Michigan State University
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Graduate Program Admissions

Note: the Department of English considers admission for Fall Semesters only.

Master of Arts Program

The Department of English requires all applicants for graduate study to submit a personal statement of 750 to 1000 words giving the applicant’s academic and intellectual biography and the reason for seeking the degree for which application has been made. The Department of English must also receive letters of reference for each applicant from three persons qualified to comment upon the applicant’s suitability for graduate study in English. International applicants must fulfill the university’s English language proficiency requirement.

Admission

To be admitted to the program on regular status, an applicant must have:

  1. A baccalaureate degree in English or a related field
  2. Completed a minimum of 20 semester credits in English courses, exclusive of freshman composition, with a minimum GPA of 3.50
  3. Completed two years of study in a foreign language at the college level

Completing an application

To be considered for admission to the Master of Arts degree program, an applicant must:

  1. Submit on-line application (Domestic Student Application or International Student Application)
  2. Submit the personal statement described above
  3. Have the results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test forwarded to the department
  4. Submit a writing sample that reflects aptitude for critical and scholarly writing (approximately 20-25 pages or several shorter papers)
  5. Submit a one to two page vita
  6. Submit three letters of recommendation from faculty acquainted with your scholarly work; use the University Letter of Recommendation form
  7. Submit two copies of official transcripts

Where to send materials

Send the following materials to the Department of English, Graduate Programs, 201 Morrill Hall, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824

  • official transcripts (two copies)
  • GRE scores (General Test only)
  • TOEFL scores (international students only)
  • three letters of recommendation
  • statement of purpose (please identify program emphasis or emphases)
  • writing sample

PLEASE NOTE: $50 application fee must be submitted to the Office of Admissions, 250 Administration Building, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824.

Deadlines:

The deadline for applications and all supporting materials is December 15 for fall semester admission to the MA program.

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