MA Literature at University of California, Santa Cruz

Entry requirements

UC Santa Cruz graduate admission: bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited university awarded before the entry quarter, a B average or better in the last two years of undergraduate coursework, and demonstrated English proficiency. Applicants whose first language is not English: TOEFL iBT minimum 83 (4.0 on the 2026 scale) or IELTS Academic overall 7; waiver may be requested by applicants with a four-year bachelor's degree from an English-speaking institution. GRE General and Subject tests not required. Transcripts and three letters of recommendation (up to five accepted). Programme materials: curriculum vitae, writing sample of 10-20 pages (additional 20-25 pages of prose or 10-12 pages of poetry for creative/critical writing applicants), Statement of purpose and personal history statement. The department does not provide financial support to MA students; admission to the MA is not admission to the PhD. Application deadline: December 2 (Literature MA/PhD). Application fee $135 domestic, $155 international.