You are here
English
The department's graduate students work closely on research and writing projects with the members of our graduate faculty, who specialize in all areas of literary, theoretical, and cultural studies and creative writing. MA students complete a broad-based program in literature; MFA students complete a broad based program in creative writing, PhD students may choose a concentration in any area of English-language literature. The English department encourages interdisciplinary work and maintains close ties with the Department of Comparative Literature and Humanities, the Program for Writing and Rhetoric, the various departments of foreign languages and literatures, other humanities and fine arts departments including history and theatre, and the writing programs at Boulder's Naropa University.
Degrees Offered:
- MA, MFA, PhD
MA
The MA in literature requires 30 hours of graduate study and proficiency in one foreign language.
MFA
The MFA in creative writing requires 45 hours of graduate study, fourth semester undergraduate competence in one foreign language, and successful completion and defense of a thesis.
PhD
Requires 30 hours of graduate study, 30 hours of dissertation work, proficiency in one foreign language, a comprehensive examination (written and oral), and a successful dissertation defense.
MA-Literature and PhD applications are required to:
1. Hold a baccalaureate degree from a college or university of recognized standing, preferably with an English major.
2. Have an overall undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.00.
3. Submit the following:
a. a critical writing sample (MA-Literature applicants should submit a writing sample of 10-15 pages. PhD applicants should submit one of 20-25 pages).
b. a statement of purpose (generally 1 to 1½ pages).
c. three letters of recommendation inserting the email addresses of recommenders within the online application.
d. GRE general test scores are required. The Subject test is no longer required.
4. Mail one official hard copy of transcripts from every post-secondary education institute attended, to the following address: Graduate Admissions, University of Colorado, 553 UCB, Boulder CO 80309-0553.
5. Upload all other documents (including the writing sample, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation) to the electronic application. Paper copies will not be accepted.
MFA-Creative Writing applicants are required to:
1. Hold a baccalaureate degree from a college or university of recognized standing, preferably having completed at least 18 semester hours of English.
2. Have an overall undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.00.
3. Submit the following:
a. a polished manuscript of original creative work (25 pages for Fiction; 10-20 pages for Poetry)
b. a statement of purpose (generally 1 to 1 ½ pages).
c. three letters of recommendation inserting the email addresses of recommenders within the online application.
d. GRE general test scores are required. The Subject test is no longer required.
4. Mail one official hard copy of transcripts from every post-secondary education institute attended, to the following address: Graduate Admissions, University of Colorado, 553 UCB, Boulder CO 80309-0553.
5. Upload all other documents (including the writing sample, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation) to the electronic application. Paper copies will not be accepted.
MA and MFA students are eligible for appointment as teaching assistants, although the department does not have sufficient resources to offer all MA and MFA students assistantships every semester. The department seeks to admit only as many PhD students as may be fully funded for at five years through fellowships and through appointments as graduate part-time instructors. A limited number of one-time fellowships, research assistantships or tuition waiver grants are sometimes available.
Fall Domestic Application Deadline:
December 15, 2013
All applicants must submit and pay the application fee online by this deadline. Application fees cannot be waived. However, GRE scores, transcripts, and letters of reference will be accepted after the deadline.
When submitting, the application must include the following:
- the completed online application form
- the Statement of Purpose
- the Writing Sample
Please read the FAQs carefully along with instructions on completing and submitting your application, prior to beginning the application process.
University of Colorado Boulder
Department of English
Phone: 303-492-6594