Graduate

Prospective Student FAQ

Because many of our applicants share general questions about the application process, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions to make applying a bit easier.

For Domestic Applicants and Prospective Applicants


If I have a previous graduate degree, how will that be counted in my application to the PhD program?

Since we have a direct admission with a BA into the PhD program starting AY 2012, students with an MA in English, MFA in English or any other graduate degree are welcome to apply if they are willing to fulfill all course requirements; previous coursework will only be counted at the discretion of the graduate director. All students admitted to the PhD program will recieve a five year competive funding package.


If I have a BA in English, can I apply directly to the PhD program?

Beginning in AY 2012, the English Department will be admitting students who apply to the PhD program with a BA directly to the PhD program. All admitted students will receive a five year competetive funding package.


Does the English graduate program require the GRE subject test?

No.

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What GRE scores do I need to qualify for admission to the MA program? To the PhD?

Although we pay close attention to GRE scores, we do not specify particular scores as a requirement for admission. Strong GRE scores are obviously an asset to an application; low GRE scores (below 500 Verbal; below 4 Analytical) need to be offset by other strengths in an application (see next question).


I took the GREs seven years ago. Can I submit those scores for consideration in my application?

We believe that GRE scores from the past four years provide the surest assessment of an applicant's potential, but we will accept GRE scores older than four years. The applicant must decide how s/he wants this part of the application file to be represented.


What makes an application to either program successful in the admissions process?

The admissions committee looks closely at all the materials in an application:  GRE scores, transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and writing sample.  The critical writing sample, however, is probably the single most important element of a successful application.

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What makes a strong writing sample? What should I use as a writing sample?

In evaluating writing samples for both MA and PhD programs, we look for clarity and detail of argument; familiarity with literary, critical, and theoretical concepts; familiarity with literary research; and engaging ideas. We expect writing samples submitted by applicants who already have the MA to demonstrate an accomplished, focused presentation of these elements appropriate to advanced graduate study. Generally an applicant submits as a writing sample a paper originally completed for an upper-level undergraduate or graduate course and revised for the application process.We prefer that the writing sample be in the intended area of study. Samples of non-academic writing are not acceptable for this purpose.


How will I know that my application is complete?

You can check on the status of your application by logging on to your online application. Admissions decisions are generally made by no later than the end of February.  We typically have spaces for around 15 entering MA students and 8-10 entering PhD students.


What are the strengths of your faculty?

The Department of English has distinguished faculty in all areas of its curriculum. For details see Faculty List by Area of Specialization.

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What is your record of PhD placement for the academic job market?

We have an excellent record of placing our PhDs in tenure-track jobs. Please see the Placement page on this website for details.


What forms of financial aid do you offer and how do I apply for them?

We provide funding in the form of fellowships and teaching asistantships. We also have a limited number of fellowships that we distribute for recruitment. A larger portion of financial aid is in the form of teaching assistantships. Beginning AY 2012, all students will teach a total of 10 classes with no classes their first year and 2 in their second and final year.  Both forms of financial aid carry a full tuition waiver (12 credits/semester for fellowship awards; 10 credits/semester for teaching assistantships). All applicants to the PhD program are automatically considered for financial aid, which is awarded solely on the basis of academic merit. MA students will not receive any funding, though there are GAships avaialble in various departments in the University to which students may apply.


How long will it take me to finish the MA program? The PhD?

A full-time student will finish the MA in four to five semesters. The direct admit PhD program is designed to be completed within five years of initial enrollment. Progress to degree will vary depending upon an individual's circumstances. The Graduate Office is committed to facilitating students' progress to degree. English Department faculty recently approved a set of expectations for the PhD student's progress to degree. All PhD students will be provided with a copy of these guidelines.

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Can I work on a degree part-time?

Some MA students, e.g. those working as school teachers or in other professions, pursue the MA part-time.  All those working toward a PhD must be full-time students.


My GPA falls below those specified as qualifying an applicant for the MA (3.5) and PhD (3.7) programs. Can I still apply?

Yes. We realize that occasionally an applicant's GPA, especially for the BA degree, will not accurately reflect an individual's ability to perform successfully in a graduate program. In a case where an applicant has a gpa lower than that specified, we look all the more closely at other elements of the application. Please note that the Graduate School of the University of Maryland does stipulate 3.0 as the minimum gpa required for admission to any to any graduate program.


I am interested in pursuing a graduate degree in English but I do not have an undergraduate major in English. What do I need to do to qualify for admission?

Applicants to the MA program without an undergraduate major in English should demonstrate that they have successfully completed approximately 24 upper-level credits in English. Prospective applicants who do not meet this criterion should consider taking upper-level undergraduate courses at the University of Maryland or elsewhere. For additional information on this option, contact the English Graduate Office.

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I am interested in pursuing a graduate degree in English but I have missed the application deadline. Is there any way that I can take courses without being formally admitted to the program?

The University provides the category of Advanced Special Student for non-degree seeking individuals. Information on how to qualify for and obtain Advanced Special Student status is available on the Graduate School website.  Individuals admitted to the University as Advanced Special Students can take 600-level courses in the English graduate program, on a space-available basis, with the permission of the Graduate Office. The University permits an individual to transfer into a regular degree program up to 12 credits earned as an advanced special student. 

For Foreign Applicants

How many foreign students do you admit each year?

Admission to the English PhD program is exceptionally competitive and is based on the entire application.

If I am admitted, what are my chances of receiving financial aid?

Foreign students are evaluated equally with domestic applicants and when deemed competetive will be granted a similar financial package.