Comparative Literature Program | College of Liberal Arts
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Apply With an MA

The deadline to apply for Fall 2025 admission is December 6, 2024 at 11:59 pm CST.

Announcement forthcoming on the status of the GRE exam requirement for Fall 2025.

How to Apply

1. Complete the application.

2. Pay the application fee. After completing your application and paying the application fee, you will receive an email with an EID (electronic ID) and temporary password. This EID and temporary password will allow you to log into the UT Application Status Website and upload additional required application materials, which are listed below.

3. Upload the following required application materials. Please note that your application will not be considered for admission until you upload these materials.

  • The Program in Comparative Literature Application Cover Sheet 
  • Writing sample in the form of a critical essay of 10-15 pages (double-spaced) demonstrating the ability to perform literary analysis. The essay should reveal the applicant's skill at explicating a text in a manner that shows a sophisticated appreciation of its formal attributes, figurative language, and historical context. (If your writing sample is in a language other than English, please submit an English translation as well.
  • Personal statement/statement of purpose that outlines your education history, specific areas of interest, and professional goals.
  • Statement of teaching experience which indicates any prior teaching experience and abilities, and qualifications for specific teaching positions that you might have. If appropriate, please include the location and dates of residency abroad.
  • 3 letters of recommendation that address your academic achievement and potential for graduate study. You will not upload the letters yourself; instead, you will input the emails of your recommenders so that the university may contact them with instructions for submitting their letters.
  • Transcripts from your institutions of higher education. Official copies are preferred, but you may upload a photocopy of the transcript in case your official transcript scores are delayed, or if you are still in the process of completing your master's degree.
  • International applicants must also submit official, current (within 2 years) TOEFL or IELTS scores unless you are from a country where English is the official language, or your bachelor's degree is from a U.S. institution or an institution where English is the official language. **Even if you have obtained or will soon obtain a master's degree from a U.S. institution or an institution where English is the official language, you must still submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.** Read more about international applicant requirements here.>> 

    NOTE: The GRE Exam will not be required for applications submitted for Fall 2025 entry.

Additional Information

Please visit the FAQ page, the Graduate School website, or email the Graduate Coordinator for more information about application and admissions requirements.

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