Applications should be submitted to the Graduate Studies office. Complete applications are strongly suggested to be sent by June 15 for Fall admission and October 15 for Spring admission. Potential applicants should first contact the program director, Dr. Siobhan Brownson at 803/323-4572 or mla@winthrop.edu, to discuss their interest prior to the application process. Program admission requires a baccalaureate degree, an essay (see below), two letters of recommendation, and an interview with the program director (in some circumstances, an inquiry and interview may precede the actual application process). Although the entire application is reviewed when making admission decisions, a minimum GPA of 3.0 during the undergraduate career is preferred. The letters of recommendation requirement may be waived based on extenuating circumstances after an applicant has conferred with the Program Director.
Application requirements include:
1. The online Graduate Studies application with the non-refundable application fee
2. Official transcript(s) from all institutions attended for undergraduate and graduate coursework. Transcripts must be sent directly to Winthrop's Graduate Studies office from the issuing institution(s). We cannot accept transcripts (even sealed, official transcripts) from individuals.
3. A 5-6 page double-spaced essay describing why the applicant wishes to enter the program. In the online admissions application details about the writing sample are provided, as well as a place to upload your essay.
4. Two letters of recommendation
These materials are reviewed by the MLA admissions committee which makes its recommendation to the MLA program director. When an applicant is approved by the committee, the director arranges for a personal interview with the candidate. A final decision regarding admission is reached after the interview. A final decision regarding admission is reached after the interview is conducted and the completed application packet is reviewed. The GRE is not required at the present time for admission.
