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English
(Ph.D.)

An image of a calendar icon that is brown with light tan page markers on a gold background with a red border.     Application deadlines

For Fall semester: January 10.

An image of a brown page with the gold letters C V on it for curriculum vitae on a gold background with a blue border.     Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A resume or curriculum vitae (CV) is required; please submit within the online application system.

An image of a brown page with the gold letters Test on it and three checkbox options on a gold background with a purple border.     Graduate test

This program requires the General GRE.

Note: International applicants may have to provide evidence of English language proficiency. More information can be found within the online application.

An image of a tan letter in a brown envelope on a gold background with a green border.     Recommendations

This program requires three recommendations. Please send email requests for such recommendations from within the online system.

An image of a brown pencil on a gold background with a purple border.     Written statement

Please prepare a statement which covers the following information, and attach it within the online application:

I am applying for admission into the ______________________________ program.


Programs/concentrations include:

PhD in Literature

PhD in English Education

PhD in Creative Writing—Fiction

PhD in Creative Writing—Poetry

PhD in Creative Writing—Drama

Please prepare a statement which covers the following information, and attach it within the online application:

Submit a 750-word essay about why you wish to undertake graduate study and which key experiences have shaped your decision. You may reflect upon ideas, texts, and modes of study that inspire you and discuss your plans for pursuing them. Please use the essay to highlight important aspects of your application.

An image of a brown typewriter with a light tan page in it on a gold background with a teal border.     Previous written work

Submit a writing sample on a topic in your chosen program/concentration. Your writing sample(s) should be typed, double-spaced, and unmarked. For the Ph.D. in English with a focus on literature, your single sample should be a 15-25 page scholarly paper on a literary topic, and for the Ph.D. in English with a focus on English Education, it should be a 10-15 page scholarly paper on a literary topic or on the teaching of literature or composition.

An image of a plus sign in a circle on a brown outline of a page on a gold backround with an orange border.     Other program materials

If applying for graduate assistantship, complete the following narrative and submit within the online application:

If you have taught before, write a 700- to 1000-word essay explaining your teaching philosophy and experience. If you have not taught, write a 500-word essay in which you imagine your own approach to teaching.

An image of a brown I in a brown circle on a gold background with a green border.     Additional information

If you have any questions, please review the website below for program and contact information.

Department of English — College of Arts and Sciences

An image of a brown page outline with many lines of text with the word Transcript at the top and also a university seal at the upper left-hand corner of the page to show it is an official document.     Transcript Requirement

An official transcript from the institution from which you received your bachelor degree is required, as well as a transcript from institution(s) where any graduate level courses or degrees have been taken/completed. Applicants are not required to submit an official transcript of courses taken/completed at WMU.

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