ut austin creative writing

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Creative Writing

Certificate in the college of liberal arts.

The Creative Writing Certificate is intended for any university student interested in advanced study of creative writing, both as reader and as writer.

The certificate program is a small one: approximately 60 students will be admitted each year.

How to Declare

Those who plan to pursue the certificate should begin the program by the fall of the junior year; applications are accepted each spring, beginning in March. The primary criteria for admission are UT-Austin GPA and a student’s progress toward degree, with additional consideration given to writing ability. Generally, admitted students have earned a 3.0 or higher GPA. The online application will remain open from March 1 through July. Students who apply prior to March 21 will be notified by April 1. All other students will be notified throughout the spring and summer, no later than August 1. The application requires a short personal statement (approximately one paragraph) about your interest in the program, as well as a writing sample (any genre, maximum of three double-spaced pages).

Required Courses

Visit the Creative Writing curriculum to see all required courses for the Creative Writing Certificate.

• Writing and communicating
• Critical thinking
• Analytical thinking
• Problem-solving
• Research skills
• Listening and interpreting
• Attention to detail

Related Links

• College of Liberal Arts
• Creative Writing Certificate
• Writing Contests

Department of English

Telephone 512-471-4991

Office Location CAL 226

Your major does not always determine your career path. Many graduates pursue careers outside their field, depending on their interests and experiences.

It’s not just your major that matters! Make yourself marketable by gaining a variety of experiences in college. Read a few inspiring stories by professionals whose experiences led to great careers.

Contact a Texas Career Engagement career counselor today to find out how you can turn your major into a career.

The application window for Fall admission to the Creative Writing Certificate Program will open on Feb. 1, 2024 , with a deadline of March 1, 2024.  All links and instructions for the application will be available on this website.

• Applicants in Fiction need to submit a writing sample of up to 2,500 words.  The sample can consist of one story, several stories, or a novel excerpt. 
• Applicants in Poetry need to submit up to 5 pages of poetry, which can consist of one poem or several poems. 
• All applicants need to submit a brief personal statement in the application.

The application has TWO parts:

• Fill out the Creative Writing Certificate Application Form (including personal statement).
• Upload your writing sample to the UT Box Folder .

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Minor and certificate programs, african and african diaspora studies minor, american sign language minor, american studies minor, anthropology minor, applied economics minor, arabic minor, archaeology minor, asian american studies minor, asian religions minor, chinese minor, classical studies minor, comparative literature minor, core texts and ideas minor, creative writing in spanish minor, cultural anthropology minor, cultural expression, human experience, and thought minor.

• Economics Minor

English Minor

• European Studies Minor

Evolutionary and Functional Anatomy Minor

French studies minor.

• Geography Minor

German, Scandinavian and Dutch Studies Minor

Global interreligious dynamics minor, government minor, greek minor, hebrew minor, history minor, holocaust and genocide studies minor, italian studies minor, jewish studies minor, korean minor, language, culture, and communication minor, latin minor, law and religion minor, law, justice, and society minor.

• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Sexualities Studies Minor

Medieval Studies Minor

Mexican american and latina/o studies minor, middle eastern studies minor, military leadership minor, persian minor, philosophy minor, philosophy of law minor, philosophy of mind and language minor, philosophy, politics, and economics minor, portuguese minor, primatology minor, religious studies minor, rhetoric and writing minor, russian minor, russian, east european, and eurasian studies minor, sanskrit minor, slavic and eurasian languages minor, social and behavioral sciences minor, sociology minor, spanish minor, tamil minor, turkish minor, ukrainian minor, urban studies minor, uteach-liberal arts minor, women's and gender studies minor, african studies certificate, business spanish certificate, core texts and ideas certificate, honors option , digital humanities certificate, german certificate, history and philosophy of science certificate, indigenous studies certificate, japanese certificate, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/sexualities studies certificate, security studies certificate, spanish for medical professions certificate , spanish for mental health professions certificate.

The transcript-recognized undergraduate academic minor must be completed in conjunction with an undergraduate degree at The University of Texas at Austin. A certificate counted in place of a minor must meet the minimum requirements for a minor. For more information regarding the requirements for achieving a minor, including a comprehensive list of minors, please visit the  Minor and Certificate Programs  section of the  Undergraduate Catalog .

A student who wishes to pursue more than one transcript-recognized minor must obtain permission from the College. In considering whether to grant an exception, the College will consider the student's ability to graduate within four years of entering the university. 

Fifteen semester hours of African and African Diaspora Studies, including:

by admission only

Student must have completed  American Sign Language 610D  and demonstrate Intermediate-Low to Intermediate-Mid proficiency following ACTFL speaking guidelines before applying to the minor. 

