Graduate Admission

Students with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university may apply to the M.A. or to the Ph.D. program. Admission is granted without regard to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, or political views. Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Only completed applications are considered. MA applications are reviewed on a rolling basis for Fall or Spring admission (but see priority application deadlines below). PhD applications are reviewed after the December 15 deadline for Fall admission. PhD applicants can indicate interest in departmental Graduate Teaching Assistant positions at the time of application. Please do not email application materials as we cannot review them outside of the online application system.

Graduate funding information

Fall 2025 priority deadline (MA and PhD applicants): December 15, 2024

A completed application includes:

1. A completed UNL Graduate Studies application form
2. Payment of the Graduate Studies application fee ($50)
3. Official grade transcripts from all colleges attended (unofficial transcripts accepted for initial application)
4. Three letters of recommendation, preferably from faculty members familiar with one's potential for graduate study
5. (OPTIONAL) GRE Scores
6. Writing sample (a college term paper, research report, or essay)
7. Personal statement (2 pages)
8. Resume or Curriculum Vitae (1-2 pages)
9. TOEFL or IETLS score (international students only) - see information on university language requirements