concentration.

What is a good form for the writing sample?

We much prefer having a critical, interpretive essay. If you must submit a portion of your M.A. or undergraduate thesis, please keep the length under 20 pages, and offer a page or paragraph which puts the sample in context.

When are admissions decisions made?

We try to make decisions about the doctoral program by the first week of March. Admitted students then have until mid-April to make their decision whether or not to enroll. Thus, the wait list process extends through mid-April, and sometimes shortly beyond that. We do our best to keep everyone informed of their status.

When is your application deadline, and how can I acquire an application form?

The application deadline for the Ph.D. program is January 2. Application forms should be accompanied by a personal statement, a writing sample (a critical essay) of not more than 20 pages, transcripts and three letters of recommendation, preferably from teachers who know the applicant's work. Requests for application to the graduate program should be sent to the  Graduate School of the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences  at  gsasinfo@bc.edu . Alternatively, you can write to the following address:

Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Admissions Office 140 Commonwealth Ave. Gasson Hall 108 Chestnut Hill, Mass. 02460

How many applicants does your program receive, and how many are accepted?

We received around 100-150 applications per year, and we aim to matriculate a class of 3-5 candidates.

Are supplementary forms of financial support available?

Yes, in addition to the stipend, guaranteed for five years, the department and various other units across campus offer graduate assistantships and research assistantships by application. The graduate school and the Irish Studies program offer sixth-year (or beyond) funding on a competitive basis at the same level of support as the stipend for years 1-5. The Clough Center for the Study of Constitutional Democracy also offers short-term and long-term doctoral fellowships that can supplement income.

Is your program full-time or part-time?

Most candidates complete the program via full-time study; the funding structure presumes full-time study. However, part-time arrangements are possible.

What is your placement record?

We have had success placing a large majority of graduates into full-time academic work. Others have pursued fulfilling careers in related sectors such as library science and publishing. Our placement record going back many years is published here .

Who should I contact to learn more about the program?

Contact the program director, Eric Weiskott .

English Department Stokes Hall South, 4th floor

617-552-3708

January and Spring Term 2024 course registration is now open!

Creative Writing and Literature Master’s Degree Program

Online Courses

11 out of 12 total courses

On-Campus Experience

One 1- or 3-week residency in summer

$3,220 per course

Unlock your creative potential and hone your unique voice.

Build a strong foundation in literary criticism and writing across multiple genres — including fiction, nonfiction, and drama — in our live online writing and literature program with an in-person writer’s residency at Harvard.

Program Overview

Through the master’s degree in creative writing and literature, you’ll hone your skills as a storyteller — crafting publishable original scripts, novels, and stories.

In small, workshop-style classes, you’ll master key elements of narrative craft, including characterization, story and plot structure, point of view, dialogue, and description. And you’ll learn to approach literary works as both a writer and scholar by developing skills in critical analysis.

Program Benefits

Instructors who are published authors of drama, fiction, and nonfiction

A community of writers who support your growth in live online classes

Writer's residency with agent & editor networking opportunities

Personalized academic and career advising

Thesis or capstone options that lead to publishable creative work

Harvard Alumni Association membership upon graduation

Customizable Course Curriculum

As you work through the program’s courses, you’ll enhance your creative writing skills and knowledge of literary concepts and strategies. You’ll practice the art of revision to hone your voice as a writer in courses like Writing the Short Personal Essay and Writing Flash Fiction.

Within the creative writing and literature program, you will choose between a thesis or capstone track. You’ll also experience the convenience of online learning and the immersive benefits of learning in person.

11 Online Courses

• Primarily synchronous
• Fall, spring, January, and summer options

Writer’s Residency

A 1- or 3-week summer master class taught by a notable instructor, followed by an agents-and-editors weekend

Thesis or Capstone Track

• Thesis: features a 9-month independent creative project with a faculty advisor
• Capstone: includes crafting a fiction or nonfiction manuscript in a classroom community

The path to your degree begins before you apply to the program.

First, you’ll register for and complete 2 required courses, earning at least a B in each. These foundational courses are investments in your studies and count toward your degree, helping ensure success in the program.

Getting Started

We invite you to explore degree requirements, confirm your initial eligibility, and learn more about our unique “earn your way in” admissions process.

A Faculty of Creative Writing Experts

Studying at Harvard Extension School means learning from the world’s best. Our instructors are renowned academics in literary analysis, storytelling, manuscript writing, and more. They bring a genuine passion for teaching, with students giving our faculty an average rating of 4.7 out of 5.

Bryan Delaney

Playwright and Screenwriter

Talaya Adrienne Delaney

Lecturer in Extension, Harvard University

Elisabeth Sharp McKetta

Our community at a glance.

80% of our creative writing and literature students are enrolled in our master’s degree program for either personal enrichment or to make a career change. Most (74%) are employed full time while pursuing their degree and work across a variety of industries.

Download: Creative Writing & Literature Master's Degree Fact Sheet

Average Age

Course Taken Each Semester

Work Full Time

Would Recommend the Program

Professional Experience in the Field

Pursued for Personal Enrichment

Career Opportunities & Alumni Outcomes

Graduates of our Creative Writing and Literature Master’s Program have writing, research, and communication jobs in the fields of publishing, advertising/marketing, fundraising, secondary and higher education, and more.

Some alumni continue their educational journeys and pursue further studies in other nationally ranked degree programs, including those at Boston University, Brandeis University, University of Pennsylvania, and Cambridge University.

