Please also see the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Graduate FAQs page.

What degrees and certificates do you offer?

The Graduate English Program offers the M.A. degree in English.  We also offer a Post-M.A. certificate for students who have already received an M.A. in English or Education.  This certificate is earned by taking a sequence of five courses from the English Program’s graduate course offerings.  We do not offer the Ph.D.

Is it necessary to take the Graduate Record Exam for admission? What scores are required?

Yes, the Graduate Record Exam is required for admission.  While there is no required score for admission, the admissions committee typically looks for a verbal score of at least 600.  Analytical and Math scores are not factors in the admissions process.

Is it necessary to take the Literature Subject Graduate Record Exam?

Yes, the literature test is required for admission. If you have difficulty scheduling the test before the admission deadline, you should contact the Graduate Director.

What undergraduate GPA is required for admission to your program?

Applicants must have an overall undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 to be considered for admission to the program.

Who should I ask to write letters of recommendation?

At least two of your three letters of recommendation should come from English faculty with whom you have studied as an undergraduate. The third letter can come from an employer or from a faculty member who taught you in an area other than literature.

What are you looking for in a writing sample?

The writing sample should be a work of literary analysis that is at least ten pages long. It should demonstrate your ability to articulate a clear, specific argument and to support that argument through close readings of a literary text or texts. It is preferable if the sample also makes reference to secondary critical sources, but this is not a requirement.

What are you looking for in a personal statement?

The personal statement should explain what is motivating your interest in pursuing advanced study in literature. It may also include a discussion of what specific areas of literary study you hope to concentrate on.

Are there fellowships available for your program?

Yes, full-time students who apply for fall admission can apply for Graduate Assistantships and Tuition Fellowships. The Graduate Assistantship provides a tuition waiver as well as a yearly stipend of roughly $12,000. Students who receive Graduate Assistantships work as research assistants for graduate faculty members and as tutors at the Writing Center for a combined 20 hours per week. The Tuition Fellowship consists of a tuition waiver. Students who receive Tuition Fellowships work seven hours per week as research assistants.

How many students receive fellowships?

Between 15 and 20 percent of incoming students are funded through department fellowships.

How do I apply for the fellowships?

There is no separate application for the fellowships. Students who wish to be considered for them should simply check the box indicating interest in being considered for fellowships on the application.

Can I be considered for a fellowship if I apply for spring admission?

No, only applicants for fall admission are eligible for fellowship consideration.