To apply, you must submit a portfolio of original creative writing to the Director. Depending on which genre you plan to study, your portfolio should be a half-dozen poems, 20-30 pages of fiction or nonfiction (preferably two different pieces), or two or three scenes from a play or screenplay. Submit three copies of each work, with a brief cover letter applying for admission. Include your name, mailing address, email, and telephone. 

Your portfolio will be read by three faculty in the Program, who will then vote on your acceptance. We will notify you by mail as soon as we have arrived at a decision, usually within two weeks. 

Although your courses may include workshops in any genre you wish, it is understood that your thesis will be the same genre as your portfolio. However, it is possible to change genres: for example, if you have applied in nonfiction but decide to change to poetry, you must submit a new poetry portfolio. In special cases, students may be accepted in more than one genre; those students may write a mixed-genre thesis. 

If you have already been accepted as an English graduate student at ECU, but for some reason haven't yet applied to the Creative Writing Program, please realize it is in your best interests to submit a portfolio as soon as possible. If you haven't yet applied to the graduate school, you should include your portfolio with your application.