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Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing: Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

Online Application Form:Apply Now
Academic Requirements:
  1. 60 graded credit hours in English/Writing at the 500-level or above.
  2. At least 8 credit hours in WR 552 must be in genres other than your principal genre.
  3. WR 550 Residency: Generative Workshop is graded by Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory system.
  4. Post-Residency WR 552 Individualized Studies: Projects in Writing is devoted to polishing work begun during the Summer Residency.
  5. A minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA is required in all courses counting toward the degree.
  6. MFA Practicum should be planned before the second summer residency and implemented during the residency.
  7. Students wishing to pursue a third-year in another genre should expect to repeat their second-year curriculum in that other genre.
Transcripts:Provide official transcripts from all accredited educational institutions attended
Additional Requirements:
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Personal essay
  • Creative portfolio

Get in Touch

We are here to answer any questions you may have. Contact an enrollment counselor at 855-805-5399 or complete the request for information form and we will be in touch.

International Students

Create an account in the EOU Online system using your name and email address
Apply for admission by filling out the online application
Pay your $90 non-refundable application fee* online
Gather and submit the appropriate documentation

Please note that international students, both graduate and undergraduate, are required to meet the requirements of the EOU English Proficiency Policy.

*Graduate program applications may require additional fees.

Transfer Credit

The online MFA program accepts a maximum of 15 transfer credit hours. To learn more, contact an enrollment counselor at 855-805-5399.

Enrollment Level by Student’s Credit Hours

Student LevelFull timeHalf timeLess than half time
Undergraduate12 or more6-81-5
Post-baccalaureate12 or more6-81-5
Graduate9 or more5-61-4

Full time enrollment is defined as 12 credit hours per term for undergraduates, and 9 or more credit hours per term for graduate students.

Students who plan to attend half time should contact the financial aid office before the beginning of their term to have their aid revised.

When to Apply

Our MFA program begins each Summer. We are no longer accepting applications for the 2025-2026 MFA program.

Applications for our 2026-2027 MFA program will open on September 1, 2025. In the meantime, we are here to help answer any questions. Call 855-805-5399 or email us.

The Master of Fine Arts degree requires two types of admission: (a) Admission to Eastern Oregon University with “Graduate Student” status; and (b) Admission to the MFA program. Both applications should be submitted at the same time.