Frequently Asked Questions

Prospective students can obtain more information by attending an info meeting, open house, or graduate fair. Individual visits can be scheduled by contacting the MFA in Writing office.

All new students begin the program with a required weekend orientation in mid-August before the start of the fall semester.

The curriculum is composed of 32 required units (36 optional), which includes three workshops, four seminars, and one semester (or two) of thesis work. It takes two years to complete the program.

If you're interested in financial aid for:

• First year — Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025, file the FAFSA 2024/2025 application as soon as possible
• Second year — Fall 2025 and Spring 2026, you will need to submit a separate FAFSA 2025/2026 application
• Final semester — Fall 2022, you will need to submit a FASFA 2022/2023 application

Yes. For more information, visit our Financing Your Education page.

We offer TAships in conjunction with undergraduate English courses. Although the number varies each semester, usually 8-12 positions are available.

Many of our students work full-time, and some lighten their professional workload in anticipation of school/writing.

Please visit our How to Apply page.

Former applicants are eligible to reapply. You will need to submit a new online application form, statement of purpose, and writing sample. The Office of Graduate Admissions will have your transcripts and letters of recommendation from the previous year.

Please visit the USF Off-Campus Housing page.