MA Application Instructions

Department of English

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

 

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

 

Applications for admission to the online English MA are accepted starting in September for admission in the following summer.

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English MA Campus 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.

 

Instructions

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.
  • Requests for three letters of recommendation from undergraduate professors and/or other possible mentors. Recommendation requests are sent directly to the recommender via email.

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

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English MA online Admission Requirements

 

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
  • Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
  • Evidence of ability to do graduate-level work in English
  • GRE scores are not required

Applicants whose undergraduate cumulative GPA is below 3.0 may be considered via the Alternative Track Graduate Admissions process if they have at least two years of relevant professional experience.  

 

Admissions Process
Applications are currently open for Summer 2026 admission. The application deadline is February 1.

Apply online to UW, pay the $50 graduate application fee and submit the required materials.

Required Materials:

Official transcripts of collegiate work completed, including any post-baccalaureate coursework. U.S. Military training transcripts that show neither grades nor degrees awarded may be submitted but are not required as part of the transcript requirement.

A minimum of three letters of recommendation from:

  • a current or former college/university instructor of the applicant; and/or
  • a current or previous professional supervisor of the applicant.

A statement of purpose that contains the applicant’s:

  • Professional/career goals.
  • Educational goals.
  • Statement of how the graduate program will help the applicant attain their educational and professional goals.
  • Explanation for why the applicant would choose the University of Wyoming for graduate study.

A full resume that contains:

  • Record of all post-secondary academic work, including the names of the institutions, dates of attendance, and degrees earned.
  • Record of all professional employment including dates for each (including any military service, AmeriCorp, PeaceCorp, Fulbright, etc. work experience).
  • Any special skills or competencies (including any certifications or licenses).
  • List of publications, prizes, awards, or other recognitions.
  • List of service/volunteer activities.

Submit a 10-15 page critical writing sample.  This paper should demonstrate your ability to construct a sophisticated argument supported by textual analysis. If you are a professional applicant with no current writing sample, consider these writing prompts for an example.

All materials, including letters of recommendation, should be uploaded to the online application prior to the application deadline for full consideration.  If you have any questions about the application process, please email EnglishDept@uwyo.edu.

International students interested in this program should review the International Students and Scholars resources regarding student visas for the one-week summer residency requirement.

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