Degrees Offered

Admission

ADMISSION APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

FOR CREATIVE WRITING PROGRAM:

The University of Montana MFA program uses a two-step application process, available October 1 -- January 6. Admission is for Fall the following year. GRE scores are not required. 

First: Fill out the Online Application. There are three steps involved in the application process.

1. Fill out and submit the Graduate Program portion of the application that comes up when you click the above link. An email will be sent to you with a link to setup your account and finish your application.
2. Click the link in your email and complete the rest of the application fields and submit.
3. You will be directed to your application status portal. You will be able to pay your application fee and upload supplemental materials on this page. You will also receive another email with a link to this page so you can log in later and complete these steps and track your application progress.

You will be asked to prepare the following documents and information:

• Copies of unofficial transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended. (Official transcripts will be required if you are selected.)
• CV or resume with a list of any relevant awards, honors or publications. 
• Goal Statement: 100-300 word essay describing your personal goals for graduate studies; may include current interests, writing projects and literary influences.
• Writing sample (you may apply for up to two genres, but do not submit a second Graduate School application for the second):
  
  • Fiction: 15-30 pages (two or more short stories or excerpts from a novel in progress)
  • Nonfiction: 15-30 pages (one or more nonfiction essays or excerpts from a longer work)
  • Poetry: 15 pages (page count includes multiple page poems or one per page)

• Three confidential recommendations and email addresses: recommenders are contacted by email and must respond within two weeks. 
• Expository Essay (if applying for Teaching Assistantship): 7-15 pages, literary criticism, research paper, academic or formal essay. 

**All prose must be double-spaced, standard margins and fonts. 

Second: Request transcripts: 

• Request that official transcripts be sent to the Graduate School from all colleges and universities you have attended (Unofficial transcripts will be accepted from The University of Montana). Transcripts may also be transmitted electronically through the National Student Clearinghouse. 

FOR MA IN ENGLISH (TEACHING OPTION) PROGRAM:

Applying for admission to the graduate program in English Teaching is a two-step process:

First: Complete the Online Application. As part of this process, applicants must do the following:

1. Self-report all colleges and universities attended (including GPA).
2. 3 Letters of recommendation. You must provide the names and current email addresses of three people, who will be contacted at their email address and asked to provide a letter of recommendation.  
3. Upload a short (100-300 word) essay of personal goals for graduate study.
4. Upload an expository writing sample (a critical essay or research paper).
5. Upload a CV or resume with a list of any relevant teaching, work experience and awards/honors.  
6. Pay the application fee. 

Second: Request transcripts:

1. Request that official transcripts be sent to the Graduate School from all colleges and universities you have attended (Unofficial transcripts will be accepted from The University of Montana). Transcripts may also be transmitted electronically through the National Student Clearinghouse. 

FOR THE ENGLISH LITERATURE PROGRAM:

First: Complete the Online Application. As part of this process, applicants must do the following:

1. Self-report all colleges and universities attended (including GPA).
2. 3 Letters of recommendation.You must provide the names and current email addresses of three people, who will be contacted at their email address and asked to provide a letter of recommendation.  
3. Upload a short (250-400 word) statement of purpose in which you introduce yourself, your interests, your motivations, and characterize your goals for graduate study.
4. Upload an expository writing sample (a critical essay or research paper).
5. Upload a CV or resume with a list of any relevant teaching, work experience and awards/honors.  
6. Pay the application fee.

Second:

1. Request that official transcripts be sent to the English Department from all colleges and universities you have attended (Unofficial transcripts will be accepted from The University of Montana). Transcripts may also be transmitted electronically through the National Student Clearinghouse.

ADMISSION DEADLINES

FOR CREATIVE WRITING AND ENGLISH LITERATURE

• Fall Semester - The application will be available between October 1st and January 6th.

FOR MA IN ENGLISH (TEACHING OPTION)

• The MA in English (Teaching option) has rolling admissions. We admit students in Fall, Spring, and Summer. However, if you wish to be considered for a teaching assistantship, you must be admitted to the MA in English (Teaching option) program by January 30.

DEPARTMENT WEBSITE

Campus Location
Liberal Arts Building - Room 101

English Department
32 Campus Drive 
Missoula, MT 59812
Phone: (406) 243-5231