Invest in Yourself: A Northwestern MFA Alum on Writing and Growth

As we look ahead in 2026, Ryan Rivera ’25 reflects on his experience in Northwestern’s MFA in Prose and Poetry and how committing to your creative practice can be transformative.

For Ryan, returning to writing meant investing in himself. Through a supportive creative community and a flexible structure, the MFA program helped him strengthen his craft and make space for what mattered most. “The program didn’t just make me a better writer—it made me a better person,” says Rivera.

Northwestern University’s part-time MFA in Prose and Poetry is designed for writers balancing careers, life commitments, and creative ambition. The program provides students the opportunity to grow as artists within the specializations of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and publishing and professional development. 

 If you’re considering a graduate creative writing program built for working professionals, learn how Northwestern’s MFA in Prose and Poetry can support long-term creative growth without putting the rest of your life on hold. Fill out the form below and we will be in touch with you soon.