Application Instructions

Applications will be accepted starting in September. The application deadline is February 1st.

Applications for admission to the English MA are accepted starting in September for the following academic year. Students are only admitted in the fall semester; no applications for starting in the spring or summer will be accepted.

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Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

• A cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 in previous coursework recommended.

• Solid undergraduate background with courses in English (however, your undergraduate degree need not be in English).

• International Students: Minimum of 605 on the Paper-based TOEFL and of 5.0 on the TWE. Equivalent minimums = 101 on the Internet-based TOEFL with a minimum of 25 on the writing section or 7 on the IELTS. (Additional international requirements)

• Minimum GRE score of 291 recommended, but not required.

Applying to the Program

Step 1

Apply Online by clicking on the "Apply Now" link on the Admissions page and registering as a new user. The Graduate School application is valid for one year. The University of Wyoming requires a $50 application fee.

Step 2

Transcripts from all previous college programs must be provided. Official transcripts should be sent directly from the schools you attended to the admissions office.

UW Admissions

1000 E University Ave., Dept 3435

Laramie, WY 82071

Note: The online application allows you to upload unofficial transcripts. These can be used for application review and will save you time/money requesting official transcripts prior to the application deadline. However, in the event that you are accepted to the program, the University of Wyoming will require all official transcripts be on file before you will be fully admitted.

Step 3

If you have official GRE scores, request they be sent to Admissions. Our school code is 4855. Note: You may also add the scores to the section of the application for them as part of the review process.

Step 4

Submit the following materials to the online application.

• A 500-word statement of purpose explaining why you wish to undertake graduate study in English. Be sure to explain whether you plan to focus on literary studies or on rhetoric and composition. If you are applying to the literature concentration, discuss the particular field, period, and/or genre that interests you most.

• A 10-15 page critical writing sample.

• A Curriculum Vita or Resume.

• Three letters of recommendation from undergraduate professors and/or other possible mentors.

NOTE: Supplemental material must be submitted online after paying your application fee. This includes recommendations.

Graduate Assistantships

Assistantships carry an annual stipend of $12,825, cover full-time tuition and fees, and also provide student health insurance. 

International students with Teaching Assistantships require proof of English speaking proficiency: Advanced-Mid on OPIc or TOEFL speaking score of 23, or IELTS speaking score of 6.5, or DuoLingo average score of 105.

Graduate Assistants will teach one class of English 1010 (College Composition and Rhetoric) a semester, unless other teaching or editorial opportunities arise. (See Teaching and Other Opportunities for further explanation.)

New graduate assistants participate in a weeklong seminar before Fall semester begins.

All graduate assistants attend weekly meetings with fellow assistants and an experienced mentor.

Direct any questions about the application process to:

Graduate Student Coordinator, English Department. Email: EnglishDept@uwyo.edu.