An independent directory of dedicated creative writing degrees in the United States
San Francisco State University · Department of Creative Writing
A 54-unit MFA combining writing workshops, creative process and literature courses, a 12-unit correlative, and a 6-unit thesis; the department says full-time students take about three years and part-time study is possible within seven years.
Awarded degree is a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing.
Source: bulletin.sfsu.edu · verified October 9, 2026We list dedicated creative writing degrees only. Eligibility rules
Creative NonfictionFictionPlaywritingPoetryLiterary Translation
Source: bulletin.sfsu.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: creativewriting.sfsu.edu · verified October 9, 2026| Genre | Length | Requirement as published |
|---|---|---|
| Fiction | 15–20 pages | 15-20 pages of fiction or creative nonfictionFormatting: double-spaced, single-sidedSource: creativewriting.sfsu.edu · verified October 9, 2026 |
| Creative Nonfiction | 15–20 pages | 15-20 pages of fiction or creative nonfictionFormatting: double-spaced, single-sidedSource: creativewriting.sfsu.edu · verified October 9, 2026 |
| Poetry | — | 15 poemsSource: creativewriting.sfsu.edu · verified October 9, 2026 |
| Literary Translation | up to 10 pages | 10 pages of literary translation into English with 10 pages of the originalSource: creativewriting.sfsu.edu · verified October 9, 2026 |
We do not publish acceptance rates or estimate competitiveness: programs rarely publish comparable figures.
Funding / priority deadline
February 15 (Round 1, priority consideration for scholarships) · for Fall 2027
The school does not print a year with this date.
Source: creativewriting.sfsu.edu · verified October 9, 2026Application deadline
May 10 (admission for the following fall semester) · for Fall 2027
The school does not print a year with this date.
Source: bulletin.sfsu.edu · verified October 9, 2026| Category | Amount | Basis and year |
|---|---|---|
| In-state — Graduate, 6.1+ units (full time), tuition only, per semesterPublished for campus-based studyFrom the school's rate table for this level | $4,274 | per semester · 2026-2027Source: bursar.sfsu.edu · verified October 9, 2026 |
| Out-of-state — Nonresident tuition, per unit, in addition to systemwide tuitionPublished for campus-based studyFrom the school's rate table for this level | $471 | per credit · 2026-2027Calculated$25,434 total = 54 credits × $471 per credit. Excludes mandatory fees, residency or travel costs, and any rate change during the program.Source: bursar.sfsu.edu · verified October 9, 2026 |
Partial funding
Joe Brainard Fellowship fellowship
$1000-$5000 (two or more prizes)
Eligibility: New graduate students
How to apply: Automatic consideration
Source: creativewriting.sfsu.edu · verified October 9, 2026William Dickey Fellowship in poetry fellowship
$500 – $2000 (two prizes) · Awards: 2
Eligibility: New graduate students in poetry
How to apply: Automatic consideration
Source: creativewriting.sfsu.edu · verified October 9, 2026Miriam Ylvisaker Fellowship in Fiction fellowship
$500-$1000 (one prize) · Awards: 1
Eligibility: New graduate students in fiction
How to apply: Automatic consideration
Source: creativewriting.sfsu.edu · verified October 9, 2026Kathryn A. Manoogian Scholarship scholarship
$500 - $2000 (one prize) · Awards: 1
Eligibility: One graduate student, new or continuing; merit and financial need
How to apply: Call for applications at the beginning of the fall semester
Source: creativewriting.sfsu.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.
University of California-Riverside
Creative Writing Programs is independent and not affiliated with San Francisco State University. Information is collected from official pages and can change; confirm requirements, costs and deadlines with the school.