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English › graduate programs

Requirements for Admission

  • A distinguished undergraduate record with significant preparation in English
  • Three recommendations, with at least two from former teachers familiar with the applicant’s most recent academic work
  • A 2000-3000 word (approximately 7-10 pages) critical essay written in the last four years that demonstrates the applicant’s ability to read and write critically about literary texts. Students interested in the creative writing concentration should include 6 poems or 2 short stories in addition to their critical essay
  • A 1200 word personal statement that indicates your specific interests in the field of English.  The essay should focus on your intellectual reasons for wishing to pursue the advanced study of English.  A statement that explains academic experiences, such as courses taken or essays written, demonstrates the applicant's ability to succeed in graduate-level coursework.  The standardized application form also asks for a short 300-word essay that describes your reasons for wishing to pursue graduate study; this part of the essay can focus on career or personal goals.
  • GREs are strongly encouraged, but not required

Application forms are requested from and submitted to Graduate Admissions http://www.umb.edu/admissions/graduate/index.html

For fall semester admission, applications are considered through June; applications submitted by the "priority deadline" of March 1 are given priority and will be notified of a decision by the end of April.  For spring admission, the application deadline is November 1.  Late applications may be considered on a rolling basis.