English, M.A.

• Final Application Deadlines
  • Fall Semester – August 1
  • Spring Semester – December 1
• Priority Application Deadlines
  • Fall Semester – March 1
  • Spring Semester – October 1

• An application fee must be paid electronically when the application is submitted. We have a number of competitively awarded application fee waivers. If you’re interested, please send a one-page request to the Graduate Director before you hit “submit” on your application, outlining how your background and experience will enrich our program.
• An unofficial transcript, with GPA from each post-secondary school attended; if a student is admitted, an official transcript will be required.
• A statement of purpose that is about 600-1000 words in length, outlining the student’s preparation and goals for pursuing graduate education in English.
• Three academic recommendations from individuals who can attest to the student’s academic qualifications (ideally, college professors, not employers or personal references). If a student has been out of school for a long period of time, references may be professional. These recommendations are requested of the recommenders electronically as part of the application process.
• A writing sample of 6-10 pages, which must be an example of analytical, scholarly writing (rather than creative writing) in any area of English studies. You may send an excerpt from a longer work with a short prefatory paragraph offering a description or introduction to the selection. If you have been out of school for an extended period and do not have a scholarly writing sample, please contact Professor Barnes, Director of Graduate Studies, about an alternative way to meet this requirement.

**For International Applicants**

• International applicants (i.e., those whose native language is not English or whose previous degrees are not at an American university) must also demonstrate proficiency in English by having scores sent to the Graduate School from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Scores older than two years will not be accepted. During the pandemic, scores on the Duolingo English Test may be used instead of the TOEFL or IELTS.

Note: There is no longer a requirement for a GRE test score; applicants should not submit GRE test scores as part of their applications.

• A B.A. in English (or a related field) from an accredited institution, credit for approximately 30 semester hours of English beyond first-year composition, or evidence of equivalent academic preparation as approved by the English Department
  • In some cases, students may be advised to take particular courses to prepare for a successful application. Students who need to take additional English courses to prepare for graduate studies in English may take courses at UNC Charlotte or elsewhere to qualify for admission to the M.A. program. To be eligible to take courses at UNC Charlotte, they should apply to the Graduate School for admission as post-baccalaureate students.
• A minimum 3.0-grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) on all coursework taken beyond high school.
  • Applications are considered holistically; students with a grade point average slightly lower than 3.0 may still be considered if the remainder of the application materials is unusually strong. Undergraduate students in their final two years may apply for early entry to the M.A. program. Early entry applicants must have a minimum 3.2-grade point average. 

Current tuition rates are available through Niner Central. There are several sources of funding available to assist in paying for a graduate program at UNC Charlotte.

Use our Cost Calculator to get a clear picture of the estimated costs for UNC Charlotte’s graduate programs. Share your information to receive tips, updates and resources on making your graduate education more affordable.

Wondering if you are considered in-state or out-of-state for tuition? Learn more about residency requirements.