Creative Writing

The University of Miami’s MFA Program offers a fully funded, two-year course of study in the writing of poetry, fiction, or cross-genre literature while providing substantial training in the teaching of creative writing and composition. Our program features an optional third year of funding during which graduate students focus on professional development and publication as they continue to teach undergraduate writing courses. The program features a broad multilingual focus in a vibrant, multicultural city unlike any other. Enrollment is kept deliberately small to maximize student-teacher interaction, and faculty at UM are supportive of the linguistic and cultural differences that writers bring to their art.

• Semester 1:  workshop (3 credits), forms course (3 credits), and literature or other elective course (3 credits) (for TAs: ENG 691, plus Writing Center hours)
• Semester 2:  workshop (3 credits), forms course (3 credits), and literature or other elective course (3 credits) (for all students: Creative Writing Teaching Practicum, ENG 209, plus Writing Center hours for TAs)
• Semester 3:  workshop (3 credits), thesis (3 credits), forms course (3 credits) (for TAs: teach the composition class ENG 105)
• Semester 4:  workshop (3 credits), thesis (3 credits), forms course (3 credits) (for TAs: teach ENG 209, Introduction to Creative Writing)

Writing Sample

Upload a writing sample of fiction or poetry.  Up to thirty pages in fiction or twelve pages in poetry.  The committee reads the sample writing with great interest so submit work that reflects your best work. No manuscripts can be returned, and applicants should retain copies of all work submitted.

Statement

The statement of purpose gives the committee a sense of the writer or poet’s intentions and how they hope to meet them within our program. This statement isn’t just about why you want to be a writer, but how being in a community of writers and working with faculty and your peers will help you develop your life as a writer or poet. Next to the writing sample, this statement is of greatest interest to the committee.

Three Letters of Recommendation

Submit three letters of recommendation from persons who can speak to the applicant’s potential as a writer and a student. 

Official Transcripts

Please request official transcripts of all academic work to be sent to:

M. Evelina Galang
Director of Creative Writing
Department of English
University of Miami
P.O. Box 248145
Coral Gables FL 33124

All graduate applicants who have attended a college or university outside of the United States must submit official transcripts and diplomas for evaluation. International Transcripts and Diplomas

GPA

While it is recommended that applicants have an undergraduate major in English, the program does not discourage applicants from other undergraduate disciplines. Regardless of their undergraduate major, applicants should have a 3.2 grade-point average on a 4.00 scale.

GRE

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores of 300 and above from the general aptitude section.

Scholarships

The James Michener Fellowships and Teaching Assistantships support all our graduate students. Awards include a full tuition waiver and annual stipend of $15,965. MFA candidates teach one section of Introduction to Creative Writing per semester during their second year in the program or one section each of Creative Writing and Composition.