Twenty-one semester credit hours, including the following or their equivalents: 

Fifteen semester credit hours, including:

The transcript-recognized Applied Economics Minor allows students not majoring in economics to master an important and useful set of economics concepts and models. The Applied Economics Minor is intended for students who would like to survey topics in economics and who seek an in-depth introduction, at the upper-division level, to how economists reason about various policy issues and economic trends and events. This may be out of interest or because of complementarities with a different major. Any three upper-division courses in economics may be counted toward the Minor in Applied Economics, including those that do not have calculus or microeconomic theory in the prerequisite. Students who have taken or who plan to take microeconomic theory ( Economics 420K , 420S , 421K , or Finance 321K ) are advised to consider the Economics Minor as an alternative.

To fulfill the requirements of the transcript-recognized Applied Economics Minor, a student must complete at least 15 semester hours of coursework as described below. All of the upper-division economics courses must be taken in residence at The University of Texas at Austin. All courses must be taken on a letter-grade basis. A student may complete only one of the Economics Minor and the Applied Economics Minor. 

The requirements of the transcript-recognized Applied Economics Minor are:

Eighteen semester credit hours in Arabic, consisting of the following or their equivalents:

Fifteen semester hours, including:

Nineteen semester credit hours, including:

At least 15 semester credit hours Chinese with a minimum grade of C , including: 

Seventeen semester credit hours, including:

Fifteen semester credit hours, including six upper-division hours:

15 Semester Credit Hours

Economics  Minor

The transcript-recognized Economics Minor allows students not majoring in economics to master important and useful concepts, models, and analytical skills in economics. Students may focus on analytical skills and quantitative methods by taking theory courses and courses in economic statistics and econometrics; or they may explore a field of economics in some depth. The Economics Minor is intended for students who seek to acquire skills in economics that have a calculus foundation and that utilize microeconomic theory. Students who do not plan to take calculus and microeconomic theory should consider the Minor in Applied Economics.

To fulfill the requirements of the transcript-recognized Economics Minor, students must complete at least 15 semester hours of coursework as described below. All of the upper-division economics courses must be taken in residence at The University of Texas at Austin. All courses must be taken on a letter-grade basis. An approved substitute for Economics 329 may satisfy the prerequisite for  Economics 420K , Economics 420S , or 421K , but may not count toward upper-division economics hours applied to the Economics Minor. A student may complete only one of the Economics Minor and the Applied Economics Minor.  

The transcript-recognized Economics Minor requirements are:

Fifteen semester credit hours in English, including:

European Studies  Minor

Twenty-one semester credit hours, including:

Geography Minor:

A minimum of 15 hours in Geography, including:

A minimum of 15 hours German, Scandinavian, and Dutch Studies coursework:

Fifteen semester credit hours, including:   

Eighteen semester hours, including:

At least 19 semester credit hours in Greek, including:

At least 15 hours of Hebrew, including:

At least fifteen semester credit hours, including:

Fifteen semester credit hours, including six upper-division. 

Eighteen semester credit hours of Italian, including:

Fifteen semester credit hours, including: 

At least 15 semester credit hours Korean, including:

Eighteen semester credit hours in Latin, consisting of: 

Eighteen semester credit hours of coursework, consisting of:

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Sexualities Studies  Minor

Fifteen semester-credit hours, including:

Fifteen semester credit hours in Mexican American and Latina/o Studies, including nine hours in residence. The following courses are required:

Fifteen semester credit hours, consisting of:

At least 15 semester credit hours of Persian, including:

Eighteen credit hours, including:

Eighteen semester credit hours, including nine upper-division hours, drawn from the following:

The Transcript-Recognized Portuguese Minor requires students to take 18 hours through the Spanish and Portuguese Department at The University of Texas at Austin or an accredited institution with the Study Abroad Office. At least nine hours should be categorized as in-residence.

Fifteen credit hours, including:

Students may not earn a minor in the same field of study as their major, and at least nine of the hours required for the minor must include coursework not used to satisfy the requirements of the student’s major. However, courses in the minor may fulfill other degree requirements such as general education requirements or required elective hours.

Fifteen hours, including:

At least 15 semester credit hours in Russian, including:

The Slavic language minor is for students wishing to pursue the study of Bosnian-Croatian-Serbian, Czech, Polish (or another Slavic or Eurasian language, such as Ukrainian) at intermediate and advanced levels.

Eighteen semester credit hours, including:

At least fifteen semester credit hours, including:  

Between 15 and 21 hours of Turkish, including:

The University recommends students for teacher certification to TEA. To be recommended for a certificate to teach in secondary school, an undergraduate student must earn a degree as well as complete an approved teacher certification program, of which the coursework below is only a part.

