Applications and admissions
The Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing accepts applications every fall and spring. For admission to fall term, the priority deadline is March 1 and the final deadline is May 1. For admission to spring term, the priority deadline is September 1 and the final deadline is November 1. For additional information, extensions, or questions about the application process, please contact the Graduate Program Director, June Sylvester Saraceno, at jsylvestersaraceno@unr.edu.
In addition to your online application, please submit the following materials:
- Manuscript in your chosen genre. Manuscript guidelines are as follows:
- Poetry: 10 pages of poetry
- Fiction: 20-25 pages of fiction
- Nonfiction: 20-25 pages of nonfiction
- Writing for children and young adults. Any combination of:
- Picture books: 2-3 full manuscripts
- Middle-grade fiction or nonfiction: up to 25 pages
- Young adult fiction or nonfiction: up to 25 pages
- All manuscripts must be typed and double spaced, Times New Roman 12-point font
- Statement of purpose
- In three to five pages, discuss your creative writing background and influences, your writing goals for this program and the suitability of the low-residency model for your purposes.
- Two confidential letters of recommendation
- Letters of recommendation should come from a college-level instructor or mentor, a colleague, or a professional in the field (publisher, editor, workshop facilitator, or other), who can speak to your commitment to the literary arts and academic competencies. These letters should attest to your qualifications for independent study in a graduate context, as well as how successfully you would interact with others in peer critiques and workshops. You will input the names and emails for your recommendations into the application, recommendation requests are automatically generated.
- Official transcripts
Program fees
The low-residency MFA in creative writing is a five-semester program. The first four semesters, students enroll in 12 credits and the final semester students enroll in nine credits.
| Fee type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Room and Board (double occupancy) | $659 |
| Program Fee | $9,815.04 (817.92 per credit) |
| Total cost | $10,474.04 |
| Fee type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Room and Board (double occupancy) | $659 |
| Program Fee | $7,361.28 (817.92 per credit) |
| Total cost | $8,056.28 |
Room and board covers
- Double occupancy dorm room
- Daily breakfast in the cafeteria
Program fee covers
- Course credits
- Access to lectures and other events during residency
- Receptions, pizza nights and similar events
- Welcome dinner and graduation celebration
- Daily coffee and snacks
- Miscellaneous residency items (desk lamps, fans, etc.) as needed
Funding
The Low Residency MFA in Creative Writing program offers merit-based scholarships. All incoming students are considered for scholarships, which are awarded based on the writing sample.