An independent directory of dedicated creative writing degrees in the United States
Portland State University · Department of English, Creative Writing Program
A two-year, 48-credit MFA in fiction, nonfiction or poetry with full-time and part-time options, core workshops, genre seminars and a creative thesis with written and oral examinations. Graduate assistantships with a stipend and tuition remission are available by application.
The department awards a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing in fiction, nonfiction and poetry.
Source: pdx.edu · verified October 9, 2026We list dedicated creative writing degrees only. Eligibility rules
FictionPoetryCreative Nonfiction
Source: pdx.edu · verified October 9, 2026As listed on the program's official page on October 9, 2026. Listing does not mean a faculty member is teaching or supervising new students in a given year.
Source: pdx.edu · verified October 9, 2026| Genre | Length | Requirement as published |
|---|---|---|
| Fiction | 20–30 pages | Fiction manuscript of 20 to 30 pagesFormatting: one inch margins, double spaced, single clear 12-point typeface, page numbersSource: pdx.edu · verified October 9, 2026 |
| Creative Nonfiction | 20–30 pages | Nonfiction manuscript of 20 to 30 pages (magazine articles and/or creative nonfiction)Formatting: one inch margins, double spaced, single clear 12-point typeface, page numbersSource: pdx.edu · verified October 9, 2026 |
| Poetry | 12–15 pages | Poetry manuscript of 12 to 15 pages; may be single-spacedFormatting: Poetry manuscripts may be single-spacedSource: pdx.edu · verified October 9, 2026 |
We do not publish acceptance rates or estimate competitiveness: programs rarely publish comparable figures.
Application deadline
January 15 · for Fall
The school does not print a year with this date.
Source: pdx.edu · verified October 9, 2026| Category | Amount | Basis and year |
|---|---|---|
| In-state — Resident graduate base tuition, 1 creditFrom the school's rate table for this level | $526 | per credit · 2026-2027Calculated$25,248 total = 48 credits × $526 per credit. Excludes mandatory fees, residency or travel costs, and any rate change during the program.Source: pdx.edu · verified October 9, 2026 |
| Out-of-state — Nonresident graduate base tuition, 1 creditFrom the school's rate table for this level | $784 | per credit · 2026-2027Calculated$37,632 total = 48 credits × $784 per credit. Excludes mandatory fees, residency or travel costs, and any rate change during the program.Source: pdx.edu · verified October 9, 2026 |
Competitive full funding
Tom Bates Scholarship scholarship
$2,000 · Awards: 3
Eligibility: Incoming MFA students in fiction, nonfiction and poetry
How to apply: Instructions sent after the application deadline
Source: pdx.edu · verified October 9, 2026Roger Hocking Memorial Award prize
$3,500 · Awards: 1
Eligibility: One incoming MFA (Nonfiction) student
How to apply: No additional materials; based on the program application
Source: pdx.edu · verified October 9, 2026Something out of date? Request a correction · Represent this school? Claim the profile
Same degree level, nearby or in the same format. Listed for discovery, not ranked.
Creative Writing Programs is independent and not affiliated with Portland State University. Information is collected from official pages and can change; confirm requirements, costs and deadlines with the school.