Admissions Requirements

• The UTeach-Liberal Arts undergraduate program requires at least a four long-semester commitment.
• The program is open to current undergraduates at The University of Texas at Austin and incoming transfer students.
• Students are eligible to enter the program second semester freshman year through senior year.
• Admission to UTeach-Liberal Arts requires a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 at the University.

Application Process

• Complete the UTeach-Liberal Arts Undergraduate Program Application. Our Program Advisor will notify you about your admissions status via email within 5-10 business days of your application submission.
• Once Admitted, you will receive instructions on how to reserve a spot for UTL 101 "Introduction to Teaching", the first UTeach course.

Once you have reserved a spot, you may register for the course during your normal registration access period. Failure to register for your spot will result in losing your reservation in UTL 101.

Fifteen semester hours of required UTeach coursework must be completed as follows:

State of Texas teacher certification requirements are governed by the Texas Education Agency and are subject to change. Students must adhere to current teacher certification requirements, even if they differ from those listed in the University catalogs.

Certificates

The College of Liberal Arts offers several certificate programs, which are open to all degree-seeking University undergraduates. Undergraduates who complete certificate requirements in conjunction with their degree requirements or within one year after earning the degree receive recognition on the University transcript; students in integrated undergraduate/graduate programs must complete certificate requirements within one year after they complete their undergraduate degree requirements. A maximum of nine semester hours of certificate coursework may be taken after the student has earned the undergraduate degree. At least half of the required certificate coursework must be completed in residence at the University; some programs may require more work in residence.

Students may not earn a certificate in the same field as their major, and may not count the certificate towards their minor requirement if more than six hours of the certificate's coursework may also be counted toward the requirements of the major.  However, certificate courses outside the major may be counted toward other degree requirements. For certificates not counting toward the minor requirement, at least one certificate course must be outside the requirements of the major.

Students should apply for the certificate when they apply for graduation or when they complete the certificate program, whichever is later. Transcript recognition is awarded at the end of that semester or summer session.

Students outside the College of Liberal Arts should contact their dean’s office for permission to complete a certificate program and for the applicability of certificate requirements toward their individual degrees. Students in the College of Liberal Arts may complete certificate programs offered through other colleges. These are described in  Transcript-Recognized Certificate Programs  and by each college that offers a transcript-recognized certificate program. Certificate programs that do not lead to transcript recognition are also described in the respective college's catalog section.

The African Studies Certificate allows students to engage with scholarship on African peoples, cultures, and history through the theoretical lens of black studies. Through the certificate, undergraduates develop interdisciplinary expertise in African studies related to the student’s personal field of interest. The African and African Diaspora Studies undergraduate advisor (AADS) is available to steer certificate candidates towards areas of interest, which can include: expressive cultures, gender and sexuality studies, literature, language, history, politics, and society as these topics relate to theories of blackness on the African continent. 

The certificate program requires 18 semester hours of coursework, including at least nine semester hours completed in residence. 

Courses the student has completed at the time of application to the program may be counted toward the certificate. Students may not earn a certificate in the same field of study as their major and at least one course counting toward this certificate must be taken outside of the requirements of the student’s undergraduate degree. Students apply for transcript-recognized undergraduate academic certificates at the time they complete their undergraduate degree or the certificate program, whichever comes later. Transcript recognition is awarded at that time.

Students must fulfill the following requirements: 

Between 18 and 24 semester credit hours of Spanish, consisting of: 

Computational Science and Engineering Certificate

The Computational Science and Engineering Certificate program is sponsored by the Cockrell School of Engineering, the Jackson School of Geosciences, the College of Liberal Arts, and the College of Natural Sciences; it is administered by the Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences. Information regarding the specific requirements of the Certificate can be found in the Cockrell School of Engineering's  Minor and Certificates  section of the Undergraduate Catalog.

The certificate program in core texts and ideas is designed to provide a coherent path through the University’s core curriculum with an integrated, interdisciplinary sequence of courses on great works of philosophy, literature, science, and the arts that emphasizes debates about fundamental questions of enduring human concern. The program provides a grounding in the major ideas that have shaped the Western world and gives students the opportunity to study Eastern works as well. Students complete courses in four required areas and two elective areas. The four required areas are the philosophy and literature of the ancient world, especially Greece; major religious texts and their interpreters; the history of political philosophy; and the principles that formed the basis for the founding of the United States. Elective areas include philosophy, the arts, history, literature, and the history and philosophy of science and mathematics.

The certificate program requires 18 semester hours of coursework, including at least six hours of upper-division coursework and at least 12 hours completed in residence. Students must fulfill the following requirements:

Creative Writing Certificate

The Creative Writing Certificate is intended for any University student interested in advanced study of creative writing, both as reader and as writer. Those who plan to pursue the certificate should apply to the program advisor for admission no later than the end of their sophomore year. More information about the Creative Writing Certificate is given at the  Department of English website .

