University of New Mexico
HSITest-OptionalGreek LifeLGBTQ+
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
No Interview
University App Required
Program Highlights
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
•Three-year, 60-credit-hour MFA with intimate cohort of no more than 9 students (up to 3 admitted per year)
•Graduate with portfolio of minimum 6 scripts: 3 full-length stage plays, 1 full-length screenplay, 1 short piece, and dissertation work
•Four intensive semester-long writing seminars confronting principles and craft of dramatic writing
PRODUCTION OPPORTUNITIES
•Annual Linnell Festival of New Plays — third-year students receive full productions
•MFA Reading Series each fall for public concert readings of completed scripts
•Five students have won national playwriting awards from Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Aniello Fontano — award-winning playwright and screenwriter, Clifford Odets Ensemble Commission recipient, Netflix writer
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
•Coursework includes screenwriting, performance topics, and the business of making art
•Trips to Humana Festival of New American Plays, New York premieres, and Denver Center New Play Summit
•Guest artists include Pig Iron Theatre Company, Erik Ehn, Mac Wellman, and Migdalia Cruz
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Priority (Spring)Dec 13, 2025
Priority (Fall)Jun 1, 2026
Rolling
Program AppApplication
Deadlines
Application DeadlineFeb 1, 2026
Late Application Deadline (if spaces remain)Apr 1, 2026
Submission Requirements
APPLICATION PORTFOLIO
•Full-length script (stage play, screenplay, or television play — drama or comedy — or two one-act plays)
•Letter of intent clearly expressing your ability to undertake graduate study
•Three letters of recommendation
•Unofficial transcript from each college attended
Good to Know
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
•Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (specific undergraduate major less important than demonstrated commitment to creative writing)
•Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better (exceptions rare)
•Professional experience may compensate for uneven academic preparation
•Apply through UNM Graduate Studies admissions portal
ENROLLMENT
•Fall admission only — no mid-year admissions
•Application window: September 1 – February 1
•Late applications accepted through April 1 if spaces remain
•Notification typically sent by March 1
What's The Process
ADMISSION PROCESS
•No audition or prescreen required
•Admission based on portfolio review (full-length script + letter of intent)
•Faculty may contact applicants to arrange an interview (by telephone for out-of-state candidates)
•Applicants encouraged to visit campus and meet with faculty
Scholarship Info
GRADUATE FUNDING
•Teaching and graduate assistantships available
•Selected third-year students teach introductory playwriting seminar for undergraduates
•February 1 deadline for financial aid consideration
Program info updated 3h ago
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
•Three-year, 60-credit-hour MFA with intimate cohort of no more than 9 students (up to 3 admitted per year)
•Graduate with portfolio of minimum 6 scripts: 3 full-length stage plays, 1 full-length screenplay, 1 short piece, and dissertation work
•Four intensive semester-long writing seminars confronting principles and craft of dramatic writing
PRODUCTION OPPORTUNITIES
•Annual Linnell Festival of New Plays — third-year students receive full productions
•MFA Reading Series each fall for public concert readings of completed scripts
•Five students have won national playwriting awards from Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Aniello Fontano — award-winning playwright and screenwriter, Clifford Odets Ensemble Commission recipient, Netflix writer
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
•Coursework includes screenwriting, performance topics, and the business of making art
•Trips to Humana Festival of New American Plays, New York premieres, and Denver Center New Play Summit
•Guest artists include Pig Iron Theatre Company, Erik Ehn, Mac Wellman, and Migdalia Cruz
Updated 3h ago
Academic School Information
3.38
Avg GPA (W)
95%
Admit Rate
54%
Grad Rate
17,244
Enrollment
$44,792
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$10,140
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$33,060
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$15,489
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Family Income $0 - $30k$11,938
Family Income $30k - $48k$13,045
Family Income $48k - $75k$16,196
Family Income $75k - $110k$17,906
Family Income $110k+$19,053
