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Graduate | Undergraduate | Professional Development | Summer | Programs at a Glance | OLLI

Admission

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university or its foreign equivalent. A competitive undergraduate record that indicates strong academic ability is required, though applicants need not have extensive experience in literary studies. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required, but strong scores bolster chances for admission. The application and admission requirements in the MALit program are identical for degree, professional graduate series, and nondegree special students. Visiting scholars, who earn no University credit, complete a shorter application.

Duration

The MALit program is designed to be completed in two to three years of uninterrupted part-time study, although students have up to five years to finish.

Tuition

Tuition information can be found on the tuition page.

For detailed application, admissions, tuition, and administrative information, see Frequently Asked Questions.

MALit Application Checklist

Application

Supplemental Materials

  • One sealed copy of official transcripts of all previous college or university academic work
  • Two letters of recommendation focusing on academic achievement and writing ability
  • Statement of purpose (see below)
  • Four copies of a writing sample (see below)
  • Current résumé or curriculum vitae

Statement of Purpose

Applicants must submit a 300-word statement of purpose explaining how the degree program will help them meet their academic goals. Applicants who did not major in the humanities should explain how other experiences, academic and nonacademic, have prepared them to undertake graduate course work in the humanities.

Writing Sample

The writing sample is a brief critical paper that demonstrates the ability to evaluate and analyze a topic in the humanities (MALS applicants) or a literary text (MALit applicants). It should not exceed 10 pages and should contain the following:

  • A clearly articulated argument and a clear and concise support for that argument
  • Documentation of quoted material and acknowledgement of ideas taken from the works of others

Visiting Scholars
Students applying as visiting scholars need only submit the following application items:

  • Completed application ( PDF Format )
  • A nonrefundable application fee of $75
  • One sealed copy of official transcripts of all previous college or university work
  • Two copies of the writing sample (see above)
  • Statement of purpose (see above)

For More Admissions Information
Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for additional information related to admission. If you have any questions, please call 312-503-1083 for assistance.