MFA Creative Writing at University of Colorado Boulder

Programme overview

The MFA in Creative Writing is a three-year programme that values literary study, innovation and writing that tests the limits of conventional forms. Graduates have become published authors of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, plays and screenplays, as well as journalists, editors, publishers and teachers. It culminates in a creative thesis in poetry or fiction submitted and defended orally.

Faculty: College of Arts and Sciences | Department: English | Duration: Three years | Location: Boulder, CO, United States

What you will study

Required coursework includes four literature courses, four graduate creative writing workshops, two Studies In courses and two electives, a language requirement, and the creative thesis. Students may develop custom programmes in nonfiction and scriptwriting.

Career pathways

Published authors, journalists, editors, publishers and college and secondary teachers.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Creative Writing MFA (fall 2027 entry): a bachelor's degree, preferably with at least 18 semester hours of English, and an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.00; a polished creative manuscript (about 20-25 pages of fiction or 10-20 pages of poetry); a two-page personal statement; three letters of recommendation; unofficial transcripts; GRE not required. Deadlines: January 5, 2027 domestic and December 15, 2026 international. International applicants need TOEFL iBT 100, IELTS 7.5 or Duolingo 135.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate programmes set their own entry terms and deadlines on their programme pages; all deadlines are 10:00 pm Mountain Time. Fall, spring and summer terms are billed for graduate students.

Graduate applications are submitted online to the Graduate School; the nonrefundable application fee is $60 for domestic applicants and $80 for international applicants, payable online. GRE or GMAT requirements and deadlines vary by programme.

Apply through the official page: https://www.colorado.edu/graduateschool/admissions

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