Two adults sit in a classroom or studio setting, smiling and engaged in discussion. The man on the left wears a white t-shirt, jeans, and a black cap, holding a pencil and notebook. The woman on the right is dressed in a black top and jeans, also taking notes. Behind them, artwork or photographs are displayed on a beige wall panel. The setting appears informal and creative, suggesting a workshop or residency environment.

MFA in Visual and Literary Arts

student writing at desk

Today’s most compelling narratives often require a combination of strong literary skills and engaging visual design—skills that are increasingly valued in publishing, digital media, and the arts.

Lesley’s 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.

The decision to integrate Lesley’s Art & Design MFA programs stemmed from ongoing conversations with students, industry professionals, and stakeholders, all of whom emphasized the importance of developing dual expertise in both writing and visual storytelling. By uniting these disciplines, our new MFA provides students with the flexibility and breadth needed to craft powerful, resonant stories across multiple platforms and formats.

The MFA in Visual and Literary Arts is structured as a 60-credit, two-year degree and combines intensive 10-day residencies in Cambridge MA with semester-based remote project work. The program works on your schedule—emphasizing flexibility, collaboration, and individualized mentorship. 

Coursework emphasizes collaboration across disciplines, reflecting the kinds of professional partnerships common in the field—such as screenwriters with filmmakers or illustrators with authors. The program builds market-ready skills that translate directly to careers in multi-media communication, and other fast-growing creative sectors. Graduates leave with the agility, collaborative experience, and portfolio needed to succeed in a competitive marketplace.

Current students enrolled in our existing Master's programs will be able to complete their degrees under the original structures, ensuring a seamless transition.

Take the next step

Ready to begin your journey with Lesley? ​Share some basic information by filling out one of the forms below so that we can reach out to you with more information about our programs. Or, email admissions@lesley.edu to connect with a member of our admissions team.

Undergraduate Inquiry Form  |  Graduate Inquiry Form  |  Threshold Inquiry Form