American University of Beirut

• What are the deadlines for application to AUB?

The application deadline for fall admission is the end of February. For spring admission the deadline is end of November. For early admission to fall semester, the deadline for application is end of November. Check the AUB catalogue(Admissions section) for exact dates.

• What is a major?

A major means that you specialize in English as an undergraduate student.  Your choice is either English Language or English Literature.  Some courses are shared by both of these specializations.

• Do I need to choose a major when I apply to AUB?

Yes.  You can choose to be considered for  three majors.  In the department of English, we offer two majors: English Literature and English Language. You can also have another major and do a minor in English literature or English language. That minor, however, is declared in the last semester before you graduate.

• Can I double major (=have two majors) in English and some other topic?

Currently you can major in English and any other subject outside of FAS.  Starting soon, you will be able to double major inside of FAS.

• How do I apply to be an English major?

You fill out an application form and provide required documents. All applications and documents must be submitted to the Admissions Office. Be sure to list ELNG or ELIT in your application.

• Do I need to take a special English language test to be accepted as an English major?

You don’t need to take an English test specifically to be submitted to the Department of English. However, you do need to take the SAT I which is a requirement for general admission to the university and you must satisfy the English Language Proficiency Requirement. For more details check the ELPR (English Language Proficiency Requirement) section in the catalogue under Admissions Office.  The Writing section of the SAT I is used for placement into English Communication Skills/Writing courses.

• Is there cut-off score to be accepted as an English major?

No, there is no specific cut-off.   Undergraduate admission is based, however, on a composite score taking into consideration the applicant’s high school grades for the last 2 years of schooling prior to high school graduation (grades 10 and 11th) and the SAT I(Verbal and Mathematical Reasoning).   This composite score applies to all majors, not just English.

• Do you offer English language and writing courses?

Yes. Our department offers communication skills and writing courses. Your placement will be decided based on your SAT I or equivalent scores.

• How long does it take to complete a degree on full-time basis?

A BA in English is a three-year program for students entering at the sophomore level, and a four-year program for those entering at the freshman level.

• How do I apply to be an English major if I enter AUB as a freshman student?

Check the table of credit requirements for the completion of the freshman year (30 credits).  It lists the desired distribution for students.  A minimum cumulative average of 70 in English courses taken in the freshman year is required.  The degree will take 3 years after the freshman year is completed.

• Can you be a part-time English major?

No.  AUB students have to take at least 12 credits per semester.

• Can I minor in two subjects?

Yes, however, you will have to take all the courses required for those minors.  If you plan ahead and use the general education distribution to your benefit to take courses required for a minor that count also as general education, you can minimize the extra time required.  This is also particularly true of the Teaching Diploma offered by the Department of Education and the Media Studies diploma offered by the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Media Studies.

• Can I be an English major and also do a Teaching Diploma (elementary or secondary) or a Media Studies diploma?

Yes, but you have to be strategic about when you take the extra courses as to minimize the time required.

• All my friends are business, engineering and biology majors.  What kind of a job would I get being an English major?

English majors often work as teachers. However, there are many fields in which the command of the language and critical thinking are desired. Possible jobs include: Journalism, public relations, administration, editing, social work

• Can I be an English major and get into medical school?

Yes. Holders of any bachelor degree can apply to medical school as long as they complete the premedical core courses and requirements. For more information, check the Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center section in the AUB graduate catalogue.

• Why be a humanities student and go to medical school?

Studies are showing that the academic performance in medical school of students with a humanities background is equivalent to those with a scientific background. Moreover, it is remarked that humanities students make more sensitive doctors and have strong observational skills.

• How can I apply for financial aid?

You can find all the information you need by visiting the Office of Financial Aid.

Applying to be a Graduate M.A. English Student

• How do I apply?

The application form for graduate student is electronic. You apply and provide required documents via the website of the Admissions Office.  Be sure to take the personal statement seriously.  It gives us an idea of who you are as a student and a person.

• What are the deadlines for application?

The application deadline for fall admission is mid February. For spring admission the deadline is mid November. For more information and exact dates, check the Admissions section in AUB Graduate catalogue.

• What exams are required for admission?

