How To Apply to the Graduate Program

Requirements for Application

Admission to the Master's Program in Languages, Literatures, and Cultures normally requires a grade-point average of at least 3.0  (out of 4.0) for the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate work and an undergraduate major in the intended language (French, German, Spanish); however, promising students may be admitted with the stipulation that they take "deficiency" courses (these will not apply to the 33 credits necessary for the M.A. degree).

Applications are accepted for either the fall or spring semesters. Although promising applications are reviewed throughout the year, we recommend submitting your application by November 1st for spring and March 1st for fall in order to maximize opportunities for graduate assistantships, financial aid, and housing.

NOTE: If your intended area of study is German, please contact Professor Andrew Weeks at the email address above or at 309 438-7120 for advisement prior to applying.

Contacts

Stacy Albright
Graduate Secretary
Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
Phone: (309) 438-2962

Dr. Benjamin Schmeiser
Director of Graduate Studies
Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
Phone: (309) 438-7703

Address
Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
Illinois State University
Campus Box 4300
Normal, IL 61790-4300

Graduate advisors

• French - Dr. Mary Trouille
• German - Dr. Jim van der Laan
• Spanish - Dr. Benjamin Schmeiser

How to Apply

Admission to the program takes two steps. The first is to apply to Illinois State University and the second is to apply to the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures.

1) Admission to the University

Admission to the University can be done completely online at Welcome2ISU:

1. Create a Welcome2ISU account
2. Fill out your ISU application
3. Pay your $40 application fee

For more information visit ISU Graduate Admissions.

2) Admission to the LAN Department

Besides applying to the University, you also need to submit certain materials to the Department. Please submit the following directly to the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, Attn: Graduate Program:

• a personal statement (written in English or the target language), in which you describe your background in language and culture, your academic experience, your goals, and reasons for seeking to pursue graduate study.
• a photocopy of a graded paper in the target language written for an advanced undergraduate course in literature, linguistics, or cultural studies. If you cannot provide a graded paper, please contact the Director of Graduate Studies for alternatives.
• two letters of recommendation. Letters should address your academic training, language ability, and potential to succeed at graduate study; at least one should preferably be written by a professor or instructor familiar with your academic work.