How to Apply
You can apply if you have:
- Bachelor’s degree in English (or related field with substantial English coursework)
- Minimum 3.0 GPA with minimum English course GPA of 3.2 (international students must have minimum 3.2 GPA)
You’ll apply through the Graduate School.
Application deadlines:
- March 1: for fall admission with assistantship consideration
- April 15: for fall admission (March 15 for international applicants)
- October 15: for spring admission (September 15 for international applicants)
- April 15: for summer admission (U.S. applicants only)
Late applications will be considered as space and funding allow.
Application Materials
Your application materials will include:
- Transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended
- Two letters of recommendation from professors who know your work well and can speak to your ability to succeed in an English-speaking environment (if applicable)
- Goals statement that explains the nature and purpose of your interest in the area of English studies you wish to pursue in our program
- Writing sample of 1,000-3,000 words (excluding Works Cited and any notes) ideally in the area of English studies you wish to pursue
If you’re an international student, you must also submit a language test score unless you have completed or will complete a baccalaureate or higher degree from an institution in one of the countries specified by the Graduate School. NIU requires an 80 (TOEFL), 6.5 (IELTS), 53 (PTE Academic) or 115 (Duolingo).
Our committee will examine and weigh your credentials, balancing each requirement with the others in order to estimate the potential for success in our program. For example, excellent letters of recommendation or an exceptional writing sample may compensate for a slightly insufficient GPA.
Costs and Funding
Our competitive tuition and fees helps ensure an excellent return on the investment of your time and resources. Learn about additional funding opportunities for graduate students.
Assistantships
Many of our graduate students receive teaching assistantships that provide a tuition waiver, a stipend and invaluable professional experience.
In general, assistantships are available only to students starting the program in the fall. To apply, submit an assistantship application (PDF) to Dawn Sibley (dsibley@niu.edu) and Tim Ryan (tryan@niu.edu).