We are glad to know that you are interested in pursuing graduate studies in English at Western Washington University.  This information will help you in making your application complete.  If you have further questions after reading these directions, contact the English Department Graduate Program office at (360) 650-3232 or the Director of Graduate Studies, Dr. Allison Giffen at (360) 650-2013 or at Allison.Giffen@wwu.edu.

• All application materials should be sent directly to the Graduate School of Western Washington University, Old Main 530, Bellingham WA 98225-9037. Your application will be processed only when all of these materials have been received.
• Our graduate program offers two options: an English Studies option and a Creative Writing option. You must make a choice between these options when you submit your application. 
• The materials you submit for admission must include:
• 750-word statement of background and intention;
• Writing samples: for admission to the Creative Writing option, 10 to 15 pages of prose or 10 to 15 pages of poetry; for admission to English Studies, 7 to 12 pages of written work in literary study;
• Appropriate admissions forms;
• At least 3 letters of recommendation;
• GRE scores (aptitude) with a minimum score of 500 on the verbal section.
• Once an initial review is completed by the Graduate School, they will provide you with a link to a website where you can track the status of your application and ensure that everything has been received.
  
• Applications for Fall quarter admission must be complete by February 15. Applications completed after that date may be considered on a space-available basis. Applications completed after June 1 will not be considered. Admission into the program is normally for fall quarter. It frequently takes time to assemble all required materials, so begin early. You can expect to hear about the status of your application six to eight weeks from the application deadline.
• Applications for teaching assistantships are available from the Graduate School. Assistants teach sections of English 101 and register for a minimum of 8 credits of graduate work. The annual stipend for a teaching assistant is approximately $10,600 plus a waiver of tuition; the approximately 90% of quarterly tuition and fees normally paid by either resident or non-resident graduate students will be waived for the student awarded a graduate TA. Health benefits are also available as part of the compensation package.
  
  Graduate School Admissions Information Link