Students are admitted to graduate study (only in the fall) by the Graduate School on the recommendation of the Department. Entering classes average ten students. Although the program is primarily intended for those who wish to complete the Ph.D., we may admit a few students each year who wish to pursue a terminal Master of Arts. (For further details on this alternative, please consult the Yale University Graduate School Programs and Policies.)
Special Admissions Requirements for English
Application should be accompanied by a personal statement of purpose, and a writing sample of up to twenty pages. Selection is based on the applicant’s undergraduate record; evidence of motivation supplied in the personal statement; evidence of ability to do advanced work as expressed in a writing sample and supported by three letters of recommendation; and preparation in languages sufficient to satisfy the language requirement.
The application deadline is December 15. Note: The deadline for those applying for a combined program (e.g., African American Studies) is always the earlier deadline of the two individual programs. The application is available online through the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Admissions page. All application materials, supporting credentials and recommendations, and application fee must be received by the deadline to be considered by Yale for admission. Admissions decisions are announced by early March.
Combined Programs
The Department of English offers combined Ph.D. degrees with the Department of African American Studies, the Film and Media Studies Program, Department of the History of Art and the Renaissance Studies Program.
The Department of English now also offers a combined Ph.D. program with Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.
General New Student Information, Questions, and Referrals
The McDougal Center serves as “information central” for incoming students. The Center can address new student questions about families, childcare, parking, travel, schedules, or other areas of life at Yale and in New Haven.
Living in New Haven is a Yale-wide web page for all prospective & current students, faculty & staff. Pictures, video testimonials, neighborhood profiles and information links on community, housing culture, shopping, transit and services in New Haven are posted on the site.
The Yale Visitor Center offers tours, exhibits, attractions, lodging, directions, and more.
Gateway for New Students provides information on Orientation and the New Student Checklist.
Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Programs and Policies. “The Blue Book,” listing policies, programs and courses, is available online in August each academic year.
Please note that first-year students are expected to arrive on campus no later than August 19, 2019 in order to participate in an orientation program prior to the start of the fall term.
Our Graduate Housing office begins to accept applications for on-campus dormitories and apartments on April 22, and Off-Campus and Yale University Properties begin leasing apartments now for summer. Apply promptly, as space is limited.