How to Apply
The Master of Fine Arts program in creative writing at Minnesota State Mankato is a three-year, funded, and fully residential degree-granting graduate program that serves exceptionally talented writers from around the country—and the world—developing their work in the genres of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. In addition to the development of creative work, the MFA is a terminal degree that is valuable in related careers in publishing, teaching, entertainment, and more.
Applications to join the program beginning in the Fall semester are due by February 1st. A completed application will include:
- A writing sample consisting of 10 pages of poetry, or 20 pages of prose (fiction or creative nonfiction, clearly labeled). If the sample is an excerpt of a larger work, please include a brief contextualization.
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Official transcripts of a completed Bachelor's degree from an accredited university with a recommended 18 semester credits in literature, writing, and/or linguistics.
- Personal statement (2-3 pages) describing your background in reading and writing and your interest in and preparation for working in a graduate creative writing program.
- Updated resume/C.V.
Although many MFA program applications require GRE scores and letters of recommendation, we find these to be unnecessary barriers to a more vibrant and inclusive application pool. Please do not send either.
Graduate Assistantships
For funding opportunities, we strongly recommend filing an application for a Graduate Student Assistantship in addition to your application to the MFA program. Students who are selected for admission into the program AND a graduate assistantship are awarded a stipend and full tuition remission for up to 18 credits per academic year.
The English Department offers graduate teaching assistantships and at stipends of approximately $10,000 over two semesters.
Additional Requirements for International Applicants
If you're applying from outside the United States, please also include with your application:
- Minimum TOEFL iBT score of 80 or a minimum IELTS score of 6.5.
- Credential Evaluation prepared by a National Association of Credentials Evaluation Service member.
If you have questions about applying to the MFA program or about the program in general, feel free to reach out to our graduate coordinator, Chris McCormick, at chris.mccormick@mnsu.edu.
