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The MFA Program at the University of Kansas
The MFA program is Interdisciplinary in its approach and grads work with all faculty in the program among our seven studio areas; Ceramics, Expanded Media, Metalsmithing and Jewelry, Painting and Drawing, Printmaking, Sculpture, Textiles and Fibers.
The MFA program is designed to take three years. Graduate Students spend their first two years taking an interdisciplinary graduate seminar comprised of first and second year grad students, and take electives in the Department of Visual Art and University. They also work independently with faculty in their chosen discipline and within the Department of Visual Art, Spencer Museum of Art, and Affiliated Faculty. After the successful completion of two reviews (first and second year), third year students spend their entire third year on their thesis work.
Students in the MFA program receive generous private/semi-private studios appropriate to their work for the entire duration of the program. In addition to their individual studios, Graduate Students have access to the entire Department of Visual Art facility including equipment, tools, staff resources, workspaces, computer production labs, and shops. Graduate Students also have access to the resources of a major research university including libraries, the Spencer Museum of Art, the Biodiversity Institute, and various research labs.
Studio and Academic Areas
- Expanded Media
- Metalsmithing/Jewelry
- Painting/Drawing
- Printmaking
- Textiles/Fibers
Graduate Admissions
Strong artist community.
Faculty in the program exhibit their work all over the world, and are present in important collections around the world. Students are also supported by a strong Artist-in-Residence, Visiting Artist, and Visiting Critic program. These contacts go on to become peers and resources long after graduation.
Faculty, Artist-in-Residence, Visiting Artists
- Faculty and Staff
- Visiting Artists and Speakers
- Artists-in-Residence

Visual Art Facilities
Students in the MFA program receive generous private/semi-private studios appropriate to their work for the entire duration of the program. In addition to their individual studios, Graduate students have access to a diverse ecosystem of facilities and equipment, ranging from traditional tools to emerging technologies.
Visual Art Resources
- The Common Shop & VAST Lab
- Interdisciplinary Ceramics Research Center
- Art & Design Gallery

University Resources
Graduate Students have access to the resources of a major research university including libraries, the Spencer Museum of Art, the Biodiversity Institute, and various research labs.
- Spencer Museum of Art
- KU Libraries
- Biodiversity Institute
- The Commons

Community Resources
Lawrence is a diverse and progressive city that still maintains the charm of a smaller community with a picturesque downtown, a thriving art scene and beautiful neighborhoods. Just 45 minutes away is Kansas City which offers all the resources of a major metropolitan area.
- Lawrence Arts Center
- Nelson Atkins Museum of Art
- Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
- Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art

Graduate Student Kirsten Taylor helps a student in her Intro to Ceramics class.

Graduate Student Jenny Welden gives a dying demonstration to her Fundamentals of Fibers class.

Graduate Student Sarah Pickett works in the Printmaking Studio.

Sarah Gross
Katie williams.
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Graduate Admission
Applying for admission.
- Application Deadline: January 5, 2023. All materials must be received by the deadline for consideration for Fall 2023. The department does not admit new incoming graduate students for Spring semesters.
- The English Department does not accept applications after January 5, 2023.
- Early submission of applications for fellowships and graduate teaching assistantship is highly desirable. We urge candidates to submit all their materials early for fellowship to ensure that all materials are complete and received by the January 5th deadline. This includes supplemental items such as letters of recommendation, transcripts, etc. See below for a list of required supplemental materials.
- The KU English Department no longer requires GRE scores. Applicants may submit GRE scores if they wish, but scores will not have an effect on admissions decisions.
- Regarding admission to both our doctoral and MFA creative writing programs, we will prioritize applicants who are interested in engaging with multiple faculty members to practice writing across genres and forms, from speculative fiction and realism to poetry and playwriting/screenwriting, etc.
In addition to the application itself, please submit the following supplemental materials:
- A resumé or curriculum vitae.
- A statement of approximately 500 words describing your interests, training, experience (including teaching experience), academic ability, and goals.
- Letters of recommendation from three professors. Recommenders are strongly encouraged to submit their letters electronically through ApplyWeb. Paper letters must be submitted on the institution's letterhead, in a sealed envelope, addressed directly to the Graduate Director. Letters should, if possible, speak to potential as a teacher, although they should primarily be focused on academic and scholarly ability.
- One transcript or student-generated grade/advising report from each university previously attended. Scanned or electronic copies are acceptable for the application. If you are uncertain what constitutes an appropriate transcript or grade report, please contact the Graduate Program Coordinator, Mary Strickell, [email protected] .
- M.A. and Ph.D. applicants in tracks other than creative writing must submit two examples of academic writing. M.F.A. candidates must submit approximately thirty total pages of prose (fiction or nonfiction)--multiple stories or a longer piece are acceptable. Poetry writing candidates should submit approximately fifteen pages of poetry. Screen or Playwriting candidates should submit at least one one-act play. Creative Writing Ph.D. applicants must submit one example of creative writing (prose, poetry, or a one-act play), and one example of academic writing. Academic sample length can vary--between 8 and 20 pages is generally recommended.
Note: The English department accepts all supplemental materials in electronic format, including transcripts and letters of recommendation. Materials must be attached to the application. If you have questions about submitting materials electronically, please contact the Graduate Program Coordinator, Mary Strickell, [email protected]
Please note, the cost of living in Lawrence can be significantly lower than in metropolitan areas. Check this cost of living calculator to determine the difference. Enter Lawrence KS in the first location and then a comparison city as the new location to get a percentage difference in cost of living.
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All schools & programs > College of Liberal Arts and Sciences > Department of English >
Master of fine arts in creative writing.
- Degree Requirements
Master of Fine Arts Degree Requirements
Requirements for the M.F.A. in Creative Writing include
- 4 graduate courses (12 hours) in literature, English or American.
- 4 graduate courses (12 hours) in creative writing.
- 7 to 9 hours in electives or practica chosen from graduate courses in the Department of English, or approved courses in another department.
- ENGL 899 M.A./M.F.A. Thesis (15 hours). Original writing in prose fiction, poetry, drama, or nonfiction prose.
Department of English
College of liberal arts and sciences.
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The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression and genetic information in the University’s programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access, [email protected], 1246 W. Campus Road, Room 153A, Lawrence, KS, 66045, (785)864-6414, 711 TTY.
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The University of Kansas' M.F.A. is a three-year program with tracks in fiction, poetry, and playwriting. Typically, students in the program take course work
The M.F.A. in Creative Writing provides students with a balance between the
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The MFA Program at the University of Kansas ... The MFA program is Interdisciplinary in its approach and grads work with all faculty in the program among our
Regarding admission to both our doctoral and MFA creative writing programs, ... The University of Kansas' Graduate Program in Creative Writing also offers
The KU English Department no longer requires GRE scores. ... Regarding admission to both our doctoral and MFA creative writing programs
The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a
MFA Program in Creative Writing at the University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas. 170 likes. The University of Kansas' MFA is a three-year program with...
The University of Kansas Graduate Creative Writing Program, Lawrence, Kansas. 422 likes · 7 were here. The University of Kansas offers a five-year PhD...