Admission

The Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing Program admits students with a bachelor’s degree, usually in English but sometimes in other fields. An applicant to the M.F.A. program is admitted based on his or her academic record, three letters of recommendation from former teachers or others familiar with the applicant’s writing, a sample of the applicant’s creative writing (poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction), and a personal statement explaining what the applicant expects to accomplish in WVU’s M.F.A. Program as well as whether the applicant would like to be considered for a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) position and, if so, why the applicant would be a successful teacher. No teaching experience is necessary to become a GTA.

Non-native English speakers must present TOEFL scores of at least 550 for the written exam or at least 213 for the on-line version.

The graduate application deadline is January 15th.

Application Materials:

The following materials should be submitted through the University Graduate Application:

• Graduate Admission Application
• Writing Sample (10 to 15 pages of poetry; 20 to 30 pages of fiction; 20 to 30 pages of creative nonfiction)
• Personal Statement (500-750 words)
• Three Letters of Recommendation

In addition, applications require:

• We do not require or consider GRE scores.
  
• Applicants are encouraged to submit their application with unofficial transcripts from all previously attended institutions. Submitting unofficial transcripts speeds up the application review process as most graduate programs make admission decisions using unofficial transcripts. If you are offered acceptance, you are required to submit official transcripts from all previously attended institutions to be fully admitted into your intended graduate program. You will not be able to register for classes until the official transcripts are received. (https://graduateadmissions.wvu.edu/how-to-apply/apply-for-2020-2021/first-time-graduate-applicant)
• The preferred method to submit your official transcripts is through a secure, online service such as eScript, The National Clearing House, or Parchment, to graduateadmissions@mail.wvu.edu.   Alternatively, if you are unable to submit an electronic version of your official transcript, the physical, sealed, un-tampered with documents can be mailed to: WVU Graduate Admissions, P.O. Box 6510, Morgantown, WV 26506 OR WVU Graduate Admissions, 1 Waterfront Pl, 2nd Fl, Morgantown, WV 26501

For additional information about the M.F.A. Program, please contact Professor Mark Brazaitis, Coordinator of Creative Writing.

Email: mark.brazaitis@mail.wvu.edu