At a glance
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Duration
7.0
IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
Purdue University offers Master of Arts (MA) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in English. The MA program focuses on Literature, Theory, and Cultural Studies, while the PhD offers specializations in Literature, Theory, and Cultural Studies, and Rhetoric and Composition. The department is not accepting applications for the MA program for Fall 2025 and for the PhD program in Literature, Theory, and Cultural Studies for Fall 2024. Applications for the MA program for Fall 2026 and PhD in Literature, Theory, and Cultural Studies for Fall 2027 will be accepted starting in Fall 2025 and Fall 2026 respectively. The PhD in Rhetoric and Composition will resume accepting applications for Fall 2025 in Fall 2024.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the application deadlines for the English Master's and PhD programs at Purdue University?
- The general application deadline for Fall admission is January 9. However, application acceptance varies by program specialization and term. The MA program is not accepting applications for Fall 2025, and the PhD in Literature, Theory, and Cultural Studies is not accepting applications for Fall 2024. Check the program overview for specific dates regarding future application openings.
- What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?
- For TOEFL iBT, the minimum score is 100 overall (taken before Jan 21, 2026) or 5 overall (taken on or after Jan 21, 2026), with specific section minimums. For IELTS Academic, an overall score of 7.0 is required, with a 7.0 in each section. TOEFL Essentials requires an overall 10.5.
- What supporting documents are needed for the English graduate program application?
- You will need to submit official transcripts, three recommendation letters, an Academic Statement of Purpose, a Personal History Statement, a 10-15 page writing sample, a CV or Resume, and proof of English proficiency.
- What are the tuition and fee rates for the English program?
- Detailed tuition and fee rates for the 2025-2026 academic year can be found on the Purdue University Bursar's Office website. These rates are specific to the program and enrollment status.
- Does the English program offer any funding opportunities for international students?
- The program offers Graduate Teaching Assistantships and Graduate Research Assistantships. These assistantships provide practical experience and financial support, but specific amounts are not detailed.
Entry requirements
Master's DegreeRequired for Doctoral Degree Program
TOEFL (IBT, taken before Jan 21, 2026)Overall 100 (R22, L22, S22, W22)
TOEFL (IBT, taken on or after Jan 21, 2026)Overall 5 (R4.5, L5, S4, W4.5)
TOEFL EssentialsOverall 10.5 (R9, L9, S9, W9)
IELTS (Academic Module)Overall 7.0 (R7, L7, S7.0, W7)
For Teaching Assistant (TA) consideration, minimum speaking scores are higher: TOEFL Speaking 5.5, IELTS Speaking 8.0. Applicants wishing to pursue a doctoral degree within the same graduate program must submit a new application.
Fees
Tuition (international)Please refer to the Purdue University Graduate Rates for Fall/Spring or Summer/Winter for specific tuition information.
Tuition (home)Please refer to the Purdue University Graduate Rates for Fall/Spring or Summer/Winter for specific tuition information.
LivingInformation on estimated living costs is not provided.
Detailed tuition and fee rates for the 2025-2026 academic year are available on the Purdue University Bursar's Office website. These rates vary by program and enrollment status.
How to apply
1. Submit ApplicationComplete the online application form.
2. Provide TranscriptsSubmit official transcripts and degree certificates. Translations are required for documents not in English.
3. Obtain Recommendation LettersRequest three recommendation letters for Master's and PhD applicants.
4. Submit Statement of PurposeWrite and submit an Academic Statement of Purpose outlining your academic goals.
5. Submit Personal History StatementProvide a Personal History Statement as part of the application.
6. Submit Writing SampleInclude a 10-15 page critical essay written for an English or humanities course.
7. Submit CV or ResumeProvide a current Curriculum Vitae or Resume.
8. Demonstrate English ProficiencyMeet the program's minimum English proficiency score requirements (TOEFL or IELTS).
Scholarships
Graduate Teaching AssistantshipNot specified
Graduate Research AssistantshipNot specified
Accreditation
Information on accreditation is not provided.
Frequently asked questions
What are the application deadlines for the English Master's and PhD programs at Purdue University?
+
The general application deadline for Fall admission is January 9. However, application acceptance varies by program specialization and term. The MA program is not accepting applications for Fall 2025, and the PhD in Literature, Theory, and Cultural Studies is not accepting applications for Fall 2024. Check the program overview for specific dates regarding future application openings.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?
+
For TOEFL iBT, the minimum score is 100 overall (taken before Jan 21, 2026) or 5 overall (taken on or after Jan 21, 2026), with specific section minimums. For IELTS Academic, an overall score of 7.0 is required, with a 7.0 in each section. TOEFL Essentials requires an overall 10.5.
What supporting documents are needed for the English graduate program application?
+
You will need to submit official transcripts, three recommendation letters, an Academic Statement of Purpose, a Personal History Statement, a 10-15 page writing sample, a CV or Resume, and proof of English proficiency.
What are the tuition and fee rates for the English program?
+
Detailed tuition and fee rates for the 2025-2026 academic year can be found on the Purdue University Bursar's Office website. These rates are specific to the program and enrollment status.
Does the English program offer any funding opportunities for international students?
+
The program offers Graduate Teaching Assistantships and Graduate Research Assistantships. These assistantships provide practical experience and financial support, but specific amounts are not detailed.