In our MFA in Creative Writing and Media Arts program, you will discover and master the art of creative writing through intensive workshops and literature and craft classes. With award-winning faculty, nationally recognized visiting writers and partnerships with literary magazines and community organizations, our program promotes lifelong learning and community engagement.

Emphasis areas

• Creative nonfiction
• Fiction
• Playwriting
• Poetry
• Screenwriting

Benefits of the MFA Program

Application Requirements

A B.A. in English is recommended, but not required to enter the program.

Application Deadline

• December 15 for admission the following fall semester

Gather Your Materials

• Academic information, including institutions attended, degrees earned, GPA, foreign language experience, honors and awards and relevant work experience
• Writing sample that demonstrates your writing abilities. Six to 10 pages for poetry and no more than 30 pages for fiction, creative nonfiction, playwriting and screenwriting
• Statement of purpose that describes your academic and professional objectives. In a 500- to 600-word essay, discuss in detail your interest in your emphasis area and your experience and goals in the area
• Email addresses for three references who can evaluate your readiness for graduate study
• Transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended. Transcripts are considered official if they are received in a sealed envelope or sent electronically to the Office of Admissions through Parchment, National Student Clearing House, SCOIR or eScrip-Safe.
  
  • Mail:
    UMKC Office of Admissions
    Administrative Center
    5115 Oak St., Room 120 
    Kansas City, MO 64112
  • Via secured email to: umkc-admtranscript@umkc.edu 
• Graduate Teaching Assistantship application materials, if applying, including a 250- to 500-word teaching statement addressing your interest in and qualifications for teaching and an academic writing sample from an upper-level college course

Allow enough time for all of the materials to arrive by the deadline. 

Apply now

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Official UMKC MFA Account on Facebook

New Letters Magazine

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@NewLetters_Lit on Instagram

New Letters on the Air

@NewLettersRadio on Twitter

@NewLettersRadio on Facebook

Fiction/Non/Fiction Podcast

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MFA Writers Podcast

@MFAWritersPod on X