Graduate Application Requirements

We look forward to reviewing your application. If you have questions, please contact Dr. Heather Palmer, Graduate Director.

Step 1: Review Our Application Deadlines

You must apply by February 15 to be considered for a research or teaching assistantship. Please consult the MA English Handbook to learn more about graduate assistantships.

Step 2: Meet Graduate School Requirements

Satisfy the UTC Graduate School's admission requirements, including a baccalaureate degree completed before the start of graduate coursework.

Step 3: Meet English Department Requirements

• 18 hours in English beyond first-year composition is recommended but not required; however, extra weight is placed on the strength of the writing sample.
• Minimum Requirements: 
  • 3.00 GPA for all undergraduate English coursework beyond first-year composition
  • For International students, English requires:
    • TOEFL internet-based test score of 93 or above, with scores at or above in these subcategories: 
      • Writing: 24
      • Speaking: 24
      • Reading: 24
      • Listening: 21
    • IELTS minimum score: 8
    • Duolingo minimum score: 135

Step 4: Request Academic and Medical Records

• Send official academic transcripts from all higher education institutions you've attended to Mark Fairchild, Graduate School Program Liaison.
• Locate your immunization records and submit them to University Health Services.

Step 5: Prepare Your Application Materials 

For All Applications

1. Statement of Purpose: The application asks TWO essay questions with responses of no more than 750 words each. (The application may require you to fill in each area, so do your best to break your Statement up; we understand that this is the first year of the new application process.)
   1. Explain your interest in applying and what qualities/experiences you possess that will make you successful in this program. 
   2. How does the graduate degree align with your career goals? Please provide any information about yourself that will help us evaluate your application. 
2. Two Letters of Recommendation: Request at least two letters from academic contacts.
3. The Writing Sample:
   • Creative Writing applicants must submit 25 pages of creative prose.
   • Literary Studies and Rhetoric & Professional Writing applicants must submit a 10-20 page academic writing sample that demonstrates your research and writing potential.

Step 6: Complete the Application and Upload your Writing Sample

• Apply to the UTC Graduate School using the appropriate form for your intended start date.
• Once you complete the application and hit submit, the application system will take you to the UTC Application Portal where you can see the status of your application and what documents are required to be submitted. On this page, you can upload your Writing Sample. Then, you should pay the fee, so that your application can be processed by the Graduate School. 

Notes

• We don't require GRE or MAT scores for graduate admissions.
• The UTC Graduate School requires a $35 application fee.
• You must send official academic transcripts from every college you've attended to Mark Fairchild, Graduate School Program Liaison.
• You must submit appropriate immunization records to University Health Services before you can take classes.