Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do I apply?
  2. Where do I mail application materials?
  3. What is the application deadline?
  4. Are GRE scores required for the M.A. in English program? What are the codes for GRE?
  5. Does the M.A. in English program require the GRE English Literature Subject Test?
  6. Are GRE scores required for the M.A./M.S. in Writing program or the MFA in Creative Writing program?
  7. Are graduate assistantships available? How do I apply for a graduate assistant (GA) position?
  8. What other forms of financial support are available?
  9. Where can I find information about faculty and graduate course offerings?
  10. Who do I contact if I have more questions?

Answers

  1. How do I apply?

    2. You must fill out two separate applications for graduate admission: a university application and a departmental application. The application packet contains both applications, as well as an application for a Graduate Assistantship. More information, including deadlines for each program, is available on the Admissions page.

  2. Where do I mail application materials?

    3. Send the completed University application, your official transcripts, and a $50 fee to:

    Office of Admissions
    Portland State University
    P.O. Box 901
    Portland, OR 97207

    Send the completed Department application and supporting materials to:

    Department of English
    Attn: Graduate Secretary
    Portland State University
    Box 751
    Portland, OR 97207-0751

  3. What is the application deadline?

    4. See the Admissions page for the application deadlines for each program. Please keep in mind that the University application must be sent several weeks in advance of the Department application.

  4. Are GRE scores required for the M.A. in English program? What are the codes for GRE?

    5. All applicants for the M.A. in English program are required to send in their Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General test scores. The institution code is 4610. The major code for English Literature is 2501.

    It is advisable to take the GRE General Test as early as possible since no application can be considered complete without the results (which must be sent directly from Educational Testing Service).

  5. Does the M.A. in English program require the GRE English Literature Subject Test?

    6. The English Subject test is not required at this time, but it is strongly recommended.

  6. Are GRE scores required for the M.A./M.S. in Writing program?

    7. No, GRE scores are not required for admission to the M.A./M.S. in Professional and Technical Writing program, the M.A./M.S. in Book Publishing program, or the MFA in Creative Writing program.

  7. Are graduate assistantships available? How do I apply for a graduate assistant (GA) position?

    8. We have a limited number of graduate assistantships available in which you teach in a variety of contexts: teaching composition courses at all levels, tutoring in the writing center, assisting faculty in writing intensive courses, and assisting faculty in English courses.

    Select the Graduate Assistantship check box on the English Department Graduate Application to be considered for appointment as a graduate assistant. The deadline for graduate assistantships is January 18 of each year for the following academic year.

  8. What other forms of financial support are available?

    9. Portland State University's Office of Graduate Studies offers a variety of scholarships and awards on a competitive basis.Please see the Office of Graduate Studies' Scholarships and Awards page for a full list and descriptions. For scholarships and awards specific to the Department of English, see the Department Awards page.

  9. Where can I find information about faculty and graduate course offerings?

    10. The Faculty page has short profiles of our faculty, including their areas of interest and contact information.

    There are two pages with information about graduate course offerings. The All Courses page has a comprehensive list of all English and Writing courses. Course descriptions for the current term are also available, along with a sampling of course descriptions from previous terms.

  10. Who do I contact if I have more questions?

    11. For more information about a specific program, contact a Graduate Coordinator. For general questions, contact James Bauer, Graduate Program Administrator.