How to Apply - MFA Playwriting Program
Our Graduate Program in Playwriting is a branch of the Graduate Creative Writing Department in the English Department of the College of Arts and Sciences at Boston University. We welcome applicants to the MFA Creative Writing Program. Admission is competitive, so we urge you to follow our four step guidelines below along with those in the CAS Graduate School Bulletin:
1. You must complete a Graduate School Admission Application that includes your GRE General Test score. Click here to download a PDF of the application, or click here to go the main CAS Grad School Admissions page which links to an online application. When you fill out this application, indicate that your intended course of study is the Graduate Creative Writing Program - Playwriting.
2. You must read the pertinent sections of The CAS Grad School Bulletin here. This is a compilation of necessary information on the admission procedures, application process, deadlines, financial aid, and the programs (*Note, we're the M.F.A. in Creative Writing in the English Dept.)
If you can't access the Application or the Bulletin links above, we can mail or e-mail you copies. E-mail your request to grartsci@bu.edu, or send a standard mail request to CAS Grad School Offices at the mailing address below . All requests should include your name, mailing address, and intended area of study.
3. We ask for three letters of recommendation, including at least one letter assessing your ability for advanced academic study.
4. In addition to the main CAS Grad School application, the Playwriting program requires that you submit a minimum of one original full-length play or two one-act plays. We are looking for writers who demonstrate an adept use of language, a strong sense of theatricality, and a flair for character-driven dramatic action. Your playscripts should be formatted to meet the Samuel French Professional Playscript Format Guidelines. (To order these guidelines, click here or call Samuel French Publishing at 212-206-8990.)
All application materials should be mailed to:
Boston University
Admission Office, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
705 Commonwealth Avenue, Room 112
Boston, MA 02215
All application materials, including submitted work, letters of recommendation, and a completed application form, must be received by March 1.
If you have questions about the application process, please call Boston Playwrights' Theatre at 617-353-5443, or call the CAS Graduate School Admission Office at 617-353-2696.
Most of our graduate students receive exceptional financial aid, and one Teaching Fellowship per year is awarded. For more information on admission and financial aid, click on the Graduate School Bulletin link above.