The certificate program requires 18 semester hours of coursework, including at least nine hours completed in residence. Students must fulfill the following requirements: 

To earn an Honors Creative Writing Certificate, students must fulfill the following additional requirements: 

• Creative Writing 370H , Honors Creative Writing Project , with a grade of at least A-
• A University Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.66 in the coursework required for the Creative Writing Certificate and a cumulative University GPA of at least 3.33.

The digital humanities represent the area of study where humanities disciplines and studies in information engage digital tools, archives, artifacts, and information technologies. This certificate is designed to introduce students to the ideas, materials, and computational tools that underlie this field. It is open to students of all majors. Those who plan to pursue the certificate should apply to the program advisor for admission no later than the end of their sophomore year. More information about the Digital Humanities Certificate is given at the College of Liberal Arts Digital Humanities website .

Students take 18 credit hours from a selection of courses taught in different departments and colleges at The University of Texas at Austin and must earn a letter grade of C- or better in all courses required for certification. Some courses required by the certificate may also fulfill degree requirements established by a student's major department.

Students must fulfill the following requirements:

At least 18 semester credit hours in German, including:

The History and Philosophy of Science Certificate provides students an opportunity to gain a coherent, cross-disciplinary command of the methods and findings that the liberal arts have contributed to our understanding of the sciences. Students analyze the dynamic development, concepts, and roles in society of various sciences, as well as the personal, dramatic struggles of famous scientists. Students must complete four courses in two required areas: history of science, and philosophy of science,  as well two electives to be selected from a list of pre-approved courses in history, philosophy, astronomy, physics, or core texts and ideas. 

The certificate program requires 18 semester hours of coursework, of which at least 12 semester hours of coursework must be upper-division, and including at least nine semester hours completed in residence. 

Courses the student has completed at the time of application to the program may be counted toward the certificate. Students apply for transcript-recognized undergraduate academic certificates at the time they complete their undergraduate degree or the certificate program, whichever comes later. Transcript recognition is awarded at that time. More information is available at the Certificate on History and Philosophy of Science website: http://liberalarts.utexas.edu/hps/index.php

The main goal of the indigenous studies certificate program is to encourage active intellectual and community engagement with indigenous peoples and cultures. The program allows undergraduate students to develop interdisciplinary expertise in indigenous studies and comparative approaches to their primary field of interest. 

Courses the student has completed at the time of application to the program may be counted toward the certificate. Upon completion of the course requirements, students write a three- to four-page essay that describes their intellectual work in the program and how the experience contributed to their academic career at the University.

The certificate program requires 18 semester hours of coursework, including at least nine semester hours completed in residence. Students must fulfill the following requirements:

Twenty-four semester credit hours, consisting of the following (or their equivalents):

Courses the student has completed at the time of application to the program may be counted toward the certificate. Students apply for transcript-recognized undergraduate academic certificates at the time they complete their undergraduate degree or the certificate program, whichever comes later. Transcript recognition is awarded at that time.

The Certificate in Security Studies recognizes students who focus their studies on international and national security affairs. Through the certificate, students develop an interdisciplinary expertise and practical job experience in security studies, including: diplomacy, defense, intelligence, foreign policy, homeland security, international affairs, international development, human rights, war, conflict, peace, and related fields. Students are required to take 18 credit hours on a letter-grade basis, earning a combined 3.0 or higher grade point average across at least two different departments, including at least nine completed in residence, and complete an internship in a field related to security studies.

This certificate is open to students in the College of Liberal Arts.

Internship: Students must successfully complete an internship. 

• Students are responsible for identifying internship opportunities, applying for internships, informing the Faculty Committee of their internship plans, submitting a proposal for an internship to satisfy the certificate requirement, and submitting proof that the internship was completed.
• Internships must involve substantive work that exposes students to the professional work environment and offers opportunities for networking in their chosen career fields.
• Internships may be with government agencies, think tanks, NGOs, research centers, consulting firms, or other entities that offer professional job experience.
• Internships may be in the fields of diplomacy, defense, intelligence, foreign policy, national security, homeland security, international affairs, international development, human rights, and related fields.
• The Faculty Committee reviews students’ internship experience to ensure it is relevant to security studies and was satisfactorily completed.
• Internships must last a minimum of six weeks of full-time work, or its equivalent (240 hours).
• Internships may be in the United States or abroad.
• Internships may be paid or unpaid.
• Students who accept unpaid internships are invited to apply for a stipend through the Clements Center for National Security’s Summer Student Development Fund. Funds are limited and stipends are not guaranteed for certificate students.
• Students must successfully complete an internship as part of this program. The Faculty Committee reviews students’ internship experience to ensure it is relevant to security studies and was satisfactorily completed. Internship student responsibilities and requirements are published on our website, http://clementscenter.org/programs/seay-partnership-in-history-strategy-and-statecraft/item/864-undergraduate-certificate-in-security-studies . Students should review all published information and consult with their advisor to ensure completion of the internship requirement

Waivers: Students may waive the internship requirement if they are enrolled in ROTC; have prior military experience with no major disciplinary actions against them; or have extensive prior civilian job experience directly related to security studies. The Faculty Committee reviews applications to waive the internship requirement.

