Admission Requirements and Cost of Study

Applicants may seek admission to the program either as degree-seeking or non-degree-seeking students.

Degree-Seeking Admission

The following materials are required for those applicants seeking degree-status:

1. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university verified by an official transcript sent directly to the graduate English office. Transcripts must be received in sealed envelopes and signed by the appropriate university official.
2. An undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. Please note that most of our admitted applicants have earned a 3.4 or higher cumulative GPA. Generally, they have received several "A's" in their literature courses.
3. At least five courses beyond the first year level in literature with a "B" or better.
4. A completed application form.
5. A nonrefundable $50 application fee, payable to the University of St. Thomas.
6. A 7-10 page paper of literary analysis. Applicants should consider revising the paper they submit to reflect their current writing and analytical abilities.  Papers should include close, analytical reading of a text rather than a broad overview of a topic. 
7. Three confidential letters of recommendation from individuals with knowledge of the applicant's relevant academic abilities and achievements, preferably from the applicant's college teachers. Please provide each individual with the Letter of Recommendation Form.

Degree-seeking admissions deadlines are: March 1 (for summer and fall) and October 1 (for spring). Admissions decisions are normally mailed to applicants within three weeks of those deadlines.

Non-Degree Admission

Non-degree admission provides students with an opportunity to "try on" the program--perfect for those who have been out of school for awhile or students who aren't sure about pursuing a degree.

Applicants seeking non-degree admission must meet the first six admissions criteria listed above, and are subject to the same application deadlines. Two 500-level courses may be taken at non-degree status, after which students must apply for degree-seeking status if they wish to continue. They must also provide at least one letter of recommendation from a St. Thomas English professor and a writing sample from one of the St. Thomas graduate English courses. Courses taken as a non-degree student may be applied towards the master's program requirements for students who are granted degree status. Please note:  admission as a non-degree student does not guarantee that degree-seeking status will be granted.

International Applicants

Non-residents of the United States are encouraged to plan well in advance of the application deadlines. A separate application packet is required in addition to the Master of Arts in English application and is available from the Graduate English Program Coordinator. For additional information, please consult the Office of International Admissions web site.

Cost of Study

Tuition for the 2009-2010 academic year is $685 per credit, or $2055 per three-credit course. Students should plan for other graduate school costs such as purchasing books. Minor illnesses are treated free of charge at the university health care center. Students also may purchase medical insurance through the university.  On-campus parking permits can also be purchased. Students with a valid ID may use all athletic, library, and other facilities.