Admission Requirements

We want good writers with good attitudes.  

Your ability to write and desire to improve are the most important factors of the admissions decision. That's why we require creative writing samples and a personal reflection essay as part of the application process. 

We make acceptance decisions based on your ability to write well, your understanding of the basics of storytelling or poetry, and your openness to learning and become part of our community. Why do you want to be a writer? Are you passionate and committed to being the best writer you can be? What motivates you to write? Why Wilkes?

Once an application is received in its entirety, creative writing program applicants will hear of our decision within 48 hours.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission, please submit the following:

• Completed online application.
• $35 non-refundable application fee.
• Official transcript of all college work, undergraduate and graduate (if applicable).
• Two recommendation letters.
• Creative writing sample. Submit 10-20 pages of published and/or unpublished work to give us a sense of your creative abilities.
• Essay. In 3-6 pages, respond to the following questions:
  • Where are you with regard to your writing and how did you get here?
  • Why Wilkes? What do you hope to get out of our Creative Writing program?
  • What will you do with your program accomplishments following graduation?

All applications and supporting materials except for official transcripts must be uploaded through the online application portal.

Official transcripts must be sent directly from the academic institution. These may be sent electronically or mailed to the following address:

Enrollment Services
Wilkes University
84 West South St.
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766

Application Deadlines

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. That means we accept online applications at any time leading up to the January or June start dates. However, to meet residency deadlines, completed applications must be received by:

• Dec. 1 to start in January (early January residency, followed by late January writing term)
• May 15 to start in June (late June residency, followed by August writing term)

State authorization statement

Authorization requirements for distance education vary by state. Wilkes University is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), which allows us to enroll students and engage in all activities covered by SARA in states that are members of SARA. However, Wilkes University is not required to have state authorization in all 50 states and may choose not to enroll students from states where we are not authorized. Programs leading to professional licensure/certifications may have additional authorization requirements that need to be met. Wilkes University's programs are designed to meet the requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) for recommending candidates for licensure/certification. The University continually reviews its programs and state requirements and actively seeks approvals, where needed, in order to deliver its online programs. Any questions related to the University's approval to offer online graduate programs in a specific state should be forwarded to our Graduate Admissions team.

More about State Authorization

Please note: Since distance education requirements vary by state, distance education students who change their residency to a state in which Wilkes University is not approved to operate may be unable to remain enrolled at Wilkes University or may have their academic progression delayed until proper approvals may be obtained.