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2024-2025 General Information Catalog

2024-2025 Graduate Catalog

2024-2026 Law School Catalog

2024-2025 Medical School Catalog

2024-2026 Undergraduate Catalog

Creative Writing

Course description.

Creative Writing is a one-semester online course designed to improve your ability to find and express your ideas through various writing styles. Each unit blends the reading of rich mentor texts with the opportunity for you to engage intimately with the process of writing. The ability to read analytically and to write expressively exists as the cornerstone for success in the work place, the military, and/or post high school collegiate work. Embrace the process and find your voice.

Course Objectives

Upon completing this course you will understand and use:

• analyze various genres of literature and understand their cultural significance.
• analyze the critical attributes of varying modes of writing to appreciate and emulate the artistry of the writer.
• compose various types of texts dependent on audience, purpose, and message.
• incorporate standard grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling into all written work.

Required Course Materials

• Interactive Notebook – In the form of a small composition notebook, a spiral notebook, or loose-leaf paper kept in a binder.
• Pencil or Pen – In order to do well in the course, you must take notes, sketch diagrams and graphs, and solve problems when instructed to do so.
• Internet Access
• Adobe Reader
• Dictionary access (print or online)
• Online copies can be found, but you can also purchase your own copy of Barbara Kingsolver’s Poisonwood Bible . Paperback:  576 pages Publisher:  Harper Perennial Modern Classics; Reissue edition (June 10, 2008) Language:  English ISBN-10:  0061577073 ISBN-13:  978-0061577079

Course Organization

This course is a single semester that contains 7 units and one final exam.

Each Unit contains:

• 2–4 lessons. Each lesson includes some or all of the following components: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate.
• Self-assessments to help you check your own understanding of the material covered in each lesson. You must complete these assessments in order to advance in the course.
• 2 graded assignments

Final Examination

The final examination is comprehensive; it covers the material from all 7 units. To pass the course, you must receive a grade of 70 percent or better. You can apply to take the Final Exam after 100 percent of your graded assignments have been submitted, and at least 70 percent have been graded and returned to you.

Format: Multiple-choice and essay, online Time Allowed: 3 hours Materials Allowed: None

Semester Topics

Topic 1: Why Do Writers Write? Topic 2: Creative Nonfiction Topic 3: Short Fiction Topic 4: The Novel Topic 5: Poetry Topic 6: Experimental Writing Topic 7: A Way of Writing

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, what's the creative writing program at ut austin like.

Hi there! I'm a writer and I'm looking at the creative writing program at UT Austin. Could someone tell me how the coursework is and what sort of opportunities for publication or work experience there might be? Any insight would be appreciated!

The Creative Writing program at the University of Texas at Austin is highly regarded. It's known for having a substantial faculty of accomplished writers and poets who actively mentor their students.

Coursework in the program comes in the form of workshops, literature courses, and craft courses. A typical semester might have you taking a workshop where you and your fellow students critique each other's work under the guidance of a faculty member, a literature course where you study the context of the works you're creating, and a craft course where you delve into the mechanics of writing specific forms or genres.

As for opportunities beyond the classroom, UT Austin is home to a number of literary journals where you might intern or submit your work for publication. These include Bat City Review, a globally distributed literary journal run by graduate students in the Department of English, and Analecta, UT Austin's award-winning literary and arts journal. There's also The Daily Texan, one of the largest and most awarded student newspapers in the nation, where you might contribute columns, features, or news stories relevant to your literary interests.

The university also offers a range of reading series, guest lectures, and other events where you can meet and interact with acclaimed authors. Austin, being a creatively vibrant city, boasts numerous local literary events, readings, and festivals as well. Students often find internships or employment in these local literary organizations, publishing houses, and even advertising agencies.

Just remember, your experience will ultimately depend on how much you engage with the resources and opportunities afforded to you by the university and the city. The more you engage with the program, the more you stand to benefit from it. I hope this gives you a clearer picture of what studying Creative Writing at UT Austin might look like!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

Michener Center for Writers

Frequently asked questions, applying to multiple mfa’s at ut.

