Creative Writing, M.F.A.

Additional Information

M.F.A. students follow the guidelines for a Plan A thesis. Only those courses in which a grade of B or better has been earned may be applied to the graduate program of study. All courses must be taken for a grade unless offered for S/U only. No graduate credit is allowed for grades S and U.

The cumulative GPA must be at least 3.000 to receive a degree. Courses below 4000-level will not count toward the degree nor will they be figured in the GPA, although they will appear on the transcript.

A minimum of four Workshops (CW 5560) and/or Creative Writing Seminars (CW 5540) must be taken. These may be in any combination to reach the four-course total, typically for a total of 12-16 credit hours. We require a cross-genre component in that mix of courses.

Requirements

• CW 5560  : Graduate Creative Writing Workshop (typically taken four times for a total of 12 credit hours.)
• Elective courses (typically taken for a total of 18 credit hours)
• ENGL 5900  - Practicum in College Teaching Credits: 1-3 taken in semesters teaching 1010, 1 credit per semester
• ENGL 5010  - Rhetoric and Composition: History, Theory, Practice Credits: 1-4 taken in the first semester teaching 1010, 3-4 credits (can be waived if a student has taken a comparable graduatelevel course in a prior program)
• Other electives: free to be taken in any UW program or department across campus
• Thesis Hours (5960): 4 credit hours

• Taken in the first semester teaching 1010 Credits / Units: 1–4

Total Credits: 36 Hours (Minimum)

Total credit hours must be a minimum of 36.

Program Specific Application Requirements

 In order to apply, please submit the following via the University of Wyoming’s online application system (http://www.uwyo.edu/admissions/apply.html):

• Transcripts from all previous college programs must be provided. Official transcripts should be sent directly from the schools you attended to the admissions office.

UW Admissions

1000 E University Ave Dept 3435

Laramie, WY 82071

• Statement of Purpose of approximately 500 words explaining why you wish to undertake graduate study in creative writing. (Be sure to discuss the kind of creative work or project you intend to pursue within the program.)
• Writing Sample representing your area of concentration. For prose, you may submit a maximum of 25 pages, numbered, typed, double-spaced. If you work in more than one area of primary concentration or a hybrid genre, please see our FAQs and contact us if you have further questions.
• Curriculum Vitae
• Three letters of recommendation requested through the online application portal. The recommender will receive an automated request to upload a letter for you.
• TOEFL test scores must be provided (for applicants from non-English speaking countries).  A minimum score of 540 on the written exam, 207 on the computerized exam, or 76 on the Internet-based test (TOEFL iBT)  is required for full admission.  TOEFL scores are valid for two years. OR Official IELTS scores sent to the Admissions Office.  A minimum score of 6.5 is required for full admission.

Note: We can accept letters of recommendation through document delivery services such as Interfolio. Please request the delivery be sent to cw@uwyo.edu rather than using the online application portal. We will upload your letters manually.

Class sizes are limited and the admission process is competitive. All your application materials must be received by our office by February 1st for consideration. We cannot offer feedback on writing samples, and all deliberations of the admissions committee are confidential. Questions? Send an email to cw@uwyo.edu.