Required Documents Admission Requirements

Online Graduate Application
  • Application Fee $35 (credit or debit card and e-checks accepted)
  • Apply Online

One Official Transcript from each institution where you have previously enrolled (undergraduate and graduate).

(Transcripts of coursework completed in-residence at VSU will be obtained by the Graduate School
  • Must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited institution.
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 on 4.0 scale. This GPA may be cumulative or in the undergraduate English major.
Statement of Intent
  • The statement of intent should briefly outline relevant academic interests in the field and proposed course of study in the program (Literature or Rhetoric and Composition). It is appropriate in such letters to discuss one's most successful undergraduate work, to be as specific as possible about which area of English studies one intends to enter, and to indicate one's ultimate goals (should not exceed 750 words).

Two Recommendations

(General Recommendation Form Required)
  • Recommendations from professionals familiar with your academic background.
Writing Sample
  • A sample of academic writing, preferably from an upper-level English course, no more than fifteen pages in length.

VSU Medical Form
  • The form must be completed and signed by the student/applicant.
  • This form must be received prior to enrollment, NOT prior to admission.
  • Applicants who are currently enrolled, and those who attended VSU in the past, are not required to resubmit the Medical Form
  • The statement of intent and writing sample will be used by the Graduate Studies Committee to assess the writing skills of the applicant and the applicant’s fit to the program.
  • The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is no longer required (although scores may be submitted voluntarily by applicants).

Special Requirements for Students Entering the Program without an Undergraduate Degree in English:

  • Students entering either emphasis without an undergraduate degree in English or English minor must have completed at least 5 English courses at the undergraduate or graduate level with a grade of "B" or higher (or comparable preparation accepted at the discretion of the Graduate Studies Committee).

Probationary Admission:

To be accepted as a probationary student in the M.A. program in the Department of English, the student must do the following:

  • Possess a bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited institution.
  • Submit a Statement of Intent, which should not exceed 750 words.  The Statement of Intent should briefly outline relevant academic interests in the field and proposed course of study in the program (Literature or Rhetoric and Composition).  It is appropriate in such letters to discuss one’s most successful undergraduate work, to be as specific as possible about which area of English studies one intends to enter, and to indicate one’s ultimate career goals. 
  • Submit a sample of academic writing, preferably from an upper-level English course, no more than fifteen pages in length.
  • Submit two letters of recommendation.
  • In addition to submitting the required admissions materials, students seeking probationary admission must submit a three-page essay to the Department of English, detailing (a) career goals and (b) academic interests. 

Probationary admission is at the complete discretion of the Graduate Studies Committee. Meeting or exceeding the above minimal standards for probationary admission does not guarantee admission. The department makes a determination for admission based on the above criteria as well as the student's career goals, fit to the program, and evolving trends and standards in the profession.

International Applicants 

We welcome international applications to our M.A. program. International applicants must meet all admission criteria and documentation requirements as defined by the program, and additional documentation may be required.  Please review the information below for specific information and guidelines.
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Exam - Applicants whose first language is not English (based on country of citizenship) must submit official scores on the TOEFL exam. International applicants whose first language is not English but who have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a U.S. institution may be exempt from the TOEFL requirement.
  • Certificate of Finances - The Certificate of Finance is required of any applicant requiring a student visa to enter the United States to complete his or her studies. This document is considered a part of the application for admission and applications will not be reviewed without this document.  Applicants who do not require an I-20 student visa to complete their studies are exempt from this requirement.
  • Evaluation of International Transcripts - Applicants who have completed coursework at an institution outside of the United States must submit a course-by-course evaluation of the coursework.  This transcript evaluation must be completed by an international education credentials evaluation service such as Josef Silny, ECE, etc.  The transcript evaluation does not replace the transcript requirement. Official transcripts are still required.