How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in the Graduate Programs in the English Department! We are excited to review your materials and consider you for our program. Applications are sent directly to the Graduate School. The English Department cannot answer questions about fee waivers, please direct those to Graduate Admissions. If you have questions about the admission process for the MA, MFA and PhD programs, please contact Ms. Sarah Ellis at smellis@memphis.edu, 901.678.1448.

All Students (MA, MFA, PhD, and Certificate)

All students (MA, MFA, PhD and certificate) must complete and submit the appropriate online application along with the non-refundable application fee. You can also find application information by clicking on the Apply Now button above.

In addition to the electronic application, all students are required to submit:

• Official transcripts showing a bachelor's degree awarded by an accredited college or university with an acceptable GPA
• Official transcripts from any other college or university attended, including all graduate courses

These materials must be uploaded during the online application process. 

Certificate and MA Students

In addition to the application materials outlined above, certificate and MA students are required to submit:

• Letter of intent stating the program you are applying to and a brief statement outlining your academic and professional goals
• Two letters of recommendation 

These materials must be uploaded during the online application process.

MFA Students

In addition to the application materials outlined above, MFA students are required to submit:

• Unofficial copy of transcripts of all academic work
• Detailed statement of intent (two to three pages in length)
• Writing sample consisting of at least twenty pages of fiction, ten poems, or twenty-five pages of nonfiction
• Two letters of recommendation 
• Application for Graduate Assistantship, if interested

These materials must be uploaded during the online application process.

PhD Students

In addition to the application materials outlined above, PhD students are required to submit:

• Detailed statement of purpose (two to three pages)
• Writing sample demonstrating your best academic work
• Two letters of recommendation 
• Application for Graduate Assistantship, if interested

These materials must be uploaded during the online application process.

Application Deadlines