How to Apply to a
Grad Program in English*
2-3
page statement of purpose
3
letters of recommendation
up to 20
page (including works cited) writing sample
$60
non-refundable application fee
* This information does not apply to the first round of MFA applications. For that process, follow the instructions found here.
MA
Applications due by Jan. 15.
MFA
Round 1 applications due by Dec. 1. See here for instructions.
Round 2 applications due by Jan. 15. Follow instructions below.
PhD
Applications due by Dec. 1.
Admissions
Visit Graduate Admissions to apply for the MA, the MFA (Round 2 only), or the PhD program in English. All materials for the MA, MFA Round 2, and PhD should be submitted to the Graduate School through the online application; more detailed instructions may be found in the application form itself.
Deadlines
Required Application Materials
- Online Graduate School application.
- Statement of Purpose (2–3 pages describing your reasons for applying to a graduate program in English and the kind of study you wish to pursue, including your area(s) of interest.)
- A $60 nonrefundable application fee.
- Transcripts for all colleges and universities previously attended. Copies of unofficial transcripts (not web-based academic histories) should be uploaded into the online application prior to submission of the application. Do not send hard copies of official transcripts until you have received notification of admission from the Office of Graduate Admissions. After you have received such notification, hard copies should be mailed to:
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Office of Graduate Admissions
201 Student Services Building
Knoxville, TN 37996 - Three letters of recommendation.
- A critical writing sample of up to twenty pages with works cited (longer works discouraged). Applicants for the MFA concentration and for the PhD with Creative Dissertation must also submit a creative writing sample of no more than twenty-five pages of fiction or creative nonfiction, or fifteen poems.
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are now optional for all our English graduate programs. If you intend to submit GRE scores, you should take the test no later than the middle of October for the December 1 deadline, and no later than the middle of November for the January 15 deadline.
- International students must submit TOEFL scores as required by the Graduate School.
