A New Kind of MFA from Lesley University

Unite your talents in literary arts and visual media to craft stories that resonate across platforms with an MFA in Visual and Literary Arts.

Diversify Your Talents and Build Career-Ready Skills

Lesley University's new MFA in Visual and Literary Arts integrates creative writing and the visual arts, empowering students to craft compelling narratives that resonate across print, digital, and emerging media. This is where you deepen your practice through interdisciplinary work and gain professional experience in your field.

By studying these disciplines together, students graduate with the flexibility and diverse skill set needed to succeed in fast growing, multi-media careers.

Program Details

The decision to integrate our Art & Design MFA programs stemmed from conversations with students, industry professionals, and stakeholders, who all emphasized the importance of developing dual expertise in both writing and visual storytelling. Our new MFA is flexible, working with your schedule: a 60-credit, two-year degree that combines intensive 10-day residences on campus with semester-based remote project work.

Collaborate Across Fields

Coursework reflects the kinds of professional partnerships that are common in practice, like screenwriters with filmmakers or illustrators with authors. Having a firm grasp of both literary and the visual arts will build a portfolio of work and experience that sets you apart in the market.

Lifelong Support

Long after you graduate, Lesley provides resources to support your career development. You’ll continue to have access to world-class art labs including Lesley’s Alumni Artist Studio. We’re committed to your success at every stage of your career, offering continuing education, curated job fairs, and alumni cohorts that keep you connected.

Financial Aid for Graduate Students

Graduate study is an investment. That’s why we offer generous merit scholarships. Awards are based on your admissions application and are announced when you’re accepted.

Lesley's College of Art and Design is a member of the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD) and the university is accredited through the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).