Admissions and Aid
How to Apply
We appreciate your interest in the M.A. Program in Biography and Memoir. All applicants to graduate school should carefully consider the concept of fit - applicants should familiarize themselves with our faculty members and recent course offerings. Please also read our Student Handbook.
Application Deadline
- April 15 for fall admission (updated to June 1 for Fall 2023!)
There is no spring admission for this program.
Future open houses will be publicized here
Application Requirements
Candidates complete the Graduate Center’s Application for Admission and provide appropriate supplemental materials including:
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A personal statement: Explain why you want to obtain this degree and how your interests and academic/professional background are relevant. Up to 1000 words.
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A writing sample: A compelling essay or research paper of no more than 2,000 words.
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A Curriculum Vitae: A resume or CV listing any work and personal experiences that may be relevant.
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Two letters of recommendation: Please provide letters of recommendation from academic or professional references who can appraise your academic or professional achievement and promise. The letters must be received by the admissions deadline.
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A $75 non-refundable application fee: The application fee is waived for United States Armed Services Veterans, and McNair Scholars.
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Higher Education transcripts: Transcripts must be submitted from each college or university attended even if you did not complete a degree or did not enroll in courses in your current field. International applicants who submit transcripts not issued in English must also include a certified English transcript accompanying the transcript. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in the United States, or its equivalent abroad, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B average) or higher. If applicable the transcript must list the official graduation date. (Note: applicants upload unofficial transcripts for application review purposes. Official transcripts are required only if the applicant is admitted.)
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GRE scores: Not required
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International Applicants - English Proficiency: Applicants must submit scores from either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) unless they have a post-secondary degree from an institution in which the language of instruction is English-only and located in a country that recognizes English as an Official Language.
Tuition and Fees
Master’s students at The Graduate Center who are residents of New York State and registered for a minimum of 12 credits per semester will pay a flat fee for tuition. Out-of-state residents and students taking less than 12 credits will be charged on a per-credit basis.
See current master’s tuition rates
Fellowships and Financial Aid
While The Graduate Center does not currently offer full-tuition scholarships or additional stipends for living expenses, there are funding opportunities available to master’s students that can help cover the cost of attendance, including scholarships, federal and private loans, and federal work-study.
Explore financial aid for master’s students
In addition, the program coordinates with the the Leon Levy Center for Biography to offer a limited number of LLCB Research Assistantships and LLCB Scholarships. Please let the program director know if you're interested.
