Admission Requirements & Deadlines

Admission Requirements

• A 3.00 is required for full admission, and 2.75 for conditional admission. All GPA calculations for admission are based upon the last 60 credits of undergraduate and post-baccalaureate study at a regionally accredited college or university*. A writing sample that suggests an ability to succeed in graduate-level English classes is also required.
• Based upon the applicant’s undergraduate transcript and the writing sample, the department reserves the right to require two specified preparatory undergraduate writing courses, passed with the grade of B or higher in each course, for admission.
• Upon admission to the program, the student must meet with the assigned adviser to plan a program of study.
• Two letters of recommendation, preferably letters that speak to writing experience and capability (Email addresses of recommenders must be entered on application).
• Please write a personal essay of 750-1000 words in which you tell us about yourself and about your reasons for wishing to pursue this degree.  You may include an additional example of your writing if you wish (ten pages or fewer), but this is not required.

Non-immigrant international students: See additional admission information in International Graduate Admissions.

*See Exceptions to Policy in Graduate Admissions.