Prospective Creative Writing Students

The M.F.A. program offers admission for study beginning Fall Semester 2013.
All application packets must be completed and postmarked by January 5, 2013.
Send application packets to:

Attn: Janis Schmier

Department of English

32 Campus Drive
Liberal Arts 133
University of Montana
Missoula, MT 59812-6120

The following components are sent directly to the Graduate School:  

1. Graduate School application form

2.$60 fee

3. GRE scores (code 4489)

The remaining components are sent directly to the Department of English:  

4. Goal Statement  (short 100-300 word essay of personal goals for graduate study)

5. Official transcripts of each institution listed on the front of the Graduate School application

6. Appropriate writing sample (see instructions below)

7. At least 3 confidential recommendations (see instructions below)   

8. Teaching Assistantship application with an expository writing sample, if you want to be considered.

9. If published, a list of publications.

Writing Sample Instructions:   

Label your writing sample Fiction, Nonfiction, or Poetry.       

• Fiction: 15-25 pages (two short stories, parts of a novel)
• Nonfiction: 15-25 pages (two nonfiction essays)                                                                                    
• Poetry: 15 pages                                                                                                                                            

The page numbers suggested are approximations, not a strict guideline.

If applying to more than one genre, applicants should apply to each specific genre by sending a separate writing sample and goal statement. The graduate school application, transcripts, letters of recommendation and TA application only need to be submitted once.

GRE Information:   

Take the GRE Test no later than December so scores will be available to us by mid-January of your application year. The requisite GRE code is 4489. If you have questions about GRE scores (TOEFL for International Students), please contact Kelly Speer at the Graduate School.

Letters of Recommendation:

Letters of recommendation may arrive by email from recommenders if you are using the online application process. If you prefer to send hard copies, recommendations should be sealed in separate envelopes and signed across the back by the recommenders or sent directly to the Dept. of English by recommenders. Either electronic or hard copy letters are acceptable. You do not need both.

If you have specific questions about the application process, contact:

Administrative Associate Janis Schmier at janis.schmier@mso.umt.edu. Janis can confirm receipt of your application after January 5, 2013. If you are not selected for the MFA program, we encourage you to apply again with new material in future years. Because selection of MFA candidates takes place in closed committee meetings of the creative writing faculty, we cannot address specific questions regarding why an applicant is not chosen. Nor do we offer critiques of applicants’ work.

If you have specific questions about the MFA Program, contact:

Judy Blunt
Director of Creative Writing

Department of English

32 Campus Drive

Liberal Arts 133
The University of Montana
Missoula, Montana 59812-6120

(406) 243-2275 or bluntj@mso.umt.edu