Apply to the M.A./Ph.D. English Program

Admission Deadline for Fall 2024:  January 14, 2024 Extended to January 31, 2024

How to Apply

To apply, you must complete the University of Arizona Graduate College online application. Follow these steps:

  1. Create a GradApp account
  2. Complete your GradApp profile under "My Account".
  3. Select "Apply to a Program" from the sidebar.
  4. Choose "Degree Seeking" under application type and either "English (MA)" or "English (PhD)" under program of study.
  5. Choose the semester during which you wish to enter the program.
  6. Your application should now be initiated under "My Active Applications."

Admission Requirements

Students entering M.A. program:

  • A B.A. in English degree is strongly preferred; in some cases, applicants with a B.A. in adjacent disciplines or equivalent preparation in literary studies may be admitted. 
  • You must have a grade-point average of at least 3.0.

Students entering Ph.D. program:

  • You must have completed an M.A. in English (literature). If you have a related degree (such as an MFA in Creative Writing or an M.A. in American Studies) you will begin our program at the M.A. level, though you may be able to transfer in up to 6 units of graduate course work pertinent to the degree.
  • You must have a grade-point average of at least 3.0.

Application Checklist

Statement of Purpose

Include a statement of purpose describing why are you interested in getting an advanced degree in literature at the University of Arizona.

Letters of Recommendation

You'll need three letters of recommendation. Enter contact information for your referees in the online application. Your referees will be contacted directly by the University of Arizona.

Transcripts

Transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended or are currently attending. Unofficial transcripts must be uploaded with your application. You must submit official transcripts, later on, before you can be officially admitted by the Graduate College.

Curriculum Vita

Include a curriculum vita or equivalent outlining your education, scholarship, employment, and academic achievements.

Writing Sample

A writing sample in the form of one or more critical papers written for upper-division or graduate literature courses (totaling a maximum of 25 pages). For students entering with an M.A. in hand, we recommend that the writing sample be a single, article-length paper, since your sample will also serve as your Qualifying Examination Paper.

GRE Scores

GRE scores are not required for admission.

English Language Proficiency (International Applicants)

Self-report your Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores. Official scores must also be submitted via ETS to the Graduate College (Institution Code is 4832). TOEFL score must be dated within 2 years of enrollment.

Applicants will not be admitted unless they achieve a minimum TOEFL score of 550 paper based (PB) or 79 internet based (iBT); or an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) composite score of 7 (no subject area below a 6). International students seeking graduate teaching assistantships must attain, in addition to the minimum TOEFL score listed above, acceptable scores on both the TOEFL Speak test and the Task-Based English Speaking Test (TBEST) administered by the University of Arizona (unless the university waives this requirement based on the applicant's superior TOEFL Speak score) and must also pass an oral/aural English language assessment administered by the university's Writing Program.

See Graduate College requirements for international students.