About Master’s Program,
Our creative writing M.F.A. allows students to focus on creative writing in a specific genre while also studying a broad and diverse range of literatures in English. This degree is not a studio degree. It offers students preparation for the following areas:
- Creative publication
- Expert teaching in creative writing and literature
- Leadership in communication for business, education, and arts organizations
- Advanced studies in literature and creative writing in a doctoral program.
Admission to our creative writing program is extremely competitive, with up to 20 new students across the two genres selected each year from the hundreds of applications received from around the world. The curriculum for M.F.A. students emphasizes creative writing and literary study.
The city of Houston offers a vibrant, multi-cultural backdrop for studying creative writing at the University of Houston. With a dynamic visual and performing arts scene, the Houston metropolitan area supplies a wealth of aesthetic materials.
Master’s Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
B.A. degree (for M.F.A.); 3.0 GPA in undergraduate studies (for M.F.A.)
The M.F.A. degree includes two stages. With the exception of Forms and Techniques (best completed early in the M.F.A. program) and the Master Workshop (completed toward the end of your degree), requirements may be fulfilled in the order that fits student’s schedule and needs.
Students are required to take 36 total hours of coursework, in addition to 6 hours of M.F.A. Thesis in the following distribution
For a complete list of degree requirements and procedures, current students may consult the M.F.A. Student Handbook by visiting the Graduate Student Sharepoint Site. Go to Academic Programs, Graduate Studies, Graduate Forms and Info.
Master’s Funding Coverage,
The Creative Writing Program works hard to provide financial support to all of its students. This year, the average financial package for incoming M.F.A. students was more than $90,000 over 3 years, including tuition remission. The average financial package for incoming Ph.D. students was more than $153,00 over 5 years, including tuition remission.
Teaching Assistantships
Through the Department of English, the Creative Writing Program (CWP) is pleased to be able to offer teaching assistantships to qualified applicants admitted to its M.F.A. and Ph.D. programs.
The English Department offers employment stipends for graduate assistantships. These generally require 20 hours per week of work supporting faculty instruction. For students who are not Texas residents, these assistantships provide eligibility for a waiver of the non-resident portion of program tuition.
For M.F.A. students the teaching load is 2/2 the first two years (which includes year 1 facilitation) and 2/1 the final year. Salary for first-year M.F.A.s is $18,235.89 for 9 months. For CWP Ph.D.s the teaching load is 2/2 the first four years (which includes year 1 facilitation) and 2/0 or 0/0 the final year. Salary for first-year Ph.D.s is $20,448.36 for 9 months.
Application Requirement,
Online application and application fee.
Three letters of recommendation from people who can assess your writing skills (often a former professor). Letters will be solicited by the UH Admissions Office and submitted electronically.
Unofficial transcripts (with degrees posted) may be uploaded with your online application. If you are accepted, you will need to send official academic transcripts (sealed in the issuing envelope) from every university or college you have attended. Official transcripts should be sent directly to the UH Graduate Admissions Office (University of Houston, Graduate Admissions, P.O. Box 3947, Houston, TX 77253-3947 or electronically to gradschool@uh.edu.)
An original creative manuscript (maximum 10 pages of poetry or 20 – 25 pages of fiction). Fiction manuscripts should be double-spaced, on numbered, single-sided pages: poetry can be single-spaced and formatted as desired. Note: Submitting more than the recommended amount is strongly discouraged and could adversely affect the evaluation process.
A critical manuscript (Ph.D. Candidates only). Provide a scholarly paper written for a literature course.
Your Statement of Intent. In 1,000 words or less, state why you wish to pursue graduate study in creative writing: which writers in your genre you are reading and their import to you and your work: and whether you have taught before and intend to pursue teaching as a career.
The University of Houston Graduate School requires demonstration of proficiency in English for all applicants, regardless of citizenship status. Please visit their website for a list of ways this requirement may be met.
Application Deadline,
Jan 15, 2025
Application Fee,
Application fees are $50 for domestic applicants, $80 for international applicants
