Graduate School Admissions
How to Apply to MALLT
In addition to the standard application materials required by the Graduate School , the MALLT program requires the following materials:
1. Three letters of recommendation. Please ask the persons writing a recommendation for you to use institutional stationery or other appropriate official letterhead. At least two of the letters should come from former instructors who can speak to your ability to do graduate work.
2. Reasons Statement: an essential part of your application, the Reasons Statement is used to determine the appropriateness of your educational and professional goals and serves as an example of your ability to express yourself in writing. In the statement:
- Explain your reasons for pursuing graduate study.
- Describe specific interests and your background in the field.
- List any relevant skills or training you have acquired.
- List relevant academic awards or honors you have received.
- List the names of those individuals who will write on your behalf.
3. Qualifying Exam: for Translation concentration applicants only. Applicants intending to complete a concentration in Translation need to pass the Translation Program Qualifying Exam before they can be admitted to the program. The exam is offered in spring and fall terms. Applicants should plan ahead to ensure that the exam is taken on a timely basis so as not to delay the processing of their application.
Please note that the MALLT program does not require GREs for admission.
Application Deadlines
MALLT accepts applications for Fall and Spring entry. We have a rolling admissions process, so you may submit your application at any time. However, for timely consideration of your application, and to make sure that your application is considered for all available scholarships and funding opportunities, we recommend that all application materials be received by:
- February 15 for admission in the following fall term
- October 15 for admission in the following spring term
Your application cannot be processed by the Graduate School until all required materials have been received.
If you apply too late for a given semester, you may take up to four courses as a “Non-Degree Graduate Student,” and then transfer those credits toward the degree after being admitted to the program. Students considering this option should consult with the Graduate Advisor of their area of study.
Admission Requirements
- Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university
- GPA of 2.75 or higher
- International applicants must also present a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 83; TOEFL CBT score of 220; or IELTS score of 6.5
- Knowledge of a language other than English; admissions criteria vary by concentration
Language Concentrations – an undergraduate major in the language, or comparable background, such as coursework, a significant immersion experience, or demonstrated very high level of proficiency combined with appropriate academic training. Applicants may also be asked to provide a representative writing sample–a short upper-level analytical paper written in the language of their concentration. The writing sample should be no less than 3 pages in length; it may be a paper that was written for an upper-level undergraduate course in language, literature, or related field.
International applicants must also present a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 83; TOEFL CBT score of 220; or IELTS score of 6.5.
The accelerated MA with a concentration in French and Francophone Language, Literature and Culture – Available to UWM French Majors only, interested students should work closely with Faculty in French, starting in their sophomore year. Students should apply to the MALLT program in the Graduate School in the spring of their 3rd year in the UWM BA in French program. A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.00 or better, and a GPA in the French major of 3.5 or better are required for the Accelerated MA in French and Francophone Language, Literature and Culture.
Comparative Literature concentration – an undergraduate major in comparative literature, including advanced study of a language other than English, or equivalent literary and language preparation. International applicants must also present a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 92, TOEFL CBT score of 237; or IELTS score of 7.0.
Linguistics Concentration – an undergraduate major in linguistics or in a related field, such as English, a global language, psychology, philosophy, or anthropology; and basic-level familiarity with a language other than English, which may be demonstrated by coursework, immersion experience, or native fluency.
Translation Concentration – Applicants must pass a free online qualifying exam (QE) to be considered for admission.