To apply for admission to the Department of English's Master of Arts in English: English Education Option, please submit The Graduate School's Application for Graduate Admission.

Required Application Materials

Applicants must be prepared to submit (upload) the following application materials:

  • Official undergraduate transcripts verifying all Bachelor’s Degree coursework, as well as any graduate coursework to be considered toward the M.A. Unofficial transcripts can be uploaded during this online process; however, MSU must receive official transcripts directly from the university(s) attended. Order your official transcripts to be sent electronically to: [email protected] or through the mail to: MSU, Department of English - Graduate Studies, P.O. Box 172300/2-176 Wilson Hall, Bozeman MT 59717. If you are an alum of MSU-Bozeman, you will not send official transcripts. 
  • Three (3) professional references: During the online process, applicants will be asked to provide information about their references. The electronic process will prompt each reference to submit a signed reference letter. Be sure that you request letters from people who can comment on your potential success for a graduate program in English; one of these recommenders should speak directly to your teaching/leadership in your classroom/school.
  • Statement of Intent: In a 2-3 page statement, discuss your reasons for pursuing the Master of Arts in English: English Education Option; offer autobiographical information pertinent to yourself a student, teacher, and researcher; and explain your educational and professional goals. If you are interested in being considered for a GTA position, indicate past experiences or training that would qualify you for a position teaching first-year students in the English Department's Writing Program.
  • Writing Sample: Upload a written piece that best represents your voice and engagement with a topic of personal interest. Maximum 15 pages.

International Applicants: In addition to the above, international applicants will be required to submit a variety of additional documentation including English proficiency scores. Please see International application process for further information. 

Application Deadlines:

Applications are reviewed year-round*.

The deadline for consideration of a teaching assistantship is January 31.

*Deadlines for international students are May 15 (fall semester) and September 15 (spring semester).

Incomplete applications cannot be considered.

Contact Information:

For additional questions, please contact Dr. Allison Wynhoff Olsen in the Department of English:

E-mail: [email protected]

Or, contact the English Department Office:

Tel: (406) 994-3768

E-mail: [email protected]

Location: 2-176 Wilson Hall