About Master’s Program,
Since the 1960s, the University of Oregon Creative Writing MFA program has trained award-winning literary artists whose work has been published in widely respected publications around the globe. In our two-year residency program, MFA students concentrate in either poetry or fiction. Our coursework emphasizes the workshop, integrating concentrated time for writing with craft seminars and individualized reading tutorials.
Within our two-year residency program, MFA students concentrate in either poetry or fiction. Our coursework emphasizes the workshop, integrating concentrated time for writing with craft seminars and individualized reading tutorials.
Master’s Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
Our MFA students take 9-16 credit hours each term. A student’s schedule for each term usually consists of a workshop, a seminar, and a writing and conference tutorial (replaced by terminal creative project hours in the second year), although this can vary slightly depending on course availability. In addition, students seeking second-year funding take composition pedagogy courses through the Department of English during winter and/or spring term of their first year.
All work required for an MFA degree in creative writing from the UO must take place during the candidate’s enrollment in the program and under the supervision of its faculty. Revision of earlier work is discouraged unless it can be demonstrated that doing so will result in substantial enlargement and improvement of the original. That parts of a thesis have been published or accepted for publication by a journal or anthology is laudable but an entirely separate matter from faculty evaluation.
Master’s Funding Coverage,
The Creative Writing Program funds all incoming MFA students with a teaching appointment. These positions are not teaching assistantships (TAs) in which students teach discussion sections of a course taught by regular faculty; students are the “instructors of record” for all of these courses. Previous teaching experience is not required for these appointments; training is provided by the program. However, applicants will need to demonstrate their probable success as a first-time teacher through their application materials and letters of recommendation.
Student instructors (aka graduate employees, or GEs) receive tuition remission, monthly stipends (approximately $24,000 for the 2024-25 academic year), some fees, and health coverage.
- First-year funding: GEs in the Creative Writing Program teach either Introduction to Fiction, Introduction to Poetry, or a section of the Kidd Workshops.
- Second-year funding: During the second year, MFA candidates typically receive an appointment teaching English composition. To qualify, students must successfully complete a training program offered by the Department of English during their first year.
Other Financial Aid
Information about additional financial aid, such as student loans, grants, and work study, is available through the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. Inquire early, as many national deadlines are in February.
Application Requirement,
Personal Information and Academic History
Letters of Recommendation
Departmental Application
Personal Statement
Writing Sample
Payment
English Language Proficiency Requirement
Financial Verification and Visa Process
Official Transcript Requirement
Application Deadline,
Dec 15, 2025
Application Fee,
$70 for domestic applicants
$90 for international applicants
