Your Story Matters. Tell it Well!
Find your community and explore the publishing industry in Dominican's low-residency, high-intensity MFA
MFA in Creative Writing
Whether you are a poet looking to hone your craft, an aspiring novelist who wants to get that book written, or a memoirist with an urgent story to tell, our MFA Creative Writing program will help you achieve your writing goals.
The MFA program fosters a supportive community of talented writers who are encouraged to experiment across genres and with new forms of writing.
In addition to the genres of Poetry, Fiction and Creative Nonfiction, Dominican offers an optional track in Narrative Medicine, which allows students to embrace the special role that creative writing can play in the process of healing.
Program Highlights
- Flexible low-residency format customized to meet your writing goals
- A dedicated mentor and opportunities to publish your work
- Two on-campus residencies per year featuring dynamic speakers and workshops
- Co-curricular activities in publishing and teaching
- An optional track in narrative medicine - only such program in the country
I like the vision they have in the MFA program at Dominican. It’s a fabulous resource, this island of calm in the middle of a lot of chaos in this world.”
Catharine Clark-Sayles, MFA 2019
Meet Your Counselor
Your admissions counselor is ready to help you! Fill out the form and they will connect with you shortly.
zoe.blalock@dominican.edu
(415) 257-0169
A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a regionally accredited institution of higher education is required to apply to our graduate programs.
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Completed Application — Apply now!
- Official Transcript(s)
Official transcript(s) of coursework from each college or university attended (undergraduate and graduate) are required upon matriculation. Find complete instructions on how to submit your transcripts to Dominican here. - Resume
- Statement of Purpose or Intent
A brief essay (two pages, double spaced, 12-point font) describing writing background, professional and/or personal goals, and additional life and/or academic experience relevant to your application. - One Letter of Recommendation
(Elect a Personal Interview to waive this requirement.) - Writing Sample
Please submit one of the following samples of your work:- Poetry (up to 10 pages single spaced, one long poem or up to 8 individual poems, or some combination)
- Prose: (up to 25 pages double spaced. Can be one piece or multiple pieces)
- A combination of both poetry and prose (not to exceed 25 pages)
The degree consists of five residencies (three summer sessions and two winter sessions) over the course of two years. Each 8-day residency consists of morning workshops, afternoon talks, and evening readings. Four semesters of distance mentorship provide a personalized academic experience based on each student’s individual writing goals.
2023-2024 Tuition and Fees
| Semester | Summer | Fall | Spring | Summer | Fall | Spring | Summer | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition Rate | $850 | $850 | $850 | $850 | $850 | $850 | $850 | |
| Enrollment | 3 units | 6 units | 8 units | 3 units | 6 units | 8 units | 3 units | 37 Units |
| Total Tuition | $2,550 | $5,100 | $6,800 | $2,550 | $5,100 | $6,800 | $2,550 | $31,450 |
| Campus Fee | $210 | $210 | $210 | $210 | $210 | $210 | $210 | $1,470 |
| Technology Fee | $50 | $50 | $50 | $50 | $50 | $50 | $50 | $350 |
| Total Cost | $2,810 | $5,360 | $7,060 | $2,810 | $5,360 | $7,060 | $2,810 | $33,270 |
Scholarships
Scholarships and grants are types of aid that do not have to be repaid and that can help to directly reduce your tuition expenses.
MFA Grant
All students in the MFA Program receive a MFA Grant of $300 for each term of enrollment in the program, for up to a total of 3 years.
Endowed Scholarships
The University has some endowed scholarships funded by generous donors available to students in the MFA program. The amounts and availability of these scholarships vary each year. Recipients are selected by program faculty and the Office of Financial Aid usually between November and February of the academic year in which they are awarded.
To view more information on tuition and aid, click here.
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