The Graduate Program

Application Processes and Materials

Listed below are the items needed to complete your application for the MA, MA/PhD, and PhD programs. Your application cannot be read until all of these materials have been received. All materials must be received by the departmental deadline of January 1. Materials received by December 15 receive priority handling.

The following items must be sent directly to the English Department.

Department of English
107 Tate Hall
Columbia, MO 65211-1500
attn: Victoria Thorp
phone: 573-882-6421

• English Department application form: Interactive PDF
• GRE scores. Both the general and subject tests are required. Official scores are required for the English department only. MU's GRE code is 6875.
• Three letters of recommendation (at least two of which must be academic): Interactive PDF
• One transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended. (In addition to the one sent directly to the Graduate School, described below.)
• Statement of purpose. Note on the Statement of Purpose (printed statement, approximately 500 words): The admissions committee is interested in your past academic interests, including specific papers and projects you have worked on, and what you wish to accomplish as a graduate student. If you wish to pursue a particular emphasis (Creative Writing, Folklore, etc.), you should explain why. The Statement of Purpose serves as your request to be considered for a Graduate School fellowship if you have also checked the place on the application form that indicates your wish to be considered for a fellowship. The Graduate School is interested in the student’s commitment to graduate study.
• Two 10-20 page critical/scholarly papers (one paper for those students applying in Creative Writing). All creative writing applicants must also submit the following: a sample of your fiction (30 pages), non-fiction (30 pages), and/or poetry (20 pages) or a one-act play.
• Applicants for the MA/PhD and PhD track are required also to submit the supplementary information sheet: Interactive PDF
• You are responsible for making sure that your application is complete before the deadline. (Notification of complete and incomplete files is made via email.)

The following items are due to the MU Graduate School.

MU Graduate School
210 Jesse Hall
Columbia, MO 65211
1-800-877-6312

• Application to MU Graduate School, including $45 fee. Apply online or by paper. (If you apply online through Apply Yourself, please notify the English Department in writing.) If already enrolled as a PBS student or as an undergraduate student at MU, you must file a transfer of division form with the admissions office.
• One set of transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended. (In addition, to the set sent directly to the English Department.)