Admission to all graduate degree programs is competitive. The department’s Admissions and Fellowships Committee oversees the admissions process. In evaluating applications, we look closely at the applicant’s academic record, letters of recommendation, academic writing ability, and preparation in foreign language and literary study.
How to Apply
Applicants for both the M.A. and the Ph.D. should submit the following:
- Completed application form
- Applicant’s statement of purpose, detailing the applicant’s literary background and linguistic preparation and outlining the applicant’s scholarly goals
- Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- At least three letters of recommendation, preferably from academic institutions
- A sample of original scholarly work (such as an honors project, Master’s thesis, or term paper) of approximately 15-25 pages
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores for all international applicants: required for all applicants whose native language is not English
A score report from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is no longer required to apply.
International applicants
We encourage international students to visit IU’s International Services website to learn more about admission requirements, find support, and learn more about life in the U.S.
Deadlines for applications
Applications for admission with fellowship must be submitted in full by January 15 (December 1 for international applicants).
Applications for admission only must be submitted in full by February 1.
Applicants should take the required examinations early enough for their scores to reach the department before the relevant deadline.
The department will notify applicants whose files are incomplete, but each applicant is responsible for having the required items submitted. Letters of recommendation should be sent directly to the department by recommenders, not by the applicant.
Questions?
Please contact us if you have questions about the application process.
Director of Graduate Studies
Jacob Emery, jacemery@indiana.edu
The College of Arts