Application Procedures and Materials
Master of Arts in English, Master of Arts in Writing, and Master in Science in Education with Emphasis in English
To apply to English Graduate Programs, prospective students (non-international) need to submit materials to the Graduate College and to the Department of English. Prospective students should submit all necessary application materials at least two months before the start of the semester they wish to begin.
Graduate College Application Requirements:
Submit the following to:
Graduate College
Missouri State University
901 South National Avenue
Springfield, Missouri 65897
1. A completed Graduate College Application, which can be found:
a. in the back of the Graduate Catalog;
b. online at http://graduate.missouristate.edu/forms.htm (either the Online Application or the printable PDF format);
c. in the Graduate College office, 306 Carrington Hall
2. A $35 non-refundable application fee.
3. Two sets of official transcripts showing all course work for the bachelor’s degree and any graduate-level courses. At minimum, the bachelor’s transcript must show the last 60 hours of course work or the necessary additional undergraduate transcripts are required. Missouri State University transcripts do not need to be requested. Note: transcripts are not considered official unless they are received directly from the institution where the course work was completed.
4. Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores (not necessary for MS Ed in English candidates). Only the general scores are necessary.
English Department Application Requirements:
In addition, submit the following to:
Graduate Director
Department of English
901 South National Avenue
Springfield, Missouri 65897
1. Personal Statement (a 200- to 250-word description of the reasons and goals behind your interest in English graduate studies).
2. Writing Sample (a 10–15 page critical paper in English that you have written). If you are interested in the Creative Writing track, you should also submit a creative writing sample (for example, 5–10 poems, a short story, or 10–20 pages from a novel).
3. At least two letters of recommendation (from individuals able to speak of the applicant’s academic achievements and potential).
4. Graduate Assistantship application if applicant wishes to be considered for this award. See section on “Graduate Teaching Assistantships.”
Due Date: To ensure consideration for a GAships, all application materials should be submitted by February 15.
International Student Application Requirements:
International applicants may request application materials and instructions by:
Mail: International Student Services
Missouri State University
901 South National Avenue
Springfield, Missouri 65897Telephone: (417) 836–6618
Fax: (417) 836–7656
International applicants are required to submit the following:
1. All Graduate College and English Department Application Requirements (described above).
2. Verification of financial support in an amount determined by the University as stated in the application materials.
3. Complete academic record including proof of degree attained. The applicant must have completed all requirements that are equivalent to a U.D. baccalaureate degree in an accredited, licensed, or recognized college or university and have appropriate undergraduate training to pursue the graduate degree of their choice.
4. Applicants whose primary language is other than English are required to submit appropriate proof of English proficiency. See p. 33 of the Graduate College Handbook for information on exam scores that constitute proof.
Note: For applicants who do not meet the TOEFL or IELTS requirements, Missouri State University offers a full-time intensive English Language Institute on campus. An online application is available at http://ccpe.missouristate.edu/eli/.