Yes! And we encourage you to research and consider applying concurrently to our affiliated departments’ M.F.A. programs, as each has it’s own unique structure, degree program, faculty, and setting.

The Michener Center for Writers, offers a three-year M.F.A. in Writing , with concentrations in Fiction, Poetry, Screenwriting or Playwriting.

The Department of Radio, Television and Film offers an M.F.A. in Screenwriting .

The Department of Theatre and Dance offers an M. F.A. in Playwriting .

The New Writer’s Project in the Department of English offers an M.F.A. in Creative Writing , with tracks for fiction and poetry.

If you are applying to more than 1 graduate program at UT, please note the following:

• You will need to submit a separate ApplyTexas application for each program.
• You will also need to submit the required application materials for each department. Include the program name in the header of all documents to ensure they are viewed by the correct committee.
• Applicants to multiple graduate programs need only pay the admissions fee for their first application. Application fees cannot be refunded once they have been processed.
• When you upload your Writing Sample and Statement of Purpose to MyStatus, your documents might post to multiple applications. If you need to upload supplemental SOP’s or WS’s for your other applications, navigate to the “Document Upload System” link in the right-hand menu to upload your other documents.
• In the MyStatus portal, the Michener Center application is labeled “Writing.”

Writing Sample & Personal Statement

Send us what you feel is your best and strongest work. A lot of writers make the mistake of trying to show “range” or submitting very recent work that hasn’t yet had time to mature. Likewise, some writers will include work that is more ambitious than accomplished, an approach that often doesn’t give the Admissions Committee the clearest sense of who the writers are. We know that the decision of what to include in a sample can be stressful and confusing, but our advice is to relax and send us what you feel are your best pages to date.

Yes, but including previously published work is not a requirement.

Think of this statement as a lens through which other elements of your application can be brought into focus for us. What you include is your call, though it’s not uncommon for writers to discuss the work (books, films, plays, etc.) that has shaped their writing lives. If you’ve had jobs or travels that seem relevant to who you are as a writer, we’d be glad to hear about them. If you have some special preparation or background in the secondary field, it’s worth briefly mentioning in the statement.

Include a header on your statement that includes your name and your primary and secondary genres.

Letters of Recommendation

Use your best judgment in securing meaningful letters. Letters from professors or workshop instructors of any writing classes you’ve taken can be useful, but we’ve also accepted many writers with no formal study in their backgrounds. If you have been out of school for a while, you might ask for letters from people with whom you’ve worked professionally, or in non-academic writing groups.

No, please only request three letters. Extra letters are not necessary and will not be read.

Yes. In your MyStatus portal, click on the letter of recommendation in your To Do list, then click the link that says “manage my recommendations.” This link will allow you to change the recommender.

Yes. In your MyStatus portal, click on the letter of recommendation in your To Do list, then click the link that says “manage my recommendations.” This link will allow you to resend the email.

Additional Questions

Yes. Michener Center Fellows complete a Master’s Degree during their time at the Center, so all applicants must possess a Bachelor’s Degree. Applicants with a Bachelor’s Degree in progress must complete their degree before the first semester of the program (i.e. applicants for Fall 2024 must possess a Bachelor’s Degree by Summer 2024). Applicants must also meet the UT Graduate School’s minimum requirements for consideration. 

No. We no longer require the GRE.

While these items are not required for our application, you may submit them by logging into your MyStatus portal and navigating to the “Document Upload System” link in the right-hand menu. Upload your items as “miscellaneous documents.”

If you have submitted your writing sample & statement of purpose and paid the application fee by the deadline, your application will be assessed by the committee.

There is a one-month grace period for receipt of the letters of recommendation, language test scores, and transcripts. Applications that are not complete by January 1st will be cancelled. You do not need to contact us if your letters, scores, or transcripts will arrive between December 1st and January 1st.

If you have submitted the ApplyTexas application, paid the application fee, and completed the items in your MyStatus portal To Do List (excepting the “Graduate Program Requirements”) items, then your application is complete and under review. There is no final “submit” button in the MyStatus portal.

Decisions are generally made by early March. Admitted and wait-listed candidates are contacted immediately via direct email or phone. Applicants who are not offered admission will have their application status posted electronically in their MyStatus portal.

Please note: Our admissions committee reviews applications that are still considered “incomplete” by the Graduate Admissions Office (such as those with missing or un-evaluated transcripts), as long as they contain a writing sample and statement of purpose. If an application is still considered “incomplete” at the time that a decision to reject the application has been made, our department will cancel the application. If you receive a notice that your “incomplete” application was “canceled,” please know that our committee made the decision to reject your application based on their review of your submitted materials.

