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Department of English

 

***The Graduate School is moving to an electronic application process. Notes below refer to directions regarding this process. Please contact Michelle Caraccia, the Graduate Program Administrator, with any questions.

All relevant materials must be received by January 15. Only complete application files will be reviewed. Notification of the department's admission decision will be sent by the Graduate School.

The Graduate School requires a non-refundable $65 application fee for all applicants.

Admission is competitive and based mainly on academic merit, demonstrated capability to do research, and the match of research interests between the applicant and faculty in indicated or developing areas of specialization.

Click here for instructions and links to the online application.

Unless stated otherwise, supplementary materials as described below should be uploaded to "Transcripts and Uploads" in the electronic Application for Admission. Materials that cannot be uploaded are to be sent directly to the Director of Graduate Studies, Department of English, Swan Hall, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881.

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. Ph.D. applicants should also indicate how their goals and experience prepare them to participate in the profession as researchers and teachers.

M.A. Requirements

  • A B.A. in English (or a related field). Transcript from the degree granting institution should be uploaded to "Transcript and Uploads" in the Application for Admission.  
  • Transcripts of all work (undergraduate and graduate). Transcripts of undergraduate and graduate work beyond the degree granting institution should be uploaded to "Transcript and Uploads" in Application for Admission. Scan as black and white to a PDF file. These transcripts will be considered unofficial and official transcripts will need to be sent subsequent to admission decision. The minimum acceptable quality point average for M.A. applicants is 3.0 (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 capacity for close reading, effective argumentation, and research skills. For the specialization in Rhetoric, a piece of empirical research or rhetorical theory will satisfy the requirement.
  • If you wish to concentrate in creative writing, you may also submit a creative writing sample no longer than 10 pages.
  • A validated Certificate of Residence for consideration for in-state tuition and fees.
  • Teaching Assistantships are limited—and preference is given to Ph.D. applicants. 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 resume
  • Non-native speakers of English must have a minimum score of 91 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 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.

Ph.D. Requirements

  • An M.A. in English (or a related field). Transcript from the degree granting institution should be uploaded to "Transcript and Uploads" in Application for Admission.
  • Transcripts of all work (undergraduate and graduate). Transcripts of undergraduate and graduate work beyond the degree granting institution should be uploaded to "Transcripts" in Supporting Documents. Scan as black and white to a PDF file. These transcripts will be considered unofficial and official transcripts will need to be sent subsequent to admission decision.  Ph.D. applicants with less than a 3.5 quality point average (on a 4.0 scale) have a very low probability for admission.
  • Three letters of recommendations from academic institutions.
  •  One writing sample, preferably 10-15 pages in length, 20 pages maximum demonstrating close reading, effective argumentation, research skills and familiarity with scholarship in a field of study. For the specialization in Rhetoric, a piece of empirical research or rhetorical theory will satisfy the requirement.
  • If you wish to concentrate in creative writing, you may also submit a creative writing sample no longer than 10 pages. Candidates to the PhD program with MFAs will be considered on a case-by-case basis to evaluate adequate preparation in literary studies.
  • GRE (General Test) scores are required for Ph.D. applicants only.
  • A validated Certificate of Residence for consideration for in-state tuition and fees.
  • Teaching Assistantships are limited—and preference is given to Ph.D. applicants. 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. At least one of your letters of recommendation should discuss your teaching.
  • CV or resume
  • Non-native speakers of English must have a minimum score of 91 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 term of application will not be accepted. Older test results will necessitate a retaking of the examination.

GRE test scores earned more than five years prior to term of application will not be accepted. Older test results will necessitate a retaking of the examination.