College of Liberal Arts
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Graduate Admissions

College of Liberal Arts

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Applications for Fall 2027 are open as of August 1, 2026

If you'd like to stay updated on upcoming information sessions or to receive more information about our graduate programs, fill out this survey to be contacted by a member of our team.

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College of Liberal Arts

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  • One year before the anticipated first semester
    1. Read MES website: program specializations; degree requirements; admissions and application requirements; faculty research interests; current students and alumni interests; and placement data.
    2. Read University and Graduate School websites, including the application process, University GPA and test score minimums.
    3. Identify and contact faculty members with similar research interests.
    4. Begin studying for English language proficiency exam (if applicable)
  • One year to six months before the anticipated first semester
    1. Register for English language proficiency exam (if needed)
    2. Identify a substantial body of work that will be your Writing Sample
  • Six months to two months before the application deadline
    1. Begin preparation on Statement of Purpose and CV
    2. Identify and approach individuals to serve as recommenders for your application
    3. Ensure test date for English language proficiency exam allows for scores to arrive prior to the December 1 deadline
  • One to two months prior to the application deadline
    1. Begin application
    2. Coordinate submission of application materials, including official transcripts and letters of recommendation
    3. Monitor status of application materials by regularly monitoring MyStatus
  • January

    Complete the FAFSA

Important Dates and Processing Times

December 1 by midnight

Application and materials firm deadline for PhD MELC, MA MES, and all MA dual degree programs 

mid to late January  

Admissions and Funding Committee collectively review applications

February  

Applicants are notified of Admissions and Funding Decisions

April 15; midnight 

Deadline for applicants granted admission to notify CDMES of their decision
In the event of no indication from the application, admissions and funding offers will be rescinded on April 16.

April - August

Funding opportunities become available after the April 15th deadline; the Department and Center will communicate these opportunities

Dual Master’s Admissions Process

Prospective students submit a single Apply Texas application, and pay one fee, for the designated dual-degree major code. Since applicants must apply separately to both programs, they must fulfill the distinct application requirements and deadlines of each department. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the appropriate materials are sent to the respective departments.  

Each graduate program will independently review the application materials and it is possible to be admitted into one program but not the other. Some students accept admission in one program and then re-apply to the other in the following year. 

After you submit your application, you'll receive an email from the Office of Admissions that includes your UT EID, allowing you to access MyStatus and the Document Upload System. During peak periods, this can take two to three days.

Please DO NOT call our office with admissions questions. You may email mesadmissions@austin.utexas.edu for assistance.

All dual MA program applications are due on December 1, 2026.