| Phone: 413-545-0643
E-Mail: mfapoetsandwriters@hfa.umass.edu
MFA Program for Poets and Writers
452 Bartlett Hall
University of Massachusetts
130 Hicks Way
Amherst , MA 01003 -9269
Admission
Admission to the MFA Program is based on a faculty committee's evaluation. The deadline for fall admission is January 15 (postmark). We encourage early application, beginning October 1, to avoid the last-minute crunch. The application process consists of two parts:
1. Original Manuscript: Send 10 pages of poetry or 20 pages of fiction along with a completed cover sheet and your Writing Program application if you choose to submit one (see below) to: MFA Program for Poets and Writers, 452 Bartlett Hall, University of Massachusetts Amherst , MA 01003 -9269.
2. Application forms: Apply online to the University of Massachusetts Graduate School (above): www.umass.edu/gradschool. If you prefer an application sent by post, request one by calling The Graduate Admissions Office: (413) 545-0722.
The GRE is not required for admission to the MFA Program. However, it is recommended should you want to be competitive for Graduate School Fellowships.
Tuition and Assistantships
For information on current tuition and fees, visit the Graduate School website. For additional information, visit Financial Aid Services: www.umass.edu/umfa .
In order to take advantage of lower, in-state tuition rates, you must have on file with the University a Certificate of Residency Statement, which is part of the application for admission. We recommend that you check “work-study” on the FAFSA application form. This may enable you to be eligible for work-study opportunities on campus.
Teaching Associate, Teaching Assistant, and Research Assistant positions are available throughout the University. You may contact MFA Headquarters for a list of some of these opportunities. These positions typically provide stipends and tuition waivers. While undergraduate creative writing sections are typically awarded to MFA candidates in their second or third years in the program, occasionally a well-prepared, experienced applicant may be offered a section.
University Writing Program Teaching Associate Positions
While MFA candidates find work in a range of contexts across campus, the University Writing Program, which oversees undergraduate composition courses, appoints more than any other single office. Writing Program and other departmental Teaching Associateships provide a tuition waiver and a stipend of approximately $6,688 per semester, bringing the value of an associateship to $15,691 for out-of-state candidates and $11,466.50 for those who qualify for in-state status.
If you would like to be considered for a Writing Program Teaching Associate position for your first year in the MFA Program, complete a Writing Program application and include it with your MFA application (part 1, original manuscript). If you're accepted to the MFA Program, it will automatically be sent to the Writing Program for consideration.
Each writer who joins our program brings unique circumstances and goals. Many wish to teach; many do not. Please apply to the Writing Program only if you wish to be considered for an appointment for the coming academic year. Whether or not you apply for a Teaching Associateship has no bearing on your acceptance into the MFA Program, and if you choose not to apply for an appointment now, but do join us, you will have opportunities to apply for appointments in subsequent years. Please be sure to send your Writing Program application along with your other MFA application materials directly to the MFA Program, address above.
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