Admission
Candidates for admission to the MA and MFA programs must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution and a strong academic record, preferably in English, writing, or related fields. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required, although strong scores bolster an application. The application and admission requirements are identical for MA, professional graduate series, and non-degree special students. In evaluating MFA applicants, the admissions committee will look for evidence of the ability to create a more sustained final project, for interest in an interdisciplinary program, and for interest in learning how to teach. Visiting scholars, who earn no University credit, complete a shorter application.
Duration
The MA program can be completed in two years and the MFA in 3-4 years of uninterrupted part-time study.
Tuition
Tuition information can be found on the tuition page.
For detailed application, admissions, tuition, and administrative information, see Frequently
Asked Questions.
Preparation Options
Both the MA and MFA are graduate-level programs and prior formal writing training is expected of all applicants. Applicants without formal training in creative writing are encouraged to consider taking an advanced writing workshop at the undergraduate level before applying to a graduate program. This educational experience provides the opportunity to develop a stronger writing portfolio and command of the fundamentals of the craft. More information on SCS undergraduate workshops is available at www.scs.northwestern.edu/courses.
Application Checklist
Application
Supplemental Materials *
- One copy of sealed official transcripts of all previous
college or university work
- Two letters of recommendation focusing on academic achievement
and writing ability
- Statement of purpose (see below)
- Four copies of a 20-page writing portfolio in the selected
genre of study (see below)
- Four copies of a brief (5–10 pages) critical essay
on a major author or work of fiction, creative nonfiction,
or poetry (see below)
- (optional) A separate written description of any additional
study or experience in creative writing
- Current résumé or curriculum vitae
* If you are a graduate of the School of Continuing Studies M.A. in Creative Writing program, you only need to submit your offiicial SCS transcript, one letter of recommendation, a Statement of purpose, and four copies of a 20-page writing portfolio in the selected genre of study.
Statement of Purpose
Applicants must submit a 300-word statement of purpose explaining how the degree program will help them meet their academic goals. Applicants who did not major in English or a closely related field should explain how other experiences, academic and nonacademic, have prepared them to undertake graduate study in creative writing.
Writing Portfolio and Literary Criticism Paper
Applicants must supply a sample of writing in the genre of study (creative nonfiction, fiction, or poetry) selected on the application for admission. The portfolio should consist of one or more works totaling approximately 20 typed, double-spaced pages of prose, 15-20 pages of poetry, or the equivalent in published work. The quality of the writing portfolio is the primary (though not exclusive) basis on which admissions decisions are based. Applicants also must submit a brief critical paper demonstrating the ability to evaluate and analyze literature.
Visiting
Scholars
(Students applying as visiting scholars
need only complete the application items in this section)
- Completed
application ( PDF Format )
- A nonrefundable application fee of $75
- One sealed copy of official transcripts of all previous
college or university work
- Four copies of a 20-page writing portfolio in the selected
genre of study
For More Admissions Information
Please see the Frequently
Asked Questions for additional information related to admission.
If you have any questions, please call 312-503-1083 for assistance.
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