M.A. in English

Admission

Admission to the Master of Arts in English program is competitive and based primarily on academic merit. Applications for admission will be accepted up to June 15, however, applications that include a request for funding are due January 1.

  • Visit the URI Graduate School website for instructions. To begin the application process, click on the Apply button. Select GradCAS, and then on the next screen select the Fall term of the application deadline year.
  • All relevant materials must be received by the above dates. Only complete application files will be reviewed.
  • The Graduate School requires a non-refundable $65 application fee, plus Centralized Application System (CAS) fees.
  • A Statement of Purpose should accompany the application. The Statement of Purpose should give a sense of academic training to date, as well as the research interests the applicant wishes to pursue while in graduate school. 
  • Notification of the Department’s admission decision will be sent via email by the Graduate School.

Unless stated otherwise, supplementary materials as described below should be uploaded to the online application. Please send materials that cannot be uploaded to the Department of English at the following address: Director of Graduate Studies, Department of English, 114 Swan Hall, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881.

M.A. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

  • B.A. in English (or related field)
  • Transcripts of all academic work (undergraduate and graduate) Unofficial transcripts of undergraduate and graduate work beyond the degree-granting institution should be uploaded with the application. Official transcripts will be requested by the Graduate School once the applicant is admitted to the program.
  • The minimum acceptable quality point average for M.A. applicants is 3.0 quality point average (on a 4.0 scale).
  • Three letters of recommendations from academic institutions
  • One writing sample (preferably 10-15 pages in length, 20 pages maximum) demonstrating a capacity for close reading, effective argumentation, and research skills
  • If you wish to concentrate in creative writing, you may also submit a creative writing sample no longer than 10 pages in addition to the writing sample described above.
  • Subsequent to admission, the Graduate School will request proof of residency for in-state tuition
  • Teaching Assistantships are highly competitive at both the M.A. and Ph.D. levels. Applicants who wish to be considered for a Teaching Assistantship must include a cover letter with the request detailing any prior teaching, teaching assistantship, tutoring, or writing center experience.
  • CV or résumé
  • Non-native speakers of English must have a minimum score of 95 on the TOEFL in order to be considered for admission. The suggested minimum speaking score for International Teaching Assistants is 23. TOEFL test scores more than two years prior to the term of application will not be accepted. Older test results will necessitate a retaking of the examination.
  • GRE (General Test) scores are not required for MA applicants.

For questions, please contact Ellen Kelley at ellen_kelley@uri.edu.