PS All applicants to the MA, MFA, and Ph.D. programs must submit a detailed Statement of Purpose for admission to the Department of English at SIUC. The statement consists of one or more double-spaced, typed pages (350-700 words) that address the questions below. These questions do not have to be answered in order or in equal detail. The Graduate Studies Committee views the statement of purpose as a chance for applicants to detail their future projects and intellectual interests as well as how department faculty can assist in developing these projects and interests. Although the committee is interested in applicants’ broader career goals, it is most interested in their specific literary, rhetorical, and creative interests. • In what aspect of literary or rhetorical studies are you interested? Do you have an interest in any specific literary period, critical or theoretical approach, or research topic? Do you have a research or creative project in mind? (MFA applicants: Also see the next section and direct your responses to reflect your creative writing interests and goals) Will you be able to satisfy these interests with the current English curricula at SIUC? What background (i.e., course training, professional or academic experience) prepares you to study English at the graduate level? • Additional questions for MFA applicants only: Why are you seeking a degree in creative writing? What do you hope to gain from such a degree program? Which poets or writers, beyond the writers you have studied with as an undergraduate student, do you cite as influences upon your own writing? • Why have you selected the English Department at SIUC? Do you, for instance, want to work with specific faculty? Are you attracted to specific programs or course offerings? • If you are applying for a graduate assistantship, please discuss your interests in teaching. Do you, for instance, have any training in teaching? Do you envision a career in teaching, if so, at what level? What are your career goals in the fields of English? If your goals extend to fields outside academics and teaching, please explain how an advanced degree in English helps you meet them. GPA The minimum GPA for admission to SIU Carbondale’s Graduate School is 2.7 (of 4.0). Fee Non-refundable $65 application fee (payable to Southern Illinois University) RL Three Letters of Recommendation (at least two from professors) Transcript Official transcripts from colleges and universities attended. (All transcripts are required for fellowship applicants and must have latest grades available by the fellowship application deadline.) Transcripts must be sent by colleges and universities directly to Graduate Studies in English. Please request that schools send additional transcripts if necessary so that the very latest grades and degrees posted are available as soon as possible. Please send these documents directly to the Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of English, either as filled PDFs or in hard copy to the following address: Director of Graduate Studies Department of English: MC 4503 Southern Illinois University, Carbondale Carbondale, IL 62901