San Francisco,
CA,
United States
Type
Private
Degrees offered
Bachelor's Degree
MFA in Writing in San Francisco United States | University of San Francisco
University of San Francisco
|
San Francisco United States
Visit institution website
for more information
Qualification
Masters Degree
Languages
English
Delivery Mode
On-Campus
Tuition (2025)
USD
25,840
Attendance
Full-time
Full-time Duration
24 months
The Master of Fine Arts in Writing program provides graduate students with a close-knit, tailored educational journey while immersing them in San Francisco's dynamic literary culture. Established in 1986, this program aims to teach creative writing techniques, support each writer's unique growth and perspective, and prepare them to flourish within the broader writing community. Spanning two years, the curriculum includes workshops and literature courses covering fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. Its unique structure highlights the relationship between reading and personal writing while encouraging strong bonds between faculty and students through small class sizes. All classes are led by experienced working writers, ensuring both literature seminars and workshops focus deeply on the art of writing.
Destination of Study
Subjects of Study
Language Requirements
English
IELTS 7.0
Qualification Requirements
A Bachelor's degree in any field is required.
The GRE is not required.
For international applicants, an English Language exam score (TOEFL, IELTS or PTE) is required.
Transcript (Academic Record)
Upload a copy of your transcript from each university and college attended. Transcripts from any transfer schools and study abroad programs must be submitted since Bachelor's Degree institutions typically do not list transfer and study abroad courses with grades. If still enrolled in your Bachelor's program, submit a copy of your transcript showing in-progress courses. If admitted, an official transcript with proof of graduation is required. USF undergraduates upload their unofficial transcripts for admission review and do not need to send an official USF transcript.
Writing Sample
The writing sample, the most heavily weighted component of the application, should comprise no more than 20 pages of writing in the genre in which you are applying (fiction, nonfiction, or poetry). Please indicate the genre on the first page of the writing sample. The writing sample should include original work that demonstrates your talents and interests as a writer. It should not include collaborative assignments, such as edited pieces for newspapers, because these might not accurately represent your own work. Prose should be double-spaced, and all writing samples should be set in 12 pt. type.
Statement of Purpose
In no more than three pages, tell us about your writing the kinds of subjects or themes you're drawn to, writers or movements you've found influential, your strengths and weaknesses, or anything else that might give us a sense of your work. Explain how your writing sample gives evidence of your interests and aims as a writer. Please discuss your goals for your writing during your time as an MFA student, and tell us why you are interested in the MFA program at the University of San Francisco. The statement should be double-spaced and set in 12 pt. type.
Letters of Recommendation
Academic and/or professional letters are required from two individuals who can attest to your competence and ability to succeed in the writing program. Follow the instructions in the online application to provide the contact information for your recommenders. You may submit your application before your recommenders upload their letters.
IELTS - 7.0, TOEFL (IBT) - 100, PTE - 65
The GRE is not required.
For international applicants, an English Language exam score (TOEFL, IELTS or PTE) is required.
Transcript (Academic Record)
Upload a copy of your transcript from each university and college attended. Transcripts from any transfer schools and study abroad programs must be submitted since Bachelor's Degree institutions typically do not list transfer and study abroad courses with grades. If still enrolled in your Bachelor's program, submit a copy of your transcript showing in-progress courses. If admitted, an official transcript with proof of graduation is required. USF undergraduates upload their unofficial transcripts for admission review and do not need to send an official USF transcript.
Writing Sample
The writing sample, the most heavily weighted component of the application, should comprise no more than 20 pages of writing in the genre in which you are applying (fiction, nonfiction, or poetry). Please indicate the genre on the first page of the writing sample. The writing sample should include original work that demonstrates your talents and interests as a writer. It should not include collaborative assignments, such as edited pieces for newspapers, because these might not accurately represent your own work. Prose should be double-spaced, and all writing samples should be set in 12 pt. type.
Statement of Purpose
In no more than three pages, tell us about your writing the kinds of subjects or themes you're drawn to, writers or movements you've found influential, your strengths and weaknesses, or anything else that might give us a sense of your work. Explain how your writing sample gives evidence of your interests and aims as a writer. Please discuss your goals for your writing during your time as an MFA student, and tell us why you are interested in the MFA program at the University of San Francisco. The statement should be double-spaced and set in 12 pt. type.
Letters of Recommendation
Academic and/or professional letters are required from two individuals who can attest to your competence and ability to succeed in the writing program. Follow the instructions in the online application to provide the contact information for your recommenders. You may submit your application before your recommenders upload their letters.
IELTS - 7.0, TOEFL (IBT) - 100, PTE - 65
Tuition
USD
25,840