Frequently Asked Questions
Is everyone funded?
Yes! All our students are fully funded for all three years. They receive free tuition, subsidized health care, and annual stipends that have in recent years ranged from $16,500-$20,000.
Are there other sources of funding?
Yes. Students who teach summer courses make additional income. Our students are able to apply for the Dissertation Fellowship, which awards $8000 and freedom from teaching responsibilities for one semester during the third year.
The MFA Program and English Department also conduct several contests that award prize money, such as the DC Berry Prize, which gives three cash awards to MFA students.
What part of the application is weighed most heavily?
The writing sample, by far.
Can I exceed the page limit in my work sample?
Sorry, no. Please limit your sample to 20 double-spaced pages of fiction, or 10 pages of poems, with no more than one poem per page. Poems should be single-spaced.
Are there particular writing styles, genres, or subjects that the admissions committee is looking for?
No. We are looking for innovative, fresh, and polished work, regardless of style, subject matter, or genre. We are proud of the aesthetic diversity and the wide array of artistic concerns among our students’ work.
Can I apply in nonfiction?
No. We only accept applications in poetry and fiction. We offer workshops in nonfiction, nature writing, screenwriting, hybrid genres and other topics, and some students work in these forms for their theses, but we accept students into one of the two main genres.
Can I apply in both fiction and poetry?
Yes. You will need to send in two separate applications during Phase 1, each clearly labeled with the appropriate genre. Please indicate in each statement of purpose that you are applying in both genres.
Where do I send my letters of recommendation?
After you have moved into Phase II of the application process, please ask your recommenders to email their letters to mfaadm@olemiss.edu and to the Graduate School .
What should be in my Statement of Purpose?
The Statement of Purpose should be one to two single-spaced pages. It should explain why you are interested in the UM MFA Program, describe your writing goals, and provide any pertinent information regarding your background and your interests as they relate to your writing and graduate study. All applicants will be automatically considered for our fellowships and assistantships, but if you do NOT wish to be considered, please state that in your letter of intent.
How do I apply?
There are two phases of the application process. In Phase 1, email your writing sample and Statement of Purpose to mfaadm@olemiss.edu between October 1 and December 15. If your application is moved to Phase 2, we will contact you in February and invite you to submit an application to the Graduate School, along with a $60 application fee and your official transcripts. Your three letters of recommendation should be sent to both the graduate school and mfaadm.olemiss.edu.
Do you ever offer application fee waivers for cases of severe economic need?
Yes, we are able to waive some application fees. If your application moves to Phase 2, you may email the MFA director at mginsburg@olemiss.edu and request a waiver. You will be asked to provide information about your financial need at that time. There is no need to request a fee waiver unless you have been notified that your application was moved to Phase 2.
Can I visit UM?
Absolutely! Please email the MFA Director at mginsburg@olemiss.edu and let us know when you plan to visit. We can arrange for you to meet with faculty and students, sit in on classes, attend literary events, and enjoy Oxford.
Can a student be admitted for the spring term beginning in January?
No. We only accept admissions for the fall semester.
Can MFA students take workshops in another genre?
Yes, we encourage it! While students must specialize in either fiction or poetry, any MFA student can take workshops and FCI seminars in either of those genres, as well as creative nonfiction, nature writing, screenwriting, and more.
Is there a language requirement?
No. Students do have the opportunity to study languages if they wish to.
Must I have a B.A. in English to apply?
No. Our students have many educational backgrounds.
If I’m applying in fiction, can I send a novel excerpt?
Yes. In addition to your 20 page work sample, please include a paragraph providing a summary of your novel and information about where in the novel your sample is from.
How would you characterize the students who attend your program?
Our students are talented writers who are invested in improving their craft and engaging in our community. They come to us from all over the United States as well as internationally, from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Some MFA students have recently completed an undergraduate degree, and others are returning to school after years in another profession. Some have never published their work, while others may already have books out.
What do your students do after graduation?
Our graduates have received prestigious fellowships such as the Stegner, the Stadler, the Fulbright, and others. Some go on to Ph.D. programs in creative writing and literature. Many of our alumni teach at colleges, universities, high schools, and writing conferences. Others begin careers in editing and publishing, journalism, and nonprofit organizations. Graduates of our program continue to write, publish books, and build lives centered around literature. You can see a partial list our alumni’s books here.
Where can international applicants get more information?
The International Student and Scholar Services office can assist prospective international students with applications, admissions, and enrollment services. They assist enrolled international students with arrival, adjustment, and immigration advisory services, and more.