Admissions Guidelines

Applications must be complete by January 15 each year for admission to Fall term. Admissions are based on previous academic work, letters of recommendation, a research-based writing sample, and statement of purpose. The Statement of Purpose should address the applicant's "fit" with this program. Kent State University is now processing all applications online.

Below is the general procedure for all applications:

Program Requirements:

• M.A. in English or equivalent
• 2.75 overall GPA
• 3.00 in previous English courses

Application Procedure

1. Start at the Kent State Admissions Application site: Apply Online
2. At this page scroll down to and click on Graduate Admissions if you are an international student, click on "International Admissions."
3. At this page ("Step 1"), select the degree program type you are applying to: i.e. masters or doctoral.
4. Read and follow the instructions under "Step 2".
5. Proceed to Step 3 which is apply now. Follow the instructions on the subsequent pages. (You may complete part of the application and return later to complete it if you need to do so: information will be  saved.)

Addresses for Application Submission

Domestic student applications are processed through Graduate Studies (GS), and all required materials should be sent directly to these addresses:

Graduate Studies (GS)
Cartwright Hall 650
Hilltop Drive
Kent State University
Kent OH 44242-0001
gradapps@kent.edu

International student applications are all processed through the Office of Global Education (OGE), and all required materials should be sent directly to these addresses:

Office of Global Education (OGE)
Terrace Hall
125 Terrace Drive
Kent State University
Kent OH 44242-0001
E-mail to intladm@kent.edu

Required Application Materials

Your Application will require these materials, sent to Graduate Studies (or the Office of Global Education (OGE) if an international applicant):

• Statement of Focus or Goals (200-500 words (attached to online application, or sent to GS or OGE). Because printed materials will be scanned for review, try to send materials well in advance of the application dates or send materials electronically when possible.
• Writing sample, ordinarily a critical essay of 8-10 pages from an undergraduate or graduate class (attached to online application, or sent to GS or OGE).
• 3 letters of recommendation (referees reply to email request, or send letters directly to GS or OGE)
• Transcripts from all colleges attended (sent directly by your registrar). Transcripts must be sent directly by your current institution's Registrar to the appropriate address, above.
• Application Fee (Submit online) 

Review Application Status:

After you have submitted your application, you can always go back to Apply Online (login link at bottom of page) to view the status of your application to view which materials have been received and what is still missing from your application. Only completed applications will be considered for admission and/or assistantships. Please note that application materials, including transcripts, and letters of recommendation can take up to 6 weeks to reach and be processed by Graduate Admissions. Applicants are encouraged to begin the application process well in advance of the deadline.

Graduate Application Contact Information

• Graduate Coordinator: Mark Bracher 330-672-2665
• Graduate Secretary: Bee Viton 330-672-1708
• Office of Global Education OGE 330-672-7980
• Graduate Studies GS 330-672-2661