We're excited about your interest in our graduate writing program!
We welcome applicants from all majors and professional backgrounds. Alumni have come to us from fields including science, English, sociology, business, education, writing studies, psychology, journalism, and more.
[WRTC recently updated its admissions deadline policy]
Online applications for Fall admission are considered from Oct. 1 until March 1 or until available program seats are filled. To be considered for a Graduate Assistantship, all application materials must be submitted by February 1. Applications from outside North America and Europe must be submitted by February 1 to allow sufficient time for obtaining travel and visa documents to study in the U.S. Applicants will be notified of their application status by early March.
The Graduate School application fee cannot be waived.
Required Application Materials
Research Statement/Statement of Intent
- 2-3 single-spaced pages
- Explain how the WRTC graduate program relates to your interests and prior experience (Note that our graduate program does not offer support for creative writing or literary studies.)
- Identify 2-3 Graduate Faculty whose research speaks to your own interests
- Discuss how the program fits into your long-term professional and/or academic goals
Research Statement Tip: When writing your statement, think of the story you want to tell the admissions committee. What are your passions and interests? How can our faculty support your academic and professional goals? What do you hope to achieve during your time in our program?
Please Note: We do not provide statement templates or examples. This is because we want you to decide how to best represent your program goals.
Academic and/or Professional Writing Samples
- 20-30 pages (or digital equivalent) consisting of one or multiple documents
- Print, digital, or multimedia documents may be included. Sample work might include essays, reports, proposals, websites, technical documentation, blog posts, etc. from either academic or workplace settings.
Writing Sample Tips: Samples should compliment your Research Statement/Statement of Intent and demonstrate your strengths as a communicator.
- We recommend submitting samples that are no more than three years old.
- When selecting samples, ask yourself: how does this piece represent my writing skills and interests?
- Include at the top of each sample a paragraph that briefly explains the context and relevance of the piece. For example, if you submit an essay, succinctly describe the context it was written within and the essay's relevance to the intended audience.
Three Letters of Recommendation
- Letters from past or present faculty in any discipline who have direct experience with your academic preparation and professional experience
- Letters may come from current or recent supervisors
- Recommendations should focus on your writing and communication skills
Transcripts
- Unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions should be uploaded with applicant's electronic application and may be used for departmental admission review purposes
- If offered admission, official transcripts from any institution from which a degree has been awarded must be submitted to the JMU Graduate School to finalize admission. Transcripts are considered official if they are sent to JMU directly from the issuing institution.
Additional Information About Transcripts
- Undergraduate major in writing, communication, or the humanities is not required
- Applicants will ideally have a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Grades from junior/senior years have greater weight
- Grades from writing/communication/humanities courses have greater weight
Test Requirements
- No exams required
Application Deadlines
Fall Admission:
[WRTC recently updated its admissions deadline policy]
Online applications for Fall admission are considered from Oct. 1 until March 1 or until available program seats are filled.
To be considered for a Graduate Assistantship, all application materials must be submitted by February 1.
Applications from outside North America and Europe must be submitted by February 1 to allow sufficient time for obtaining travel and visa documents to study in the U.S.
Applicants will be notified of their application status by early March.
Online Resources:
- Online Application (requires non-refundable application fee)
- Check the status of your submitted application
For additional program questions, please contact:
Dr. Lori Beth De Hertogh
Graduate Program Director
dehertlb@jmu.edu
International Applicants
International applicants will upload credential evaluations of their non-U.S. college or university transcripts. Please visit the International Graduate Student Credential Evaluations page for more information.
For additional information on international graduate student admissions, check out the Apply for a Graduate Degree or Certificate Program as an International Student page.
International applicants should explore JMU's International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), which provides services, resources, and assistance.
