Admission Requirements to the MFA Program

This list is in addition to the general college requirements:

1. A minimum average grade of B in all undergraduate work and in all literature courses.
2. Three satisfactory letters of recommendation, preferably from writers and teachers of writing, addressing the candidate’s academic proficiency and writing skills.
3. Candidates should submit a writing sample: either 10 pages of poetry or 20 pages of prose, along with a 500-word statement of interest. 
4. For the translation track, candidates should demonstrate an appropriate level of fluency in a language besides English and submit previously translated work (5-10 pages) as their writing sample.

   Fulfillment of these requirements does not guarantee admission; it simply makes a student eligible for consideration. All students must meet the above requirements. The MFA program does not accept non-matriculated students.

To apply to our MFA program, please submit an online application through the Graduate Admissions office. You will include your application essay, writing sample, and optional teaching statement there.

Please note: 

• For applications in poetry, please submit 10 pages of poetry.
• For applications in prose (fiction or CNF), please submit 20-25 pages of prose.
• For applications in literary translation, follow the guidelines above depending on genre.

All applicants who apply by the priority deadline of March 15 will be automatically considered for merit scholarships, including the Queens College Master’s Scholarship and several offered by the QC Foundation. 

Applicants can also apply for teaching fellowships.

Incoming students have the opportunity to apply for a teaching fellowship. Selected students take a teaching practicum in the fall of their first year and work on initiatives within the program—social media, event planning, web development, alumni outreach. During the spring, they teach one course and continue to work half-time within the program. During their second year, they teach two courses each semester. The stipend is $28,748. Fellowships may be renewed for a second year, at the discretion of the program and department. 

If you are interested in a teaching fellowship, please upload an optional teaching statement detailing your aspirations and any previous experience along with your application essay. You’ll find instructions within the application. 

We have a limited number of teaching fellowships available, but we do have additional teaching opportunities for students in their second or third year of study.

Please note: The fellowship does not offer tuition remission, but the total amount awarded far exceeds full-time tuition.

The Queens College MFA Program offers one of the most affordable tuition rates for national MFA Programs. Check out our Bursar’s page for more details:

Bursar

We know that moving to NYC is a lot to handle! Our students live all across the city, but if you’re having trouble finding a place, or just want to live somewhere convenient for getting to classes, you can apply for a spot at our campus Summit Apartments.

To check out the amenities and more, please head over to The Summit website:

Summit Apartments

For any questions please contact Jason Tougaw, MFA Director.