How To Apply

Please note: The priority application period for the 2010/2011 academic year began October 1, 2009. The deadline for applications is December 10, 2009.

Normally, successful applicants for admission to the M.F.A. in Creative Writing program will have an undergraduate or Master's degree in English or Creative Writing, but exceptions may be made for students with extraordinary talent. Other requirements of the university regarding graduate admission may also apply. For complete information on graduate study at CSUSB, the current Catalog of Programs is available online or by mail from the University.

Application Deadlines:

Applicants must choose a concentration in Fiction or Poetry. The application deadline for admission for the 2010-2011 academic year is December 10, 2009. Those admitted must begin the program the following Fall quarter.

Application: University

You are required to submit both a University application (even if you are currently a CSUSB undergraduate) and supporting materials to the M.F.A. program before an admission decision can be reached. The University application should be completed online.

To apply for admission to the university, you must submit your application to the Office of Graduate Admissions online at CSU Mentor. Additionally, official transcripts (in sealed envelopes) from all postsecondary institutions attended are to be sent to the Office of Graduate Admissions. The GRE is not required. Applications will be accepted via CSU Mentor beginning October 1, 2008 for the Fall 2009 quarter.

Application: Department

To apply for admission to the M.F.A program, the following materials should be sent directly to the Department of English.

1. A sample of creative work consisting of ten poems or two short stories or a short story and a novel chapter. The poetry submissions should not exceed twenty pages; the prose submissions should not exceed thirty pages.
2. A two-to-four page autobiographical statement describing the applicant's literary and academic goals.
3. Three letters of recommendation describing the applicant's maturity as a student who can receive and give constructive criticism, and his or her ability to be academically successful in the M.F.A. program.

Note: To submit your letters of recommendation, print copies of the "Recommendation Waiver Form," [PDF] complete and sign the upper half of the forms, and give them to the three individuals you have selected. These letters should be submitted to us by the recommenders OR given to you in signed, sealed envelopes.

Attention international students: There are additional documents required for international student applications. For information about these requirements and forms, please see the International Student Status information on the Admissions and Student Recruitment website.

Application materials listed above and questions about the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing should be addressed to:

Department of English
M.F.A. Program Coordinators
California State University, San Bernardino
5500 University Parkway
San Bernardino, CA 92407

Telephone: (909) 537-5824