Creative Writing, Editing, and Publishing

Students seeking admission to the MFA in Creative Writing, Editing, and Publishing must supply the following materials directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions:

1. Graduate Application: The Graduate Application is an institutional application required by SHSU. Students must provide biographical and educational information and information relevant to determining State of Texas residency.

2. Application fee: An application fee is required for all applications to graduate programs at SHSU.

3. A statement of purpose, of 500 to 1000 words, articulating the applicant's intentions for pursuing an MFA from our program.

4. Transcripts documenting all prior degrees.* (Note: Students with credentials from foreign universities must have their transcripts reviewed by a transcript evaluation service.)

5. Three letters of recommendation that discuss the applicant’s potential for success in a creative writing graduate program.

6. A creative writing sample of either 20 pages of prose or a collection of 8 - 10 poems.

7. International applicants ONLY: Official TOEFL scores​

The MFA Program only accepts applicants for the Fall semester; the priority deadline for applying to the Fall semester is March 15th.

*Applicants may submit unofficial transcripts for review by the admissions committee. However, under university policy, admission decisions are contingent upon receipt of official transcripts.

The MFA Program welcomes qualified international applicants; however, an individual who does not hold American citizenship must be accepted in regular admission status, without qualifications.

A holistic review of each applicant's file will be completed, and admission will be granted on a competitive basis.

Note: Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.