Applications & Admissions

Recruitment Informational PowerPoint and Video

The informational PowerPoint and video is from our recruiting session held on October 3. It introduces the program, discusses the benefits of Graduate Study at Texas A&M, and answer questions about the program.  

2024 Recruitment PowerPoint Presentation

English Graduate Program Informational Session

Application Deadline for Fall 2024: December 15, 2024

We admit students once a year, for the Fall semester. To be considered for admission to either the MA or the PhD program, applications must be complete by December 15, 2024.  Applicants for the Ph.D are considered for assistantships as long as the application is complete by December 15.

*Note: When applying for the Fall 2025 Graduate Program, please click on the yellow link 2024-2025 application cycle before you sign in or create an account. This will route you to the Fall 2025 applications. If you have started an applicantion already you can merge the application(instead of starting a new application).* 

We are no longer requiring GRE tests, but you may send scores if you have them. International students must still submit TOEFL or IELTS scores to qualify for admission. For information on qualification for English Language Proficiency, please see the guidance on the Graduate and Professional School site.

If you have concerns or questions about these deadlines, please contact the English Graduate office at engl-graduate-office@lists.tamu.edu.

Apply Now at this Link

We admit students in the following categories:

• MA students – anticipated completion time two academic years (four semesters of full-time study). Admission to our MA program neither precludes nor guarantees admission to our PhD program. Currently, our MA program is not funded by assistantships.
• PhD students entering with MA – anticipated completion time five academic years.  PhD students who received their MAs in our department may complete their coursework in three semesters of full-time study rather than the usual four.
• PhD students entering with BA (Direct Admit) – anticipated completion time five academic years.  We encourage Direct Admit applications from motivated students with a good sense of their academic focus.
• Students who are finishing our MA program and want to be considered for PhD admission should contact the Director of Graduate Studies for information on how to proceed.

Application Materials

• To apply, please follow this link to the GraduateCAS admissions portal.

You will be able to upload the following documents through that system:

• Statement of purpose. Your statement of purpose should be no longer than 2 pages, double-spaced, and should focus on your academic experience and interests. We are primarily interested in details about your intellectual interests (what he or she would like to study and why), as well as any relevant details about English coursework already completed. Applicants to the Ph.D. program should identify a primary area of interest; MA applicants need not do so. Details about academic accomplishments such as publications, presentations at conferences, etc. should also be included.
• Public engagement statement answering the question: How do you envision your future research, teaching, and/or service will impact a particular community or communities?
• All transcripts. Unofficial is fine for the review process; if admitted, we would need official transcripts.
• Writing sample.  Writing samples should be critical essays, at least 12 pages (no longer than 20 pages) and double-spaced, with no professor’s comments or grades. Writing samples should be carefully edited and proofread. Do not send two different writing samples.  If you are applying to the MA program and have only a shorter piece of writing, either expand that piece of writing or send it as is.  
• Three letters of recommendation. All or most of your letters should be written by professors who have had you in class, preferably English professors.  All letters MUST be submitted through GraduateCAS.  Once Admissions has processed your application, you will receive instructions on how to set up your letters of recommendation.
• Curriculum vitae. Your CV should outline your academic background and accomplishments, including (if applicable) prizes, scholarships, conference presentations, and publications.
• TOEFL (or TOEFL Essentials) or IELTS scores, for international applicants.  Unofficial scores can be uploaded to GraduateCAS; official scores should be sent by the testing service directly to the Office of Admissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I apply directly to the PhD without a MA? Yes, qualified applicants may apply directly to the PhD. The admissions committee will consider whether the applicant is sufficiently qualified to begin their PhD immediately. 

• Do I need to have an undergraduate degree in English to apply? - Applicants should have sufficient preparation for graduate courses in English. In some cases, applications are prepared with adjacent degrees, such as in Linguistics, Communication, and History. However, the personal statement needs to sufficiently explain how you are prepared for graduate coursework in English, and your writing sample should demonstrate this preparedness.

• Do I need to secure an advisor ahead of admission? No. While it does help to have an advisor in mind (you can mention this in your materials), advisors are selected after your first year in the program. 

• Can you waive the application fee? – The application fee is required by Texas A&M University. Waivers are only granted in limited circumstances as outlined on the graduate school website. These are not available for international students

• Do I have a sufficient GPA? Because GPA counts vary, we do not have a specific limit on GPA. While this is one factor we take into account in admissions, factors such as research experience,quality of the writing sample and statement, and letters of recommendation are weighted more. 

• When do I need to send in my official transcripts? – Unofficial transcripts can be sent in with the application. However, official transcripts are required upon admission. 
• Do you require the GRE? – We currently do not require GRE scores.

• What proof of English Language Proficiency is required? - Proof of sufficient language proficiency is important for international students who are not from an English speaking country (the list can be found here). International students submit IELTS or TOEFL scores with their application. The graduate school requires a high score to allow you in the classroom. More information can be found on the graduate school website for English Language Proficiency. 
• Do you offer funding for the Masters Program - We currently do not offer regular funding for the MA. However, some scholarships are available and usually one or two assistantship opportunities do arise from year to year.  Students who would like full funding can apply for the PhD. 
• Do we have a language requirement? - The MA and PhD programs do not require but strongly encourage proficiency in at least one language other than English. Familiarity with multiple languages is important to all fields of study and necessary for many areas and methods. In recognition of this fact, students who do not have sufficient language training are encouraged to discuss language acquisition with their advisor and/or the Graduate Director. The English department houses its own courses in Old English on a regular basis. For other languages, the Graduate Office can provide funding, and can assist you in selecting an appropriate mode of study and formulating a plan to integrate language acquisition into your program of study.  

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