Yes! Bat City Review is a nationally distributed (and very cool) literary magazine published at UT-Austin.  Each year, MCW Fellows have the option to work on staff and can receive funding to represent the magazine at the annual AWP writers conference.

There are no required  teaching duties for Michener Center Fellows. We are very proud to offer three years of full funding without any teaching obligations. We want writers to immerse themselves in their projects and we want to spare them any unnecessary labor.

However, if a Michener Center Fellow wants to teach, there are a variety of options for them to explore. The Austin Public Library Foundation’s Badgerdog Creative Writing Program works to make creative writing accessible to anyone and everyone, and MCW Fellows have a rich history of teaching writers of all ages through that program. Students have also worked with resident faculty member Deb Olin Unferth on the Pen-City Writers Program, a creative-writing certificate program for men incarcerated at a maximum-security prison in southern Texas. They may also have the opportunity to teach creative writing and literature courses at UT’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute’s SAGE (Seminars for Adult Growth and Enrichment).

The Office of Graduate Admissions oversees all application fees and application fee waivers. At this time, waivers are only available for U.S. students. Information on requesting a fee waiver can be found here (scroll down to “Fee Waivers” below “Step 2: Pay the Application Fee”).

Please note that our department is unable to waive the application fee and all applicants must request fee waivers through the Office of Graduate Admissions. If you write to us requesting a waiver, we will direct you to the link above.

Applicants to multiple graduate programs only pay the admissions fee for their first application. Application fees cannot be refunded once they have been processed.

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Writing Instructors

Come join us for one week of Continuing Education classes on writing. The series includes practical courses exploring “the Art of Storytelling,” screenwriting, and TV writing. You’ll learn all about screenwriting basics, story development, and what a writer’s room is like through creative exercises taught by professionals. A guest writer will answer questions about their work and share insights into how you can enhance your storytelling skills.

Below you can briefly meet each of our instructors for the writing sessions. You can register to attend the series here .

INSTRUCTOR BIOs

Writing: Guest Speaker April Sánchez (July 15)

Most recently, April was a course advisor for three Sundance Collab courses, assisting Trey Ellis and Owen Egerton. April holds a bachelor’s degree in Screenwriting and a Latino Media Studies certification from UT Austin. Her scripts have made their way to the finalist round in the Sundance Screenwriters and Episodic Labs and as a Semi-Finalist in The Academy Nicholl Fellowship and the Universal Writers Lab, amongst others. She was a 2021 fellow for the NHMC TV Series Writers Lab. April currently has a feature film in development through Stowe Story Launch.

The Art of Storytelling (July 15)

Instructor: Katya Lidsky

Instructor: Stephen Ohl

Demystifying the Writer’s Room (July 18 & 19)

Instructor: Lindsey Villareal

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Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

Program overview.

Named one of the “Five Innovative/Unique Programs” creative writing programs by The Atlantic , the master of fine arts in creative writing is one of two programs offered by UNLV’s Creative Writing International Program with genre concentrations in fiction, literary nonfiction, and poetry. By providing an innovative curriculum and fostering an educational environment where students can perfect their art, our graduates become globally-engaged writers that demonstrate socially-engaged and active writing practices.

Program Outcomes

Students receive a strong theoretical foundation in their selected genre concentration, as well as an appreciation for the art and theory across various genres, thereby expanding their creative abilities. Moreover, they develop a nuanced understanding of canonical contexts and the historical evolution of literature, which provides valuable insights into new writing. Through exposure to international writing and literary translation, students cultivate a practical appreciation for diverse linguistic traditions beyond English, enriching their creative perspectives. 

A high percentage of our graduates have widely published fiction, literary nonfiction, journalism, and poetry with mainstream presses, indie presses, and nationally esteemed venues such as:

• W. W. Norton & Company
• Grove Press
• The Best American Poetry
• McSweeney’s
• The New York Times
• The Los Angeles Times

Program Structure

Our students follow a three-year course of study that includes writing workshops, genre forms courses, literature classes, a residency abroad, completion of a literary translation, and completion of a book-length manuscript that meets the standard of publishable works. Students also have the opportunity for teacher training and practical experience in literary publishing.

Additionally, our department, in partnership with the Black Mountain Institute, offers the Doctorate of Philosophy in English with a Creative Dissertation, supported by a graduate assistantship combined with the Black Mountain Institute fellowship.

Program Funding

All MFA students are fully funded by UNLV and the Black Mountain Institute (BMI) for three years of study towards their degrees. 

• Graduate Assistantships of $21,000/year 
• Opportunities for additional funding from BMI
• In-state tuition 
• Student health insurance.

Duties for the Graduate Assistantship are 20 hours per week, usually fulfilled through a combination of teaching, tutoring in the Writing Center, and working for English Department or Black Mountain Institute publications.

