The application process requires two parts.  Students must apply to the Office of Graduate Studies (Step 1) and to the English Department (Step 2).

Deadline:  January 15th for the following academic year (August through May)

Graduate Studies Application Requirements (Step 1)

• Online Application for Graduate Admission
• $45.00 application fee
• Two copies of all college/university official transcripts, sent from the registrar’s office of the schools(s) attended.  Mail to: Graduate Admissions, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1100 Seaton Hall, PO Box 880619, Lincoln NE  68588-0619.

After completing the form you will soon receive an NUID that allows you to sign in to WAM, the University’s online personal records system where you can view a list of application materials received or still needed by the Office of Graduate Studies.

English Department Application Requirements (Step 2)
Within 24 business hours of your receiving your NUID from the University, you will receive a welcome email message asking you to login to GAMES (Graduate Admissions Management and Evaluation System) and provide additional materials and information required by the English Department.  GAMES is a secure, web-based system that allows you to provide materials online.
You will be asked to provide basic information including:

• Three references who will be asked to submit letters of recommendation electronically through GAMES
• Writing sample: 15-20 pages of a critical paper in English that you have written. 
• If you are applying for the Creative Writing program, you should also submit a creative writing sample in the genre in which you are applying.  The sample should include 12  poems, or no more than 30 pages of fiction (a short work or part of a novel) or creative non-fiction.
• Statement of educational goals (1-3 pages) including why you want to get a graduate degree from the University of Nebraska.
• Vita or resume.
• A commentary about your teaching experience or a discussion of your teaching potential (no more than 2 pages).

International Applicants
International applicants should send all the information requested above, plus:

A TOEFL or IELTS score.  A score of 100 or higher on the internet-based TOEFL (ibT) or 600 or higher on the paper-based TOEFL is required for admission to English Department degree programs.  An equivalent score from IELTS is also accepted. (Students who have graduated from a U.S. college or university or from a university outside the U.S. in which English is the official language of instruction are exempt from the TOEFL requirement for admission.

Important notes:

• It is important to realize that WAM (What About Me?) reflects your application status at the university level.  Though materials required by Graduate Studies may be complete, this does not mean your application is complete as far as department requirements are concerned.
• You must submit application materials on-line through GAMES.  Be sure to finalize and “Submit” your application when you are satisfied with all materials provided.
• Reference letter writers can be contacted automatically through GAMES and they will be able to electronically upload their letters through a secure web link.  There is no need to have them send a hard copy.
• GAMES reflects your application status at the department level.  After you have provided all materials required by the department and finalized your application, GAMES will also be a valuable source of information on your application’s status.
• Students with a BA may apply for the MA or for direct admission into the PhD; check the appropriate box on the application.  Students with an MA or MFA may apply for the PhD.
• If you have any questions, please contact Sue Hart at shart2@unl.edu.