Answer: Yes, there are online master’s in English programs that do not require the GRE for admission. Furthermore, there are some online master’s in English programs that have a GRE requirement but waive it for students who meet certain requirements, such as a minimum overall undergraduate GPA. In lieu of the GRE, online master’s degree programs in English that do not require the GRE or waive this requirement typically use applicants’ previous degree attainment, personal essay, professional experience, and letters of recommendation to determine admissions outcomes.
Master’s programs in English teach students advanced rhetorical and literary analysis skills while honing their writing abilities. In addition, these programs give students an advanced understanding of the English literary tradition. Online master’s in English degrees can be good options for students who are working or who have personal obligations that might make commuting to campus difficult. In addition, online programs give students the option of attending an out-of-state program without having to relocate. This allows students additional options in terms of both specializations and if there are specific professors that they would like to study with in graduate school.
| Featured Online Master's in English Programs No GRE Required | |||
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Arizona State University Online Master of Arts in English - English Studies | Program Website | |
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Southern New Hampshire University Online Master of Arts in English | Program Website | |
Admission Requirements for Online Master’s Degree Programs in English
Admissions requirements for online master’s in English programs vary from school to school. For example, while some programs may ask students to submit a scholarly writing sample, others may not, just as some programs require the GRE or other standardized test scores while others do not. Despite this variance, admission requirements for online master’s in English programs generally include:
- A personal statement that articulates the applicant’s interest in the program and academic/professional goals.
- A bachelor’s degree or higher in a discipline that is relevant to English language and literature. This not only includes bachelor’s degrees in English but can also include bachelor’s degrees in philosophy, comparative literature, sociology, creative writing, and other humanities-oriented disciplines.
- Transcripts of the applicant’s post-secondary education. Some programs have minimum GPA requirements such as a GPA of 3.0 or higher in applicants’ undergraduate work.
- A resume detailing all professional work the applicant has completed after having graduated college.
- Two or more letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.
As mentioned previously, programs vary in their admissions requirements and policies. While some online master’s in English programs offer admission on a rolling basis or accept applications multiple times during the year, others may only have one application cycle annually. Some programs that have a minimum GPA requirement offer provisional admission to students who have an undergraduate GPA below the threshold. The conditions that students may need to abide by to maintain their enrollment include earning a certain GPA in the first year master’s classes, or taking some additional prerequisite courses prior to enrolling in the main graduate curriculum. Similarly, while some online master’s in English programs do not require the GRE or other standardized test scores, others may require it only for applicants who do not meet a minimum GPA requirement or who do not have a certain baseline of professional and/or academic experience.
The majority of master’s in English programs have selective admission policies, which means students who fulfill all of the admissions requirements for a given program are not guaranteed admission. Prospective applicants should check with the admissions staff of the programs that interest them for the most up-to-date and detailed information on admission requirements. In addition, students can ask if the typical requirements for admission are higher than the posted minimums to apply.
Finally, while many programs evaluate students’ applications holistically, other programs may value different components of a student’s application differently. For example, some programs may favor undergraduate GPA over work experience, or vice-versa. Other programs may put more weight on a student’s personal statement or letters of recommendation that demonstrate they are ready for a master’s program. It is always recommended that students speak with an admissions advisor about how to best prepare an application before applying.
Examples of Online Master’s in English GRE Requirements
To illustrate the variety amongst online master’s in English programs, below are examples of several programs along with their GRE requirements:
- Arizona State University: Online Master of Arts in English – GRE not required
- Bowling Green State University (BGSU): Online Master of Arts in English – GRE scores required
- Eastern Illinois University: Master of Arts in English – GRE not required
- Mercy College: Online Master of Arts in English – GRE not required
- Northern Arizona University: Online Master of Arts in English – GRE not required
- Southern New Hampshire University: Master of Arts in English – GRE or GMAT not required
- Texas Tech University: Online Master of Arts in English – Submitting GRE scores is optional
