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Department of EnglishMFA in Creative Writing

MFA in Creative Writing

Application Requirements

Application Deadline for Fall 2027 Admission: TBD

The GRE is not required for entry into the MFA program. Applicants must submit the following information:

College transcripts
Resume or curriculum vitae
8-10 page (or longer) critical writing sample (optional)
A creative writing sample (15-20 pages)
700-word statement of purpose outlining your interest in our graduate program; how your current and past experiences have prepared you for graduate study in this field; your future academic and career plans; and any additional information that may aid in evaluating your candidacy
3 letters of recommendation. (Recommenders send their letters directly through the TTU Graduate School application portal via a prompt generated by the system)

Note: Applicants applying to our literary translation track should have excellent proficiency in the source language; a deep and sustained passion for literature, literary study, and creative writing; a compelling portfolio that shows promise in the art of literary translation; and an abiding interest in international literature and global literary communities. These applicants submit 8-10 pages of literary translation into English in a chosen genre (along with source texts) and 7-10 pages of original writing in English, critical or literary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply?

In order to apply to the Creative Writing Program, you’ll need to complete the Texas Tech Application for Graduate Admission.

Can I send in some application materials separately?

The online application requires you to upload all pertinent materials before submitting. Additional materials such as official transcripts and any international paperwork should be sent to the appropriate locations following completion of the online application.

Do the letters of recommendation have to be sent in by the recommender or am I supposed to send them with the rest of the application materials?

The letters of reference are gathered electronically by the university for applicants to the graduate program. You will be asked to provide references at the time of submitting your application. References should be from individuals who can describe your aptitude and potential for graduate study based on their knowledge of your work.

Are any items judged more closely than others?

Yes, the statement of intent, manuscript, and letters of recommendation are considered to be the determining factors, although the rest of the application materials are looked at and judged accordingly.

Is the GRE mandatory?

No. As of the 2020-21 academic year, the GRE is no longer required as part of the graduate application for Creative Writing.

Can the application fee be waived?

The application fee is set by the Graduate School.

I am an international student and have not taken the TOEFL but have taken English classes. Will that suffice?

No. The score on the TOEFL is a requirement.

I want to apply in more than one genre. Can I do that?

Yes, but you will have to complete an application and submit the application fee for each genre.

How long does my creative manuscript have to be?

A maximum of 20 pages of poetry or prose. Prose manuscripts should be double-spaced on numbered pages. Poetry manuscripts can be single-spaced and formatted as desired.

Is it okay if I already have a MA, MFA, or PhD?

Yes. We will assess your application in the same manner regardless of previous degrees acquired.

Are there opportunities to teach?

Every student admitted to the MFA Program is also guaranteed a position as a Graduate Part-Time Instructor for the duration of the time in the program. You will teach First-Year Writing initially and later have the opportunity to teach creative writing and literature courses. Summer teaching is also available.

Do I apply just for translation, or in a genre and then indicate I also want to work on translation?

Apply in a genre first, then indicate your desire to work on translation. We are open to multi-genre translation, as well.

Do you have options for distance students?

Our current MFA program is all onsite.

What kind of editorial opportunities are available to me as an MFA student?

You will have opportunities to work as an Associate Editor on Iron Horse Literary Review as soon as you matriculate in the program. There are also slots for Managing Editors in poetry and prose. For more questions about Iron Horse, reach out to Founding Editor and MFA Faculty Member Dr. Leslie Jill Patterson.

There are also options to gain editorial experience working with Texas Tech University Press. For more questions about TTU Press, reach out to Faculty Director and MFA Faculty Member Dr. Katie Cortese.

We also house an interdisciplinary documentary lab called Studio E, which offers multiple opportunities for students to engage in writing, photography, audio, and film. Studio E is directed by MFA Faculty Member Professor Lucy Schiller; she can be reached at english.studioe@ttu.edu.

What is fun to do in Lubbock?

Lubbock is a vibrant and tightly knit community. The Creative Writing Program, in particular, hosts or participates in multiple readings, panels, conferences, and interdisciplinary work every semester.

The LHUCA Literary Series is a graduate-run reading series that showcases an undergraduate and graduate writer from Texas Tech alongside a visiting writer once per semester. The series is held at the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts.

Dust Coast is another, more informal graduate-run reading series hosted at the homes of classmates and faculty twice per semester. It is a great opportunity for graduate students to hear each other's work and mingle.

The First Friday of every month also sees LHUCA host the First Friday Art Trail, a major community and creative event.

The Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences hosts multiple shows each month in their beautiful space adjacent to LHUCA.

Lubbock is the proud home of the National Ranching Heritage Center, Prairie Dog Town, the American Windmill Museum, and the Silent Wings Museum, to name a few.

In terms of day-to-day life, you could explore Cactus Alley or meet a friend at neighborhood favorite Good Line Brewery. You'll often find fellow students meeting at Monomyth or J&B Coffee, or exploring the various restaurants Lubbock has to offer.

We're also driving distance to Santa Fe, Ruidoso, Carlsbad Caverns, Marfa, and much, much more.