Thank you for your interest in our graduate programs in English at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee!
Applications are being accepted for the 2025-26 academic year. The deadline to apply is December 15th, 2024.
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Program Specific Information
For further information about specific degree programs, area faculty, and more, select the Graduate program from the list on the black menu bar under “Graduate.” A drop-down menu will appear with four different plan choices offered here at UWM. If you have further questions not covered on our website, please feel free to contact our Graduate Studies Program at gradeng@uwm.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Q:Do I need to send my GRE score in my application OR Do I need to take the GRE to be considered for admission into this program
A: The English Department does not require the GRE for any of the Graduate programs offered.
Q: Does the program offer an online option/an online degree?
A: The English Department does not currently offer degrees that are online only.
Q: I’m looking to see what courses are offered in the English Department. Where can I find this?
A: Please visit the Course Catalog page to see which courses are offered by the English Department. Not all courses are offered each semester. To find out when a course was last offered, please click the course of your choice and look under the last taught section. Here you will find when a course was last taught.
Q: Can I take classes without being in a degree program?
A: Students can apply to be Non-Degree Candidates (NDC). They can read more about it at the bottom of the admissions page https://uwm.edu/english/graduate/graduate-resources/admissions/. NDC students can start in spring or fall. They should contact the instructors of classes they are interested in before applying, to make sure there is room in the class and that NDC students are welcome in the class. Here is more info: https://uwm.edu/graduateschool/students/admission/non-degree-candidate-admission/
Q: How long does the MA take? The PhD?
A: The MA typically takes two years. The PhD typically takes five years.
Admissions Decisions
Q: When are admissions decisions made?
A: Admissions decisions to the English program are made in mid-February.
Commonly Asked Application Questions
Q:Does the English Department accept MA or PhD applications for the spring semester?
A: The English Department only accepts applications for Fall semesters. Admissions is done once a year.
Q: What is the English proficiency requirement? What is the minimum TOFEL or IELTS score?
A: The English proficiency requirement for international admissions can be found on the Center for International Education website: https://uwm.edu/cie/international-admissions/graduate-application/. The minimum TOFEL score is 79. The minimum IELTS score is 6.5.
Q:My recommenders can’t upload their letters of recommendation OR I can’t input my recommenders information.
Please email the Graduate Program Associate at gradeng@uwm.edu for further assistance.
Q:When is the application deadline?
A: The deadline to complete the application is December 15th.
Q:My undergraduate degree is not in English, can I still apply?
A: The English program has a variety of students with undergraduate degrees that are not in English. We welcome a diverse background of undergraduate study.
Q:My Masters degree is not in English, can I still apply?
A: The English program has a variety of students with masters degrees that are not in English. We welcome a diverse background of graduate study.
Q:Should I upload unofficial transcripts to my application or send official transcripts to the program?
A: The online application system that applicants use requires unofficial transcripts only. Official transcripts are only required after an applicant accepts admission.
Q:I cannot obtain unofficial transcripts to upload to my application, only official ones. What should I do next?
A: Applicants should order official transcripts and scan a copy to upload to the application system.
Funding
Fellowships
The Graduate School offers several fellowships that current graduate students and prospective applicants can apply to. *Note prospective applicants must submit an application and be accepted into the English program in order to receive the fellowship.
The fellowships the Graduate School offers are the following:
- Distinguished Graduate Student Fellowship (DGSF)
- Distinguished Dissertation Fellowship (DDF) ** This fellowship is not for incoming graduate students
- Advanced Opportunity Program (AOP) Fellowship
Teaching Assistantships (TAship or GTAship)
Teaching Assistantships are awarded on a competitive basis in the admissions process. Not all students who are admitted will receive an offer with a Teaching Assistantship. For students who do receive a TAship offer with admission:
MA students admitted to the program who are offered a TA ship are typically offered 2 years of funding.
PhD students admitted to the program who are offered a TAship are typically offered 5 years of funding.
Awards
English program graduate students are eligible to apply for Graduate Student Travel Awards. More information can be found on the Graduate School website. Select the drop-down tab labeled “Graduate Student Travel Awards” https://uwm.edu/graduateschool/students/financial-support/