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MFA Admission Requirements

Updated August 2025

Education

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or the equivalent from an accredited institution in the United States or from a recognized university-level academic institution abroad and at least a B average (3.0 GPA) or its equivalent by the time they enroll. Some exceptional applicants with lower GPAs may be recommended for admission.

Completed Application

Applications to the MFA program require the following elements:

  1. Academic History & Transcripts
  2. Letters of Recommendation
  3. Resume/CV
  4. Statement of Purpose 
  5. Portfolio (writing sample)
  6. For international students - English Language proficiency certification
  7. Application Fee or Fee Waiver

For more details about the individual application elements, please see our Application Guidelines.

 

The MFA Program does not require applicants to submit GRE scores, as we use a more holistic approach to reviewing applications. Please do not submit GRE scores.

Please refer to the Graduate Admissions website and our application guidelines for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a BA in Literary Arts or Literary Studies to apply to the MFA program?

Your BA degree does not need to be in literary arts or literary studies, but you will need strong creative writing samples for the portfolio section of the application (see below).

May I apply if my BA is still in progress?

Yes, as long as your bachelor's degree is conferred prior to the start of the MFA Program, you will meet the minimum requirements to join the program.

How can I tell if the BA I earned abroad is equivalent to a U.S. degree?

Please contact the Graduate Admissions Office at gradadmissions@ucsd.edu.

May I apply if I already have a MFA?

Our department does not typically admit students who already have an MFA degree, regardless of discipline. Applicants who hold a previous MFA degree are welcome to apply, but exceptions to this policy are extraordinarily rare. An exception may be considered if our program receives a completed application, selects the application as one of the top applicants from the overall pool, and feels strongly enough to grant the exception. Applicants do not need to request the exception specifically, but they are welcome to mention any relevant justification for pursuing an additional MFA degree in their Statement of Purpose.