Admissions and Application Information
To apply to the graduate studies program in the Department of English, do the following:
1) Read the specific Program Pages for the program to which you wish to apply—and be sure to make note of any specific requirements to that program before going on to Step 2.
2) Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars (OGSPS) Application: Here is the website you’ll need (bookmark it now!): How to Apply - Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars - Purdue University
3) Academic Statement of Purpose: Supply a personal statement of purpose (500± words); this statement should describe your intellectual interests and professional goals and explain why you think Purdue's English Department is a good place to pursue them. You also may explain any special circumstances regarding your background and elaborate on your scholarly publications, awards, achievements, abilities, and/or professional history.
4) Personal History Statement: Describe how your background and life experiences contribute to your ability to be both persistent and resourceful in your graduate studies, as well as how your life experiences have prepared you to contribute to an academic community where scholars with diverse research interests, abilities, backgrounds, and experiences are supported, respected, and valued. Again, we recommend 500± words.
5) Test Scores and English Proficiency: See additional details for international students on the OGSPS application page.
6) Letters of Recommendation: Submit three letters of recommendation from former teachers. Ask them to describe and assess your training, skills, and ability to do graduate-level work. Letters are to be submitted electronically by the recommender using the online submission process outlined on the OGSPS webpage.
7) Writing sample: Upload a sample of your writing, which ideally should be an essay you have written for an English course (double-spaced, roughly 10-15 pages).
8) Transcripts: While the OGSPS will accept unofficial transcripts as part of the application process, please be aware that official transcripts will be required if you are admitted to our graduate program.
9) Current CV or Résumé: Please be sure to have relevant teaching experience and a list of relevant coursework included in these documents.
For Applicants to the Ph.D. Program(s):
In general, students admitted to the Ph.D. program have earned a GPA of at least 3.6 in their Masters coursework. They can demonstrate broad knowledge of their respective fields. They inspire strong letters of recommendation from former teachers. Their written work (writing sample, statement of purpose) suggests the ability not only to do good coursework, but also to produce original, publishable research. Their classroom experience indicates their talent and potential as teachers. Their stated, scholarly goals also match or complement the expertise and research interests of our faculty.