Application Requirements
All applicants for graduate study at George Mason University must meet the admission standards specified in the Admission chapter of the University Catalog.
Included with their application, all applicants must submit the materials required by the university listed on Application Requirements. Below are clarifications and additions for applicants to this program.
MA in English - Additional Requirements and Instructions
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Goals statement. The goals statement should be 750 - 1000 words and describe particular areas of interest within a chosen concentrations. Read More >>
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Two letters of recommendation. The recommendations should be academic, rather than professional or personal. Requests for letters are submitted as part of the online application process. It is a best practice to ask the reviewers in advance if you can draw on them in this process. Read More >>
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GRE Scores. GRE Scores are optional. They may be submitted by applicants who believe GRE scores will lead to a clearer representation of their qualifications.
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Writing Sample. 1,500 to 2,000-word writing sample is required for all concentrations. Applicants to the concentrations in cultural studies, literature, professional writing and rhetoric, or the teaching of writing and literature, should submit a sample of literary analysis. Applicants to the concentration in linguistics should submit an analytical writing sample. Read More >>
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Portfolio. A portfolio is required for the concentration in professional writing and rhetoric only. Applicants should submit a 10-15 page portfolio of their nonfiction work such as technical or business reports, essays, term papers, editing projects, or any other materials reflecting interests and skills in nonfiction writing. The portfolio should include 2-3 samples of writing oriented to the applicant's professional or educational interests. The admissions committee would prefer to see at least one sample of professional or technical writing (newswriting, report, feature article, instructions, web design, etc.) but any piece that has a clear audience and rhetorical purpose is acceptable. On a cover sheet, discuss the audience and purpose of the writing sample. The cover sheet should be uploaded with the portfolio.