Creative Writing, M.F.A.

Mission Statement

The College of Charleston’s MFA Program offers advanced degree training to students who wish to gain expertise in the writing of poetry and fiction. The program assumes that, as in music or the visual arts, the best education for the artist includes: training in the history and traditions associated with the student’s discipline, training in theoretical and formal approaches to the craft, and intensive peer and faculty feedback.

Program Description

The College of Charleston’s Master of Fine Arts Program offers advanced degree training to students who wish to gain expertise in the writing of poetry and fiction. As in music or the visual arts, the best education for the artist includes training in the history and traditions associated with the student’s discipline, training in theoretical and formal approaches to the craft, and intensive peer and faculty feedback.

Admissions Requirements

Institutional Requirements

• A completed application form with a nonrefundable application fee of $50.
• Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework. An earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required.
• International applicants should refer to the International Students area within the “Admissions Information”  section of the catalog for information on providing appropriate documentation with the application.

Program Requirements

• A Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher learning with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 2.500 on a 4.000 scale.
• A creative writing sample in the genre of application that demonstrates skill and promise for further development in the art. Fiction samples may include one short story, several short stories, or a section of a novel, and must not exceed 30 pages in length. Poets should send no more than 10 pages of poetry.
• A statement of purpose (300-500 words). Applicants should discuss: their writing style, as well as literary influences; how the College/program will support these goals; and what the applicant believes he or she will contribute to the program.
• Three letters of recommendation. Each referee should be as specific as possible in addressing the applicant’s motivation and ability to successfully complete a graduate degree.
• An official copy of scores from the general test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

Application Deadlines

• Fall: February 1
• Spring: No Spring Admission
• Summer: No Summer Admission

Transfer Credit Policy

No program specific guidelines. Please refer to the Graduate School’s transfer credit policy .

Program Requirements

• Creative Writing, M.F.A.  

Student Learning Outcomes

• Creative Writing M.F.A. (PDF)