How to Apply

Applications for our graduate programs can be obtained from The Graduate School, Room 109, Thompson Hall, 105 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824-3547 or on the web.

To apply to the Department of English, you will need to obtain a general application and catalog from the Graduate School.  In addition, the department requires a specific writing sample depending on the degree option to which you are applying. The Graduate School now prefers online applications and the application fee to be paid by credit card; collect and submit all additional supporting materials in one packet. Send all application materials to the Graduate School, not to the English Department.

In addition to the materials requested by the Graduate School, all English Ph.D. applicants must submit a Teaching Assistantship Application Form.  See our page on Financial Aid for more information.

Deadlines

M.A. and M.S.T. applicants can apply for fall, spring, or summer admission.  Deadlines for applying to M.A. and M.S.T. programs are:

• Fall semester--Financial Aid Deadline (Jan 15), Admission without financial aid (Jul 1)
• Spring semester--Financial Aid Deadline (Oct 15), Admission without financial aid (Dec 1)
• Summer semester--Admission only (Apr 1)

We admit MFA and PhD candidates to the program for fall semester only.  All MFA and PhD applicants must have a completed application to the Graduate School by January 15.  

PhD applicants must submit an application for financial aid since all of our PhD students hold a teaching assistantship during their first four years.

In order for your file to be considered for admission and/or financial aid, your file must be complete by the appropriate deadline.

GREs

The GRE General Test is required for all M.A. and Ph.D. applicants. The Subject Test in literature is required for Ph.D in Literature applicants only. GREs are not required for M.F.A. applicants.

Writing Sample Guidelines

Writing sample guidelines by program

Checklists

Application checklist for those applying to the M.A., M.F.A., and M.S.T. programs

Application checklist for those applying to the Ph.D. program

Information for International Applicants

International applicants must also submit a TOEFL score report with the application packet.

If you are a non-U.S. citizen currently living outside the United States, please complete  International Student Pre-application Form before submitting application materials. 

For more information, please see Graduate School Information for International Applicants.

If you are a non-U.S. citizen living in the United States or if your pre-application has been approved, please follow the application procedures at the top of this page.