Where do Rutgers-Camden graduate students live?
Affordable housing is readily available in Camden, Philadelphia, and South Jersey. Rutgers-Camden is located right next to the City Hall stop of the PATCO high speed line, which connects the suburbs of South Jersey to Center City Philadelphia. The train to Center City takes 10 minutes, and the campus is a 10-15 minute drive or train ride from such appealing New Jersey communities as Collingswood and Haddonfield.

How long will it take me to complete the degree?
Full-time students will be able to complete the degree in two years if they participate in the Summer Writer’s Workshop. Students may also attend part-time, taking up to five years to complete the degree. Most classes are held in the evening to accommodate the schedules of those who work during the day.

How much is full-time tuition at Rutgers-Camden?
Tuition at Rutgers-Camden for NJ residents is $6,924 a semester; $10,500 for out of state students.

Can I concentrate in playwriting or screenwriting?
We offer courses in both playwriting and screenwriting every few semesters, but we do not accept theses in these genres.

Where do I get an application?
Online application can be filed at http://gradstudy.rutgers.edu

Do you require GRE scores for application?
GRE scores are not required for general admission. However, those applying for teaching assistantships are encouraged to submit GRE scores. There is no minimum score.

Does my undergraduate degree have to be in English or creative writing?
No. In fact, many of our students have had training or work experience in quite different fields before deciding to pursue their writing.

Are interviews required for application?
We do not require personal interviews for application, and prefer to meet with students individually after we have received their full applications. We do require interviews with applications for teaching assistantships.

What are the requirements for the application writing sample?
The writing sample should reflect your best writing. You may submit fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, or a combination. Here are length restrictions: 20-30 pages of prose, 10 pages of poetry, or a combination of 10-15 pages of prose and 5 pages of poetry. The work should be submitted as a Word of PDF attachment to this email address: mfa@camden.rutgers.edu. Please put your name and the genre(s) of work in your email subject line. You will receive acknowledgement of the work via email.

How do I apply for a teaching assistantship?
All accepted students will automatically be considered for a teaching assistantship. Please confirm your interest with an email to the MFA Director by March 15.

When will I be notified of an admission decision?
Decisions for the Fall term should be made by the end of February.

Do you accept transfer credits?
We accept 9 credits (3 courses) towards the MFA.

May I audit a single workshop, or take an MFA class as a nonmatriculated student?
We do not accept auditor or nonmatriculated students in our MFA classes. The classes are open only to students who have been accepted into the degree program.

Can I speak with a current Rutgers-Camden student to find out more about graduate life at the university?
Please email Lauren Grodstein, assistant professor of English, lgrodste@camden.rutgers.edu; she will put you in touch with a current student.

Who do I contact for more information?
Contact Lisa Zeidner, Director of the MFA Program, at mfa@camden.rutgers.edu.