In addition to the required 2.7 GPA in the BA, applicants for the master of arts in English must also have a 3.0 in their undergraduate English classes.  To qualify for the master of arts degree program an applicant should have an undergraduate degree in English or thirty credits in English.  Elementary education majors who wish to concentrate in English should have at least eighteen undergraduate credits of course work in English.   Applicants without requisite course work in the discipline, all other entry standards met, may be granted probationary acceptance into the program with conditions, including the completion of required undergraduate credit  and other prerequisites or their equivalent.

 New Admission Requirements beginning Spring 2007

To qualify for the Master of Arts degree program in English, an applicant must have a baccalaureate degree in English or American literature or a closely related field from an accredited college or university, or 30 hours of appropriate undergraduate course work in the discipline (as approved by departmental review).  Additional undergraduate credits will be required of students who lack sufficient preparation in literature.  Applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.00 on a four-point scale both in overall undergraduate and (if applicable) graduate course work and in English courses.  Conditional admission may be offered to students who do not meet all of these requirements.  Applicants must also submit the following:

To the Graduate Admissions Office:

• Graduate Application Form
• Official undergraduate and (if applicable) graduate transcripts from every institution attended except CCSU
• Application fee

To the English Department (Attn. Chair, English Graduate Committee), at the same time that application materials are submitted to the Graduate Admissions Office:

• Letter of application detailing reasons for wishing to pursue graduate study in English
• Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your academic or professional work
• A writing sample of 10-15 pages showcasing your strongest analytical or critical writing about literature.  Work written for previous courses is acceptable (indeed encouraged), but “creative” pieces (poetry, fiction, or memoir) are not appropriate.

No applications will be considered until all materials have been received.  Applications will be evaluated by the department on an ongoing basis.