Master's in English

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To be eligible for admission to the Graduate School at Marquette University, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or international equivalent must be completed prior to starting graduate school.
• A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
• Demonstrated English proficiency for non-U.S. citizens.

Applicants to the master's program are expected to have adequate preparation in English and related subjects. A minimum of 18 credit hours in English at the undergraduate level are required with a strong GPA in order to be competitive for admission.

Application Requirements

Read all application instructions prior to beginning an application.

• A completed online application form and fee.
• Transcripts:
  • If coursework was completed within the United States, submit copies of all current and previous college/universities except Marquette¹
  • If coursework was completed outside of the United States, a transcript evaluation is required. A copy of a course-by-course evaluation is approved for the application process.²
• At least two letters of recommendation (three are preferred).
• A statement of purpose. The best personal statement 1) summarizes your academic interests and achievements and your career goals, and 2) explains why you are interested in Marquette’s MA program specifically. Emphasize strengths that may not otherwise be obvious from your application file.

• 1-2 writing samples, single-authored by the applicant, that in total add up to between 12-20 pages. These samples should showcase your analytical thinking, argumentation, and voice as a writer.
• Two (ideally three) letters of recommendation from people who know your scholarly work well.
• For international applicants only: TOEFL score or other acceptable proof of English proficiency.

^{1Upon admission, final official transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities, with certified English translations if original language is not English, must be submitted to the Graduate School within the first five weeks of the term of admission or a hold preventing registration for future terms will be placed on the student’s record.} 

^{2Upon admission, an official course-by-course transcript/academic record evaluation must be submitted to the Graduate School within the first five weeks of the term of admission or a hold preventing registration for future terms will be placed on the student’s record.} 

Students typically begin their studies in the fall of each academic year. This program has rolling admission, which means you may apply any time before the following dates:

• Fall term admissions- August 1 (June 1 for international applicants)
• Spring term admissions- December 15 (October 1 for international applicants)

Financial Aid

Private scholarships may also be available. U.S. citizens and permanent residents may be eligible to apply for need-based federal aid (loans) to help fund their educational expenses as well.

Trinity Fellows Program

Students interested in the English master's programs may want to consider applying for the Trinity Fellows Program as well. Trinity Fellows is a graduate fellowship program dedicated to developing urban leaders with a commitment to social and economic justice. Trinity Fellows participate in a 21-month study/ work program while earning a master's degree. Those who have completed a full-time service program (minimum 10 months), and/or have worked for 2+ years in the nonprofit sector are eligible to apply. Details and instructions to apply are found on the Trinity Fellows website.