MFA in Creative Writing
December 1 — MFA Round 1 applications due
January 15 — MFA Round 2 applications due
The MFA degree in Creative Writing provides a combination studio/academic course of study.
Students receive critical feedback on their poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction in writing workshops, scrutinize aspects of genre in special topics classes and investigate larger theoretical and historical contexts for creative work in literature, rhetoric, writing, and linguistics courses.
They have the opportunity to gain editorial experience by working with Grist: A Journal of the Literary Arts and participate in cultural outreach programs such as The Young Writers’ Institute.
The MFA program culminates in a creative thesis comprised of a book-length manuscript of original creative work.
Excellent financial support, including generous funds for travel and manuscript submission. The Graduate Students in English organization, area study groups, and other activities draw students together as an intellectual and social community with shared passions and aspirations.
How to Apply
Note: The GRE is optional. All applications will receive equal consideration, and applications will not be harmed by not including GRE scores.
For Consideration in Round 1 (no fee)
- Create a single PDF containing the following:
- creative writing sample of your choosing, consisting of no more than twenty-five pages of fiction or creative nonfiction, or fifteen poems;
- a statement of purpose/letter of intent including your name, phone, and email.
- Submit your application here (Google account required):
- applications open September 15 and close December 1;
- applicants who wish to be considered in multiple genres should send separate applications for each genre.
Notifications for Round 1 will be emailed by January 1. Applicants who are finalists will be invited to submit a full application through the Graduate School, including paying the application fee.
For Consideration in Round 2
A full application (including a $60) is due to the Graduate School by January 15.
This application will also include:
- Online Graduate School Application
- Statement of Purpose
- Transcripts for all colleges and universities previously attended
- Three letters of recommendation
- A critical writing sample of up to twenty pages with works cited
- A creative writing sample of up to twenty-five pages of fiction or creative nonfiction or fifteen poems
- Copies of GRE scores (OPTIONAL)
- NOTE: International students must submit TOEFL scores as required by the Graduate School.