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Admission Process

Normally we require that applicants have at least eighteen undergraduate credits and a 3.0 average in English, but we occasionally accept applications from candidates who majored in related fields.

All applicants are required to send the following materials to these offices:
 Office of Graduate Studies

 Villanova University
 800 Lancaster Ave.
 Villanova, PA 19085-1699

  • The completed application and fees
  • Scores from their Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and GRE subject test
  • Two official transcripts of all previous college work (both undergraduate and graduate)
 Department of English

 Villanova University
 800 Lancaster Ave.
 Villanova, PA 19085-1699

  • Three letters of recommendation
  • A writing sample, preferably a critical essay of roughly 10 pages
  • A one-page statement outlining the candidate’s objectives

Complete Application

In order to insure a timely review, a complete application must be submitted. A complete application includes:

  1. Application for admission online. For a paper application please contact gradinformation@villanova.edu.
  2. Program specific application requirements must be completed as defined by each graduate program.
  3. Non-refundable application fee of $50.* (payable to Villanova University)
  4. Official transcripts (two copies) of all previous college work (both undergraduate and graduate) sent directly to the Graduate Studies Office, by the Registrar of the Colleges or Universities involved.
  5. Letters of recommendation (3) forwarded directly to the Director of the program to which you are applying.
  6. GRE scores
  7. TOEFL scores for international students
  8. Financial Certification for international students needing an F1 Visa.

*fee waived for students with a Villanova degree

Deadlines

For fall admission, the deadline for those who wish to be considered for fellowships is March 1st. For those who wish to apply without being considered for fellowships, the program has rolling admissions until July 1st. The deadline for spring admission is November 15th. Applicants for spring admission cannot be considered for fellowships.

Application materials and further information may be obtained by writing to:
    Heather Hicks
    Graduate Program Director
    Department of English
    Villanova University
    Villanova, PA  19085-1699