Achieved a grade point average of at least 2.750 from a U.S. institution, or its equivalent from a foreign institution, and no background deficiencies in the desired field of graduate study. Students with background deficiencies may be admitted on a conditional basis. In certain instances, the GPA may be based on the last 60 credit hours of coursework (or nearest semester or term break to this). Many departments require a higher minimum grade point average

Applicants must meet the general requirements of the Graduate School, with the additional requirement of a 3.000 grade point average in their previous coursework in English. The director of creative writing evaluates the applicant's transcript, prescribing additional undergraduate hours for those who have fewer than 24 credit hours of acceptable coursework in English. Courses in freshman composition, grammar, teaching methods, journalism, speech, etc. may not be included in the required 24 credit hours. Exceptions may be made for outstanding students who have majored in related fields. With the permission of the director of creative writing, gifted writers may study in the program as special students with no specific degree intentions. Priority deadline for application: February 1. Admission will be for fall semester only.

Applicants who earned their undergraduate degrees more than 10 years before their application for admission must be interviewed by the director of creative writing before they are admitted into the program.

Applicants who have earned their degrees in countries where English is not the native language must score at least 600 paper-based, or 100 internet-based on the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Examination or an overall band score of 7.5 on the IELTS or a score of 73 on the PTE-Academic before they may be admitted to the program.