How to Apply

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How to Apply


The applicant for the degree of Master of Arts in English should have completed with a 3.0 ("B") average a minimum of seven upper division undergraduate English courses. For applicants to the Literature Emphasis, at least six of these courses should be in literature, including one in Shakespeare. For applicants to the Creative Writing Emphasis, at least two of these courses should be in creative writing and at least four in literature, including one in Shakespeare.

1. Any deficiency in grades or course work in undergraduate preparation will require that prerequisite courses at the undergraduate level be taken before work on the ten courses for the Master's degree may be begun. No course at the 600 level may be taken before the prerequisites are completed. A 600-level course taken before the completion of the prerequisite may be counted toward neither the prerequisites nor the requirements for the Master's degree.

2. Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation. Recommendations should be obtained from individuals who are in a position to comment on the applicant's academic and personal suitability for pursuing graduate work in English.

3. Applicants should write an ambition statement in which they indicate which emphasis (Literature, Creative Writing or Rhetoric and Composition) they wish to enter. Applicants should also discuss relevant prior experiences (i.e., academic, research work, creative writing, or other life experiences) and their career goals. This statement should be included with the basic application.

4. A 10-15 page writing sample is required of all applicants. Applicants to the Literature or Rhetoric and Composition Emphases should submit a sample of their critical writing; applicants to the Creative Writing Emphasis should submit samples of their creative writing and critical writing.

5. The General Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a prerequisite requirement for all applicants. A verbal score of 600 or higher is strongly recommended.

The deadline for the receipt of all materials is April 1!

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