Master of Arts in Creative Writing

Develop your talent and build a portfolio of short stories, novel excerpts, poems, creative nonfiction essays or a combination of these genres. A graduate degree in Creative Writing will prepare you to teach English at a community college, publish your work, or apply to MFA and PhD programs. For students already teaching English at the secondary level, a graduate degree in Creative Writing will enhance your study in the discipline.

A master's degree in Creative Writing is ideal for those who have a passion for creative writing and wish to develop their talent as well as those who wish to apply to MFA or PhD programs, publish their work, enter the job market, teach at the community college level, or meet the general needs of elementary and secondary teachers who wish to upgrade their capabilities.

You'll work to complete an exit portfolio consisting of your strongest short stories, novel excerpts, poems, creative nonfiction essays, or a combination of these genres. You'll work closely with award-winning faculty, make connections with prominent authors, and build lifelong friendships with your peers.

To become a candidate for the degree of Master of Arts in Creative Writing, a student normally will be expected to have had an undergraduate major or minor in English with a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a four point scale and a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0. For applicants whose native language is not English, a TOEFL score of 550 (213 CBT) and a TWE of at least 5, or a MELAB of 85, are required for admission.

• A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.7.

English Language Requirements:

• (TOEFL): A score of 500 PBT/61 IBT is required for admission with stipulations or 550 PBT/79 IBT for regular admission.
• (IELTS): A score of 5.5 required for admission with stipulations or 6.5 for regular admission.
• Pearson Test of English: A score of 44 for admission with stipulations or 53 for regular admission.
• Michigan English Test (MET): A score of 52 is required for regular admission.
• International Baccalaureate (IB): A grade of 5 in English at the Higher Level is required for regular admission.
• Advanced Placement (AP): A score of 4 on the English Language or English Literature Exams.
• General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) or General Certificate of Education (GSE): a score of A or B on the English Language Exam.
• SAT Evidence-based Reading and Writing (EBRW) score of 520
• ACT English score of 21.
• ELS Language Center Program: Completion of Level 112 for regular admission.
• ELI (CMU English Language Program): Successful completion of the required CMU ELI courses with confirmation by the ELI Office.