Minimum Requirements
Whether you’re from Los Angeles, Lisbon, or London, a first-time graduate student or considering a second master’s degree, there are a few key minimum graduate admission requirements that students who wish to apply to the Creative Writing program must meet to apply to MSMU.
- A baccalaureate or professional degree (or equivalent foreign credential) from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, earned by the expected date of entry.
- A minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale. If your GPA does not meet the minimum requirement—or if you feel that your GPA is not a valid indicator of your ability—you may submit an application, and provide a brief statement (no more than one page) explaining circumstances or limitations that affected your GPA.
Application Components & Process
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Application for Graduate Admission+-
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Applicants must complete and submit an online Graduate Application in order to be considered for admission.
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Application Essay+-
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Applicants are required to submit an application essay explaining your purpose in undertaking our particular graduate program in Creative Writing. This is your opportunity to define your artistic goals, interests and career plans as they relate to your proposed course of study. We are trying to gain a sense of who you are and the distinctive experiences and interests that have motivated you to pursue this degree.
Application Essay – maximum length, four pages, double-spaced.
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Transcripts+-
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After you submit your application, arrange for all official transcripts from colleges, universities, and post-secondary institutions you have previously attended be sent to the Office of Graduate Admissions.
Important: Official transcripts are those that have been issued by an institution, and submitted directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions in a sealed envelope or electronically. Copies of transcripts mailed by applicants or hand-delivered will be considered unofficial.
Official transcripts may be sent to Mount Saint Mary’s University in one of two ways.
Postal Delivery:
Mount Saint Mary’s University
Office of Graduate Admissions
10 Chester Place
Los Angeles, CA 90007
Electronic Delivery*:
Please instruct your institution to submit secure electronically-delivered transcript to graddocs@msmu.edu.
*MSMU does not accept electronic transcripts from overseas institutions or vendors.
International Transcript Credential Evaluation
International degrees must be evaluated by a professional agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. Evaluations must include a course-by-course analysis indicating the type of degree received, the U.S. equivalency of the degree, the graduation date and a cumulative grade point average.
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Letters of Recommendation+-
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Two letters of recommendation are required from academic or non-academic sources. We use an electronic recommendation process, which ensures that we receive your recommendations in a timely fashion and it is convenient for your recommenders.
Recommenders should comment on an applicant’s ability to perform in the program’s required coursework.
When submitting your electronic application, you can provide your recommenders name, phone number, and email address. Your recommenders will receive the recommendation form electronically and then submit it electronically to MSMU.
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Résumé / Curriculum Vitae+-
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Please outline your educational and professional background and relevant experiences and activities, including community work.
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Writing Sample+-
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Submit your best work in one or more of the areas listed below. Only electronic submissions will be accepted (no hard paper copies). If you wish to submit in more than one genre, the total pages should not exceed 20. We do not admit by genre. We are simply looking for ability.
- For screenwriting/playwriting: please submit 10-20 pages.
- For poetry: please submit six to ten poems.
- For fiction: please submit two or three short stories, or a portion of a novel. Fiction writing samples should be double-spaced: 10-20 pages.
- For literary non-fiction: please submit two or three short pieces, or a chapter of a memoir or book. Literary non-fiction writing samples should be double-spaced: 10-20 pages.
Please include a coversheet for each program. Keep in mind that this is a critical part of your application. Pick your best work and revise before submitting.
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Interview+-
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In addition to submitting a full application, prospective students who are under consideration will be offered an in-person interview with the Program Director or faculty member as part of the decision process.
An invitation to interview is not a guarantee of acceptance to the program.
GRE
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is NOT required.
Please Note: The MFA in Creative Writing program does not accept transfer credits towards our degree from other universities.
Additional information and admission requirements for international students
Once your application is complete, the department will contact you to schedule an admission interview. Decisions are made and communicated 4-6 weeks from the time your application is complete.
Let’s Talk
You have questions, we have answers! Whether your question is brief or complex, we’re here to help.
Phone: 213-477-2800
Email: gradprograms@msmu.edu
Attend an information session by clicking here.
