Graduate School

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the liberal arts program, the student must submit the following:

  1. A completed Application for Admission form to the office of the Graduate School and application fee.
  2. Officially reported test scores (Graduate Record Examination [GRE] preferred, Miller Analogies Test [MAT] accepted).
  3. Official transcript(s) (in English or translated into English) indicating an earned baccalaureate degree from a four-year accredited institution.
  4. Two (2) letters of recommendation.
  5. For students whose first language is not English, an officially reported Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 550.
  6. A personal interview with the M.L.A. adviser or one appointed by the M.L.A. adviser.
  7. A written statement from the applicant describing the purposes and objectives for entering the M.L.A. program at ACU.

An admission committee of the graduate dean (or appropriate representative), the MLA adviser, and a graduate faculty member will determine the student's eligibility for admission.

Admission applications will be reviewed prior to the beginning of each academic term at ACU.

The general adviser will be the dean of the Graduate School; the initial adviser will be the M.L.A. adviser. A supervisory committee of appropriate graduate faculty (usually three) will be appointed to consult with, advise and evaluate the student's progress. Each degree plan will be approved by the graduate dean and an adviser from the dominant field(s) of study.

In order to complete the degree, the student with the M.L.A. adviser must:

  1. Select area(s) of emphasis.
    1. The M.L.A. adviser, graduate dean, or assistant to the graduate dean will help with this selection.
    2. Select tentative courses to fulfill interests.
  3. Set up a supervising committee.
    1. Based on area(s) of interest.
    2. May be completed after taking first courses.
  5. Design a degree plan.
    1. Refine preliminary interests.
    2. Use the supervising committee to help in selections.
    3. Decide on tentative type of project to determine project credits.
  7. Have degree plan approved in by the Graduate School.
  8. Take courses to fulfill degree plan.
    1. Modify degree plan, if necessary.
    2. Work closely with main adviser(s).
  10. Complete project.
  11. Defend curriculum chosen and the capstone project which ties it together.
  12. Complete the steps for graduation as outlined by the Graduate School.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Financial assistance is available to students through scholarships, assistantships, loans, and part-time employment. Scholarship and assistantship forms are available through the Graduate School. For further information on financial aid, contact:

Student Financial Services
100 Zellner Hall
ACU Box 29007
Abilene, Texas 79699-9007
1-800-888-0228 or 325-674-2643