Graduate Admissions
Graduate Academic Information
Graduate Application Procedures
Master’s Degree Application Procedures
Deadlines:
We begin accepting applications annually on November 1. Applicants to the Master’s Degree Programs must submit a Western Michigan University application and a Department of English application. Both applications are due by January 1 (department applications must be postmarked no later than January 1). Applicants are typically informed about admission by late February or early March.
International Applicants:
International Students must also apply to International Admissions and Services.
Prerequisites:
Applicants to the Master’s Degree Programs must present a 34-hour undergraduate major with a GPA of at least 3.0. At least 20 hours of the student’s undergraduate major must be in literature, including 15 hours of literature coursework at the junior/senior level. If a student has taken substantial English coursework, but cannot meet the 20-hour literature course requirement, he/she may still apply for admission, but may have to remedy any deficiencies through undergraduate or graduate level coursework.
Application Materials:
Applicants must complete the University application online and submit the following: a completed Department application cover sheet; a writing sample; a statement of purpose; a current CV or resume; three letters of recommendation; transcripts; GRE General Test scores from the past five years; and a teaching essay (for those seeking funding). For fuller details, click here. Send all materials in one packet to:
Graduate Director
Department of English
Western Michigan University
1903 W. Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5331.
Note to M.A. in English with an emphasis in teaching Applicants:
M.A. in English with an emphasis in teaching applications are accepted any time of the year; however, M.A. in English with an emphasis in teaching applicants who seek funding must meet the January 1 deadline.
Doctoral Degree Application Procedures
Deadlines:
We begin accepting applications annually on November 1. Applicants to the Doctoral Degree Programs must fill out a Western Michigan University application and a Department application. Both applications are due by January 1 (departmental applications must be postmarked no later than January 1). Applicants are typically informed about admission by late February or early March.
International Applicants:
International Students must also apply to International Admissions and Services.
Prerequisites:
Applicants to the Doctoral Degree Programs should have an M.A. in English, an M.A. in English with an emphasis in teaching, or an M.F.A. in Creative Writing with a minimum GPA of 3.0. In rare instances, a student may be admitted directly from the B.A. to the Ph.D. level, if he/she also has a great deal of professional or academic experience. Students with Master’s Degrees in areas other than English, English Education, or Creative Writing may have to take extra coursework in order to make up deficiencies.
Application Materials:
Applicants must complete the University application online and submit the following: a completed Department application cover sheet; a writing sample; a statement of purpose; a current CV or resume; three letters of recommendation; transcripts; GRE General and Subject Test scores from the past five years; and a teaching essay (for those seeking funding). For fuller details, click here. Send all materials in one packet to:
Graduate Director
Department of English
Western Michigan University
1903 W. Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5331.
Thank you for your interest in our programs,
English Department Graduate Program
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I have to apply to both Western Michigan University and the Department of English?
Yes. Go here to apply to the University by January 1. Go here for the Department of English application forms. Send the appropriate Department application form and all supporting documents to Graduate Director, Department of English, Western Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5331.
2. Do international students need to submit additional information?
Yes. International Students must also apply to International Admissions and Services here.
3. Do I need to take the GRE? How do I find out about taking the GRE General Test and the Subject Test in Literature?
Applicants to our Master’s Degree programs need only submit GRE General Test scores. Applicants to our Doctoral programs must submit BOTH the GRE General Test scores and Subject Test in Literature scores. All scores must come from tests taken in the last five years. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS POLICY. The GRE General Test can be taken year-round at a variety of locations nationwide. However, the Subject Test in Literature is offered only three times per year—in November, December and April—in selected locations. Doctoral candidates should plan to take the GRE Subject Test in Literature in either November or December so that the scores can be sent to us in a timely fashion. For more information about test preparation, testing centers, and test dates, please go to gre.org.
4. How important is my GPA and/or my GRE score?
When evaluating applications, the review committee gives primary consideration to your letters of recommendation, your statement of purpose, and your writing sample. Quantitative measures such as grades and GRE scores are also important, but they are evaluated in the context of your entire application packet.
5. How early may I submit my application?
***We ask that you wait until after November 1 to submit your application.***
6. When will I hear about admission decisions? When do I have to let the Department know if I plan to attend WMU?
The review committee meets to evaluate applications in January. We anticipate contacting applicants in late February or early March. The official deadline for applicants to respond to our offer of admission is April 15. We do ask, however, that applicants endeavor to let us know within two weeks of receiving an offer, if possible.
7. If I am placed on a waiting list, what should I do?
Students placed on a waiting list are welcome to contact us after April 15 to see whether their status has changed.
8. Can my application materials be returned to me?
No. None of the materials submitted to WMU, including letters of recommendation and transcripts, will be returned to applicants.
9. If I am not accepted, can you tell me how to improve my application?
No. Unfortunately, the number of applications we receive prohibits us for commenting on them individually.
10. Can I contact current graduate students in your program?
Yes. Please contact us at english-graduate@wmich.edu. We can put you in touch with a current student who is working in your particular field of study.
Application Forms
Below are the instruction sheets and application forms for our Master's and Doctoral programs. Except for our M.A. in English with an emphasis in teaching program, which accepts applications on a rolling basis throughout the year, all application materials must be postmarked no later than January 1 to be considered for Fall admission.
Master's Program Application Form