About Master’s Program,
Our three-year M.F.A. degree offers tracks in Poetry and Fiction, and all students are fully and equally funded via GTA-ships of more than $25,000 per year. We encourage cross-genre experimentation, offer additional courses in creative nonfiction, playwriting, new media creative writing, and literary editing, and all students have the opportunity to teach creative writing and composition, as well as serve as editors of our literary journal, The New River Journal.
The M.F.A. in Creative Writing is designed to be completed in three years. Students may specialize in Fiction or Poetry. A minimum of 49 hours is required for this terminal degree. A series of creative writing workshops, courses in form and theory, new media writing, composition pedagogy, and literature and theory electives are designed for students wishing to pursue careers as writers or writer/scholars at the college level. Students also have the opportunity to work as editors on The New River: a Journal of Digital Writing and Art. A creative thesis, a written final exam, and an oral defense are required.
Master’s Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,  Â
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with minimum of 3.0 GPA
- TOEFL/ IELTS (For all non-U.S. citizens or non-U.S. permanent residents). Learn more about testing requirements.
Because the M.F.A. program does holistic admissions, we look at your writing sample first and foremost, in addition to your personal statement, recommendation letters, CV or resume, and everything else that’s sent to us. If your cumulative GPA is below a 3.0 in your most recent degree program, please contact the M.F.A. program director for additional information.
Master’s Funding Coverage,
The Department of English has a limited number of graduate assistantships and fellowships available for students applying for full time study on the Blacksburg Campus. Entering students can apply for such funding as part of their admissions application. No separate application required.
- All students equally and fully funded through Graduate Teaching Assistantships.
- GTA-ships include tuition remission, health insurance, and stipends of more than $25,000 per year for all three years of the program
Find out what loans are available as a graduate student and other opportunities.
Application Requirement,
Transcripts
Letters of Recommendation
Writing Sample
Personal Statement and Curriculum Vitae
Evidence of English Proficiency
Application Deadline,
Jan 21, 2025
Application Fee,
Degree-seeking students must include a $75 fee with their application,
