Apply to the MFA Program
Interested in applying to the MFA program in creative writing at UNC Wilmington? Learn more about the process and application materials required.
See details about our admissions process. Additional information regarding the MFA program is posted in our Frequently Asked Questions, which we update regularly. Please review them carefully before applying.
The application system opens September 1 for admission the following Fall.
Applications are due for Fall 2026 by 11:59 p.m. ET on Jan. 15, 2026.
Your application to the MFA program in creative writing at UNC Wilmington will be submitted online to UNCW's Graduate School. Along with your online application, you are required to upload
- an electronic copy of your manuscript (the writing sample)
- your personal essay (also called a statement of interest, purpose, or intent)
In addition to the application materials submitted online, you will need to mail to the Graduate School your transcripts.
IMPORTANT: You will submit your application & fee BEFORE you upload your supplemental materials, listed below. (Steps to completing your online application can be found in the <Let's Get Started> tab of your application.)
Once you submit your application, you may access the Self Service Portal to upload your documents.
Admission Deadlines & Requirements
Information: MFA Creative Writing
- Complete applications are considered for admission as a group, after the published deadline.
- All application and supporting documents must be received by the published deadline.
Coordinator
- Dr. Melissa Crowe
910-962-3436
crowem@uncw.edu
Location/Delivery Method
- Main Campus
Concentrations
- Creative Non-Fiction
- Fiction
- Poetry
Deadlines (11:59 p.m. EST)
- Fall 2025: January 15, 2025
Transcripts
- One official transcript is required from each U.S. post-secondary institution attended. Refer to the Getting Started page for international transcript instructions.
Test Scores
Recommendations
- None Required
Additional Requirements
- Upload Supplemental Documents After Application Submission
- Writing Sample:
A typed manuscript in the applicant’s primary genre, labeled “poetry,” “fiction" or “creative nonfiction”: 10 pages of poetry, 30 pages of fiction or 30 pages of creative nonfiction (double-spaced prose, single-spaced poetry). The manuscript should demonstrate mastery of basic craft and unmistakable literary promise. Applicants are advised not to apply with a mixed-genre manuscript. - Essay: An essay (300-500 words) on the applicant’s goals in pursuing the MFA, including previous educational experience.
- Assistantship Essay: If you are interested in being considered for an assistantship in the Creative Writing classroom, or in the Publishing Laboratory (or both), please include a brief (one- to two-page) supplemental statement of relevant experience and interest. (If interested in both, upload a single combined essay.)
Additional Information
- The GRE (Graduate Record Exam) is not required for admission to our program.
- Letters of recommendation are not required, nor accepted.
- There is no foreign language requirement nor interview process.
- International applicants must meet additional requirements; details posted in the FAQs.
All application materials (including the application fee) must be posted to the online application system by 11:59 p.m. ET on Jan. 15. Late applications cannot be accepted as the system closes at midnight on Jan. 16. You may begin to apply as soon as the system allows applications for the following year (Sept. 1). We do not admit new students mid-year (i.e., in spring semester).
For more details, see the 'Applying' section of our FAQs. If you have questions about the application process after reviewing the FAQs for prospective students, please contact Lisa Bertini, MFA program assistant, at bertinil@uncw.edu or 910.962.3070. (UNCW will be closed during winter break, generally Dec. 24-Jan. 1.)
You can check the status of your application, request confirmation of receipt of application materials, as well as address missing items in your application in the Getting Started section of the Graduate School's admissions webpage.
If you are having trouble with any part of the online application, please refer to the technical support options available through the application system. If you still need help resolving your issue you may contact the Graduate School.
Be sure to review the Getting Started section of the Graduate School website for a step-by-step guide to applying for admission. Many of your questions will be answered there.