Our alumni hold titles as:

• Marketing Manager
• Director of Publishing
• Senior Research Writer

Our alumni work at a variety of leading organizations, including:

• Little, Brown & Company
• New York University (NYU)
• Bentley Publishers

Career Advising and Mentorship

Whatever your career goals, we’re here to support you. Harvard’s Mignone Center for Career Success offers career advising, employment opportunities, Harvard alumni mentor connections, and career fairs like the annual on-campus Harvard Humanities, Media, Marketing, and Creative Careers Expo.

Your Harvard University Degree

Upon successful completion of the required curriculum, you will earn the Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, Field: Creative Writing and Literature.

Expand Your Connections: the Harvard Alumni Network

As a graduate, you’ll become a member of the worldwide Harvard Alumni Association (400,000+ members) and Harvard Extension Alumni Association (29,000+ members).

Harvard is closer than one might think. You can be anywhere and still be part of this world.

Read Julia Antuerpem's Story

Tuition & Financial Aid

Affordability is core to our mission. When compared to our continuing education peers, it’s a fraction of the cost.

After admission, you may qualify for financial aid . Typically, eligible students receive grant funds to cover a portion of tuition costs each term, in addition to federal financial aid options.

What can you do with a master’s degree in creative writing and literature?

A master’s degree in creative writing and literature prepares you for a variety of career paths in writing, literature, and communication — it’s up to you to decide where your interests will take you.

You could become a professional writer, editor, literary agent, marketing copywriter, or communications specialist.

You could also go the academic route and bring your knowledge to the classroom to teach creative writing or literature courses.

Is a degree in creative writing and literature worth it?

The value you find in our Creative Writing and Literature Master’s Degree Program will depend on your unique goals, interests, and circumstances.

The curriculum provides a range of courses that allow you to graduate with knowledge and skills transferable to various industries and careers.

How long does completing the creative writing and literature graduate program take?

Program length is ordinarily anywhere between 2 and 5 years. It depends on your preferred pace and the number of courses you want to take each semester.

For an accelerated journey, we offer year round study, where you can take courses in fall, January, spring, and summer.

While we don’t require you to register for a certain number of courses each semester, you cannot take longer than 5 years to complete the degree.

What skills do you need prior to applying for the creative writing and literature degree program?

Harvard Extension School does not require any specific skills prior to applying, but in general, it’s helpful to have solid reading, writing, communication, and critical thinking skills if you are considering a creative writing and literature master’s degree.

Initial eligibility requirements can be found on our creative writing and literature master’s degree requirements page .

Harvard Division of Continuing Education

The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) at Harvard University is dedicated to bringing rigorous academics and innovative teaching capabilities to those seeking to improve their lives through education. We make Harvard education accessible to lifelong learners from high school to retirement.

PhD in English

The English Department offers small graduate seminars in a variety of fields and topics each term. Students may also take approved courses in other Tufts departments, as well as enroll in classes in a consortium of schools that includes Boston College, Boston University, and Brandeis University, and in the interdisciplinary Consortium for Graduate Studies in Gender, Culture, Women, and Sexuality (GCWS) located at MIT. After undergoing supervised training to help them master the necessary skills, our PhD students gain valuable teaching experience, designing and offering their own courses as Graduate Instructors in Tufts' First-Year Writing Program. The Experimental College and the OSHER Program for Lifelong Learning provide additional opportunities for students to design and teach courses at Tufts. The strong training in pedagogy that the department provides and the experience our students gain as classroom instructors prepares our PhD candidates well for a competitive job market. Our recent PhD recipients have secured faculty positions, including on the tenure-track, as well as other academic positions, such as directing a writing center and in college and independent school administration. Our students have also been successful in winning prestigious post-doctoral fellowships, including multi-year teaching fellowships.

Program Requirements and Policies

Students entering with a BA will normally be evaluated and receive their MA after two years of classes.

Foreign Language Requirements

Students must demonstrate reading knowledge in  one approved foreign language  to receive a PhD in English at Tufts. Satisfaction of the Foreign Language Requirement should occur by the end of the third year, and may be completed by examination, by course, or any combination of the two. Graduate students may satisfy the language requirement by passing a two-hour examination in a foreign language. Exams are coordinated through the Office of the Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and are offered in September, January and April each year. Contact the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences  to make arrangements for taking an exam.  Native speakers of a language other than English may petition to waive the requirement by affirming that the language in question is relevant to their proposed area of doctoral study and by submitting relevant transcripts. Passing a course in "Reading Knowledge" will also be accepted as fulfillment of the foreign language requirement. Tufts offers two such courses, "French for Reading Knowledge" and "German for Reading Knowledge," which are only available during Summer Session. Boston University makes similar courses available to Tufts students during the academic year. Students may also present appropriate evidence of competence achieved in a foreign language in another graduate program.

Oral Examinations

During the semester after coursework is complete, students study for and take a two-hour oral comprehensive examination. No standardized list of texts is issued for this examination. Each student selects six fields from those below for which they will generate a set of works in consultation with faculty for the examination. One of the six fields may be a "special topic," which students design in collaboration with a member of the faculty.

• Old English Literature
• Medieval Literature
• Sixteenth-Century English Literature
• Seventeenth-Century British Literature
• Eighteenth-Century British Literature
• American Literature Before 1820
• Nineteenth-Century British Literature
• Nineteenth-Century American Literature
• Twentieth-Century British Literature or Twentieth-Century British and Irish Literature
• Twentieth-Century American Literature
• Twentieth and Twenty-First Century Global Anglophone Literature (other than British or North American)
• Twenty-First Century Transatlantic (British, Irish, and American) Literatures
• Literary-Critical Theory
• Special Topic