If you were an undergraduate English major (Language or Literature) at AUB you do not need to take any exams. For more details check the Admissions section in the Graduate catalogue. If you did not study at AUB, and you were not an undergraduate in North America or the UK, you have to take the TOEFL exam and submit your scores in time for admission.  The GRE exam is no longer required for admission.

• What scores do you require?

There is no cut-off score.

• What grade point average (GPA) score do I need to be considered?

There is no strict cut-off average.  Your major average should be about 80.

• Will I be required to provide any written work in support of my application?

It is not required to provide written work. However, you can include written work if you think that it will help support your application (for example a course paper from an undergraduate course).

• What are the possible statuses for admission for graduate students?

You can be admitted as a regular graduate student, on probation, or as a prospective graduate student. For more details check the Admissions section in the Graduate catalogue.

• How long does it take to earn an MA in English?

The MA in English is a two-year program if taken on a full-time basis.

• Is it possible to take graduate courses without enrolling in the MA program?

As a “special student not working for a degree,” yes.  This can be for one semester, extendable to two semesters by petition.  See the graduate catalogue for details.  It is better to contact the Chairperson first to see about eligibility.

• If I am an MA student somewhere else in the world, can I take courses in Beirut temporarily?

Yes, as a visiting graduate student.  This is called being a special student not working for a degree. This can be for one semester, extendable to two semesters by petition.  See the graduate catalogue for details.  It is better to contact the Chairperson first to see about eligibility.

• What kind of courses do you offer at the MA level?

All students take a methodology class in the first year. The MA program currently does not have concentrations, but instead offers general courses in literature and language. Course offerings vary from semester to semester.

• Can I take courses on a part-time basis?

Yes, but GA students have to register for two courses per semester.

• Can I take courses in other departments and have them count toward my major courses?

Yes, but you need the approval of the department of English before enrolling in courses in other departments.  Not more than two courses can be considered.

• Can I transfer MA course credit from other programs or universities?

The department will consider the transfer on a case-by-case basis. The maximum number of credits that can be transferred is nine.

• My undergraduate degree is not in English. Does that matter?

No. Many of our graduate students are not English majors. You will be admitted as a prospective graduate student until you complete a number of prerequisite courses to make up for deficiencies in undergraduate preparation.

• Is financial aid offered to graduate students?

Yes. AUB offers graduate assistantships (GA) and a work-study program.

• What is a graduate assistantship (GA)?

A GA is not awarded to all students. It’s a separate decision made by the faculty for exceptional students. Some students opt not to have a GA because it entails a specific number of hours in the department, researching and working closely with one or two professors. It can also include working in the Writing Center.  Basically, if you are awarded a GA, in exchange for fourteen hours of work per week, you become exempt from tuition and you receive a modest monthly stipend.  Some fees remain to be paid by you.

• What qualifications do I need to have to be awarded a graduate assistantship (GA) upon admission to the MA program as a regular student?

A GA can be awarded to students coming to us with a very good GPA.  We are also looking at your overall record, your potential for being a hard-working student in your MA coursework and for writing a strong thesis.  If you have been a very good undergraduate with a GPA above 80, or the equivalent thereof in your institution, there is a good chance of you getting a GA.  The decision is not based solely on the GPA, but it is an important indicator of your achievement.  You should be aware that a specific timeline for completion of your coursework and thesis proposal applies for those holding a GA.

• If I am admitted as a prospective student, how do I become a regular graduate student?

If you get the requisite average, you should file an online petition (for change of status) once your grades have come out at the end of the term.

• If I am become a regular graduate student after satisfying the undergraduate course requirements, can I apply for a graduate assistantship (GA)?

Yes, you should submit an "Application for Graduate Assistantship" (found in the graduate application materials) in the term you are finishing your prospective requirements so that you can be considered.  Even if you submitted the application for graduate assistantship when you applied the first time for the MA, you need to resubmit one to the department chair.

• If I begin as a regular graduate student without a graduate assistantship (GA), can I apply for one in a subsequent semester?

Yes, but it only goes into effect after you are granted one and it is not retroactive.

• If I receive a GA, can it be taken away?

Yes.  They are reviewed every semester and renewal is dependent on continued excellent performance of the student, regular attendance in seminars and steady progress on one's thesis.