The two-year Master’s program at the University of Kentucky Department of English provides broad training in literature, language, and literary theory. The flexible curriculum is designed to meet the academic and professional needs of a range of students, including those planning to pursue a PhD, and professionals seeking a terminal MA. The program prepares students for careers in education, publishing, editing, and related fields, as well as for advanced academic study.
The Department offers MA degree tracks in Literature and Film, with students choosing between a Thesis or a Non-Thesis option. For qualified applicants, the Department provides competitive funding that includes a tuition scholarship, health insurance, and a stipend of at least $19,000 per year. Funded first-year MA students work twenty hours per week as writing tutors in the Hemenway Writing Center, and second-year funded students teach introductory courses in Writing, Rhetoric, and Digital Studies. An unfunded MA option is also available, particularly for University of Kentucky students pursuing the Advanced Master’s Pathway (AMP) in conjunction with their BA degree.
MA Admissions
Minimum requirements for admission:
- A Bachelor’s degree in English Literature or Film or a closely related field. (Applicants with degrees in adjacent disciplines should contact the Director of Graduate Studies, Dr. Matthew Giancarlo, to confirm eligibility.)
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.25 (on a 4.0 scale) and graduate GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), or equivalent, for any prior work at the graduate level.
- For non-native English speakers or applicants from non-English–degree–granting institutions: IELTS 8–9 or TOEFL iBT 25–30. International applicants awarded teaching assistantships must also meet the UK Graduate School’s ITA Language Screening requirements.
- GRE scores (general or subject) are not required.
The application deadline is January 15, 2026 for admission to the Fall 2026 cohort. All materials must be submitted via the University of Kentucky Graduate School online application system.
Application Materials
Applicants must submit the following:
- Statement of Purpose (1–2 pages / 300–1000 words): please explain your academic background, research interests, and how your goals align with the UK English Department.
- Writing Sample (12-15 pages): A single piece of analytic prose demonstrating research and writing ability. This may be a seminar paper, thesis chapter, or other substantial academic essay. Creative writing is not accepted.
- Unofficial transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions (official transcripts required upon admission).
- Three letters of recommendation from faculty or others who can speak to the applicant’s academic qualifications.
- Current CV or résumé.
- UK English Teaching Assistantship/Fellowship Application (for those seeking funding). Teaching Assistantships include a stipend of at least $19,000/year, full tuition coverage, and health benefits.
Contact
For questions about the Master’s program in English, please contact:
- Dr. Matthew Giancarlo, Director of Graduate Studies
- Jessica Case (Newman), Department Manager