Our Faculty

Maile chapman, ph.d..

Wendy Chen, Ph.D.

Claudia Keelan

Roberto Lovato

David Morris, MFA

Douglas A. Unger

The MFA Student Experience

The UNLV creative writing program offers a supportive and immersive experience to its students. From day one, students become part of a vibrant community of writers where creativity thrives and collaboration flourishes. Whether students aspire to publish their writing, pursue further study, or embark on diverse career paths within the literary world, UNLV provides the resources, support, and community they need to thrive and succeed.

Activities and Events With the Black Mountain Institute

The UNLV Department of English has a longstanding relationship with the Beverly Rogers, Carol C. Harter Black Mountain Institute (BMI). This allows our students to receive opportunities to engage in creative and literary activities with visiting BMI fellows in socially meaningful literary events for the city of Las Vegas and its greater community. Recent BMI fellows and national and international award-winning visitors include:

• Percival Everett
• Melissa Febos
• Layli Long Soldier
• Jaquira Díaz
• Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

See the Black Mountain Institute's website for more information.

Academic and Literary Journals

The creative writing concentration helps students develop their writing craft and critical thinking skills through a workshop setting and literature courses. It equips them with professional skills for various industries and prepares them for graduate studies in English and creative writing.

Founded by M.F.A. alumna Kat Kruse in 2010, Neon Lit is a completely student-run reading series featuring writing of students currently in the Creative Writing programs at UNLV. Events are held on the last Friday of each month usually at the Writer’s Block, an independent bookstore and community center in downtown Las Vegas. See Neon Lit’s website and YouTube Channel for more information.

Writing Series

Breakout writers series.

The “Breakout Writers Series” or Emerging Writers Series features writers just emerging on the literary scene. Writers who visit and read for this series are chosen entirely by the students in the M.F.A. and Ph.D. programs.

Alumni Reading Series

The yearly Alumni Reading Series celebrates the literary successes of graduates of the program. Recent alumni readers include Marianne Chan, Jean Chen Ho, Clancy McGilligan, Alissa Nutting, Juan Martínez, Sasha Steensen, and Mani Rao.

Admission Requirements

• Fiction: 20-30 pages
• Literary nonfiction: 20-30 pages
• Poetry: 10-15 pages
• A letter of application to the Graduate Committee detailing a statement of purpose and reasons for choosing UNLV
• Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities 
• Two letters of recommendation

Applicants must choose the International Focus subplan, unless they have already been accepted to the Peace Corps Master's International Partnership program.

International Applicants

Each year, our program admits several international writers with high competency in writing in English that immensely contribute to our literary community. Our diverse student body fosters a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives, creating a dynamic learning environment that prepares graduates for success in the global literary landscape. Furthermore, UNLV's creative writing program values inclusivity and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to contribute to the vibrant tapestry of voices within our community.

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The New Writers Project at the University of Texas at Austin is a small, fully funded , three-year studio MFA program within the large and highly-ranked Department of English . We offer our students close mentorship, literary community, and teaching and editing experience. Working in concert with our partner MFA program, the Michener Center for Writers , we provide our students an artistically adventurous and intellectually rigorous terminal degree, with courses taught by both experienced and accomplished resident faculty and esteemed visitors.

The New Writers Project core faculty in fiction are Edward Carey, Oscar Cásares, Bret Anthony Johnston, Peter LaSalle, Elizabeth McCracken, and Deb Olin Unferth. Our core faculty in poetry are Lisa Olstein, Roger Reeves, and Jennifer Chang. 

The New Writers Project hosts and co-hosts an array of literary events , from open-to-the-public poetry and fiction readings to small Q&A's with authors and students. Recent guests include Jericho Brown, Maggie Nelson, George Saunders, Kazim Ali, Ann Patchett, Ada Limón, Paul Lisicky, Srikanth Reddy, Jeff Vandermeer, Evie Shockley, Kelly Link, Eula Biss, Matthew Zapruder, Kiese Laymon, Lucy Corin, Nikky Finney, Andrea Lawlor, Jennifer Chang, Brenda Shaughnessy, Rachel Zucker, Max Porter, Leni Zumas, and Lydia Davis.

With the Michener Center for Writers , we host a yearly symposium of editors and agents for our creative writing students.

Other past events can be found on our  Facebook page.

A wide range of other literary events are sponsored by other UT departments, centers, and organizations, and Austin itself has a varied and excellent literary arts scene, which includes a number of independent book stores— BookPeople ,  Malvern Books , and  BookWoman  among them—and the enormous, lively, and free-to-the-public  Texas Book Festival , one of the longest-running book festivals in the country.