Application Requirements
Applications for graduate programs are accepted online. Applicants will create a User ID and password allowing them access the application as often as needed to complete the process. The application website includes detailed instructions for entering data and uploading documents. Along with basic information entered directly into the system, graduate program applicants will need the following:
Statement of Interest
The statement of interest should include 1,000 words that describe the applicant's reasons for pursuing graduate studies, educational and professional objectives, and any other information that may aid the M.A. GCAT admission decision. Applicants are asked to please include full name on each page of the statement.
Resume or Curriculum Vita
Applicants are asked to provide a current outline of education, research experience, work experience, publications, scholarships awarded, prizes and honors received, society memberships, and extracurricular activities.
Letters of Recommendation
Applicants are asked to provide three letters, at least two of which should be from faculty or recent employers who can attest to the quality of your academic and professional abilities. Letters are requested by you from within the online system; recommenders receive an email with detailed instructions for uploading a letter directly to the system.
Letters of recommendation are due by the application deadline.
Transcripts
Applicants are asked to provide transcripts from any undergraduate or graduate institution attended. These documents should be uploaded with the application. If the department recommends an applicant be admitted, said applicant will then be asked to submit official transcripts. Only upon receipt of official transcripts will the admission be official.
Mail official transcripts to:
Carnegie Mellon University
Dept. of English, Graduate Programs
5000 Forbes Ave, Posner Hall 231D
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Official electronic transcripts can be emailed to:
Jen Loughran, Assistant Director of Graduate Programs, Department of English
Writing Samples
Two academic writing samples are required as part of your application. They must be two to three pages in length – one in English and one in your other language of highest proficiency from which, or into which, you intend to translate.
IELTS/ TOEFL Standardized Test Requirements
IELTS: A minimum score of 7.5 on each of the four subtests is required
OR
TOEFL: A minimum score of 25 on each of the four subtests, for an overall minimum score of 100, within two years of the date of application, is required. Applicants will be asked to enter test dates and unofficial scores on the application, but they must also request direct mailing of official scores to Carnegie Mellon: Institution Code 2074.
If applicants were educated in any country other than the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Australia, or New Zealand, they must submit current TOEFL iBT or IELTS scores.
Students must have advanced high level proficiency in the target language(s) they wish to translate into their native language. This proficiency level is determined in accordance with the guidelines of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, here.
We do not waive IELTS or TOEFL scores for applicants who have previous academic work in the U.S. or at an English speaking institution.