The Department recommends that: Applicants to the M.A. and Ph.D. programs have at least a 3.5 GPA.; Applicants score in the top 25% of the verbal part of the GRE; and Applicants whose native language is not English score 640 or above on the TOEFL.

Non-native speakers of English should know that most students are funded through teaching, and the Iowa Board of Regents mandates that all non-native speakers of English pass an oral English test in order to teach. The department recommends that non-native speakers of English contact us about a preliminary oral fluency test before accepting admission to the program.

Admissions Requirements
     and Application Materials

In addition to the materials required by the Graduate College, the Department of English requires applicants to submit in writing (rather than electronically) the following materials directly to the Department:

Three letters of recommendation from persons familiar enough with the applicant's intellectual attainments to evaluate the applicant's potential as a graduate student in English (or in writing ability if applying for the Master of Fine Arts in Nonfiction Writing),

A brief statement (1-2 pages) explaining the applicant's intellectual interests and reasons for choosing Iowa's M.A. in Literary Studies, M.F.A. in Nonfiction Writing, or Ph.D. program.

A sample of the applicant's best critical or scholarly writing. Applicants to the Ph.D. or M.A. in Literary Studies should follow the directions on the Writing Sample Requirement sheet and the Writing Sample Cover Sheet, while applicants to the M.F.A. in Nonfiction Writing program should follow the directions on the page describing that program.

Applications for admission to a degree program are considered by the English Department's Admissions Committee only after these materials and those required by the Graduate College have been received by the appropriate offices. In summary, then, here is an overview of application materials, addresses, and deadlines:

• Send an Application for Graduate Study,
• official transcripts,
• GRE scores (general test only),
• and any necessary TOEFL scores to the
      Office of Admissions
      The University of Iowa
      116 Calvin Hall
      Iowa City, IA 52242-1396
  
• Send 3 letters of recommendation
• a Statement of Purpose
• the Writing Sample with Cover Sheet
• Application for Graduate Awards (PDF)
• an additional copy of GRE scores
• Additional Copy of Official Transcripts
• and a Departmental Financial Aid Application (if requesting financial support) to
       Department of English, Graduate Studies
       The University of Iowa
       308 English Philosophy Building
       Iowa City, IA 52242-1492

The deadline for fall admission is January 1 for the M.F.A. in Nonfiction Writing program, January 15 for the Ph.D. in English or the M.A. in Literary Studies programs. -

The University of Iowa does not discriminate in employment or in its educational programs and activities on the basis of race, national origin, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or veteran status. The University also affirms its commitment to providing equal opportunities and equal access to University facilities without reference to affectional or associational preference. For additional information on nondiscrimination policies, contact the Coordinator of Title IX, Section 504, and the ADA in the Office of Affirmative Action, telephone 319-335-0705, University of Iowa, 202 Jessup Hall, Iowa City, IA 52242-1316.

If you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation in order to participate in these programs, please contact the English Department at 319-335-0440, University of Iowa, 308 English Philosophy Building, Iowa City, IA 52242-1492 to discuss your needs.