MFA – Program Application Requirements

M.F.A. in Creative Writing Application Requirements

For students applying for the dual M.A./M.F.A. degree program, Monmouth requires:

• A transcript showing evidence of a baccalaureate degree with a minimum 2.75 overall GPA and 15 or more credits in literature or a related field. At least one course in creative writing is strongly recommended.
• An application essay: 1,000 words describing your interest in creative writing, intent to continue study toward the M.F.A., what you hope to accomplish in the M.A./M.F.A. program, and how you think the program will fit into your academic and career goals.
• A creative writing sample: 15 – 20 pages of poetry, fiction, or creative non-fiction.
• Two letters of recommendation. Letters from current or former professors recommended; if these are unavailable, letters may be sought from current colleagues, or a current or recent supervisor.

Only students that have an overall graduate GPA of 3.25 at the completion of the M.A. in English Creative Writing program, and have been approved by the program director, will continue.

For current or former Monmouth University M.A. in English Creative Writing students applying to the third-year M.F.A. degree program, Monmouth requires:

• Possession of a master’s degree in English with a minimum 3.25 overall GPA, at least 12 credits in creative writing, and a creative thesis or equivalent.
• An application essay of 1,000 words describing your interest in creative writing, what your hope to accomplish in the program, and how you think the program will fit into your academic and career goals.
• A creative writing sample: 15 – 20 pages of poetry, fiction, or creative non-fiction.
• Two letters of recommendation. Letters from current or former professors recommended; if these are unavailable, letters may be sought from current colleagues, or a current or recent supervisor.
• Interview with the program director may be required.

For students applying to the 18-credit M.F.A. curriculum only, Monmouth requires:

• Possession of a master’s degree in English with a Creative Writing Concentration with a minimum 3.25 overall GPA

OR

• Possession of a non-creative writing master’s degree along with a Monmouth University Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing with a 3.25 overall GPA.
• An application essay of 1,000 words describing your interest in creative writing, what you hope to accomplish in the program, and how you think the program will fit into your academic and career goals.
• A creative writing sample: 15 – 20 pages of poetry, fiction, or creative non-fiction.
• Two letters of recommendation. Letters from current or former professors recommended; if these are unavailable, letters may be sought from current colleagues, or a current or recent supervisor.
• Interview with the program director may be required.

Graduate Creative Writing Certificate

• Possession of a baccalaureate degree with a minimum 2.75 overall GPA.
• Fifteen or more credits in literature or a related field and at least one course in creative writing are strongly recommended.
• An application essay of 1,000 words describing your interest in creative writing, what you hope to accomplish in the program, and how you think the program will fit into your academic and career goals.
• A creative writing sample: 15 – 20 pages of poetry, fiction, or creative non-fiction.
• Two letters of recommendation. Letters from current or former professors recommended; if these are unavailable, letters may be sought from current colleagues, or a current or recent supervisor.
• Pathway to the MFA: Students intending to obtain the MFA degree after completion of the Graduate Creative Writing Certificate may use 3 credits of Creative Writing designated with Course Type EN.CW from their Certificate toward the 18-credit MFA. Students must apply to the MFA program before the completion of the Certificate. The 3 dual-counting credits cannot be used toward any other degree, such as the MA in English.