MFA English Writing at University of Pittsburgh

Programme overview

The Master of Fine Arts in English at Pitt is one of the oldest in the country and gives students time and opportunity to produce a book-length final manuscript. The graduate writing faculty include poets, fiction writers and nonfiction writers, and the programme offers intensive workshops in poetry, fiction and nonfiction.

Faculty: Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences | Department: Writing Program, Department of English | Duration: Two years (the Writing Program states the MFA is a two-year degree starting Fall 2027) | Intake: Fall | Location: Pittsburgh, PA, United States

What you will study

Concentrations in fiction, nonfiction or poetry, with workshops and a book-length final manuscript. Cross-genre work is supported.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applications through GradCAS by January 7, 2027. Required: statement of purpose (2-3 pages single-spaced), three letters of recommendation submitted through GradCAS, a writing sample in the primary genre (fiction and nonfiction about 25 pages double-spaced; poetry about 20 pages), unofficial transcripts and a $75 application fee. Dietrich School minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (provisional admission between 2.76 and 2.99). GRE not required and not reviewed. International applicants: TOEFL minimum 90 (22 in each section) or IELTS 7.0 (6.5 in each section), or Duolingo 120, unless exempt. All MFA applicants are considered for departmental funding.

Domestic applicants: USD 27,412 a year (2026-27). Pennsylvania-resident graduate tuition, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

International applicants: USD 49,272 a year (2026-27). Out-of-state (non-PA resident) graduate tuition, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

Entry terms (Fall, Spring, Summer) and deadlines are set by each school or department; the University's graduate catalog lists Fall, Spring and Summer terms for new graduate students.

Graduate and professional applications are made online to the school or department of intended study, with deadlines set by each school or department; official English-test results are required from applicants from countries where English is not the official language.

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