Applying to MIU’s MFA in Creative Writing

Welcome! We are so glad that you’re interested in applying to MIU’s online MFA in Creative Writing. If you have questions or need assistance in the process of filling out your application materials, don’t hesitate to contact our MFA Program Director, Nynke Passi, at npassi@miu or our admissions counselor, Theresa Fross, at tfross@miu.edu. Scroll down this page for more information. We look forward to answering your questions, reading your work, and connecting with you in person!



SPRING DEADLINE to start your application: JULY 15
SPRING DEADLINE to complete your application: JULY 21

MFA Entrance Requirements

Before all else, start the application process by clicking “Apply” and filling out the application form. Applicants to MIU’s online MFA in Creative Writing are required to submit the following materials for admission into the program: If you have questions about any part of the application, please feel free to reach out to program director Nynke Passi at npassi@miu.edu.

●      Transcript showing conferral of BA degree. Applicants must hold a BA degree in any subject. (A major, minor, or emphasis in creative writing, literature, communication studies, or journalism is preferred but not necessary.). Submit to Admissions.

●      Admission Portfolio. Applicants must present a portfolio of original creative work in a specific genre of emphasis: poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, or dual genre. The required length is 20–25 pages of prose (double-spaced) or 10–15 pages of poetry (single-spaced, one poem to a page). A dual genre application should include portfolios in two genres with a total length of 20–25 pages. Excerpts from longer work should start with the first chapter and include a brief synopsis. The admission portfolio should showcase the range and potential of the project the applicant plans to work on in the program. Please note that the quality of the admission portfolio is the key deciding factor in our admission process. Submit to Nynke Passi @ npassi@miu.edu and CC tfross@miu.edu.

●      Statement of Purpose. Applicants must present a statement of purpose (500–1,000-words, typed, double-spaced) outlining their relationship to their chosen genre(s) and their own writing process, as well as their reasons for applying to our program. Submit to Nynke Passi @ npassi@miu.edu and CC tfross@miu.edu.

●      Sample Academic Essay or Craft Analysis. Applicants must present a 750-word (3-page, double-spaced) academic essay demonstrating critical thinking. This can be any academic essay on any subject, including (but not limited to) a craft analysis essay exploring the mechanics of craft in a literary work. Submit to Nynke Passi @ npassi@miu.edu and CC tfross@miu.edu.

●      Letters of recommendation. Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation, ideally by writers, teachers, or other professionals who know the applicant from a professional and/or academic setting. Submit to Nynke Passi @ npassi@miu.edu and tfross@miu.edu.

●      Interview. Applicants must engage in a pre-acceptance interview (in person or online) with the MFA program director, Nynke Passi. This can be scheduled via Zoom at your convenience. Contact Nynke at npassi@miu.edu.

●      Résumé (optional). Applicants are welcome to include an up-to-date résumé that showcases their degrees and relevant coursework, attendance of summer writing programs or conferences, TA-ships, professional work experience, publications, and/or other awards and accomplishments. Please note: it is not required to submit a résumé with the MFA application. Submit to Nynke Passi @ npassi@miu.edu and CC tfross@miu.edu.

You can find our MIU Entrance Requirement page here. Please start your application process by clicking “Apply” and filling out the application form. You can start the application process any time.

SPRING DEADLINE to start your application: JULY 15

SPRING DEADLINE to complete your application: JULY 21

Reach Out to Us!