We are seeking applicants who have interests and experience in the humanities and medicine/health. Though housed in the Department of English and Comparative Literature, the program is interdisciplinary and we welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds.
This interdisciplinary program is designed primarily to serve the needs of four groups of students:
| If you are… | Who is seeking… | To apply … |
| A new applicant | A terminal degree or preliminary training before a professional or doctoral degree. | Apply directly to the M.A. program. Use the Graduate School online application. |
| A current or future student in a UNC professional health program | A humanistic complement to your health training. | Consult your professional school advisor, then apply directly to the M.A. program. Use the Graduate School online application. |
| A practicing health professional | A humanistic enrichment of your practice. | Apply directly to the M.A. program. Use the Graduate School online application. |
| A current UNC student enrolled in a PhD program | An additional credential. | Contact your committee and home department for approval, then apply to the Graduate Certificate Program using the Certificate Declaration Form. |
| A current UNC English & Comparative Literature major | An accelerated path toward a terminal degree or preliminary training before a professional or doctoral degree. | Apply to the B.A./M.A. program in your 2nd or 3rd year. See admissions instructions. |
You will need to submit the following:
- The online application: This is your official application. Once you have completed it and paid your application fee you will be able to track the status of your application online. Be sure to provide accurate contact information (phone numbers, email addresses especially) so that we can contact you if necessary.
- Application fee ($95)
- Test scores: **Test scores are waived for Fall 2023 admission cycle**
- For those who are applying to the program with a Bachelor’s degree, you should take the GRE General Aptitude test and submit your scores directly from ETS to the Graduate School. Be sure to complete all exams by October in order to ensure your test results will be submitted on time. Please use institutional code number 5816.
- If you are applying as a medical school student, you may submit your MCAT scores instead of GRE scores.
- If you are applying with an advanced degree (MD or PhD), the requirement to submit test scores is waived
- Official transcripts: You may submit unofficial transcripts from each university attended. If offered admission, official transcript(s) will be required at a later date. Do not send official transcripts unless/until you have been offered admission.
- Writing sample: Your writing sample should be a 10-20 page document that represents your abilities as a humanities scholar. It should be analytical rather than creative in content. Readers will assess your ability to make a compelling argument, to incorporate and enlarge upon existing scholarly research, and to support your argument using analytical evidence. Your writing sample can focus on any discipline related to medicine and culture (not just literature).
- Statement of purpose: Your statement of purpose should be 2 pages (maximum 750 words) and should provide readers with a sense of your interests in literature, medicine, and culture and how this program will serve your professional or personal goals. Your statement should include relevant details about your academic or professional experience, background, qualifications, and skills as they relate to the program.
- Three letters of recommendation: The online application will prompt you to provide the names and email addresses of three referees. We recommend referees who will be able to attest to your ability to carry out interdisciplinary academic work at the graduate level.
- Curriculum vitae (strongly encouraged)
