english phd online

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English Doctoral Program Online

• Doctor of Philosophy
• College of Arts & Letters
• Department of English

Why ODU for English?

ODU's PhD in English integrates writing, rhetoric, discourse, technology, and textual studies. The course work and research opportunities appeal to those pursuing an academic career as well as professionals with careers outside the classroom.

Your research will examine texts in a variety of overlapping and sometimes competing language-based worlds. You'll focus on texts and media when it comes to form, purpose, technology, audience, cultural location, and communities.

Focus your studies by choosing two of four emphasis areas from:

• Literary and cultural studies
• Writing, rhetoric, and discourse studies
• Technology and media studies
• A student-designed emphasis

When you graduate, you will earn a Doctor of Philosophy degree in English.

Want to learn more? Contact us!

Most Affordable Online PhD in English, 2023 - AcademicInfluence.com

Required Courses

• 48 credit hours

All part-time students must attend two Summer Doctoral Institutes at ODU's main campus. This satisfies the residency requirements for this degree.

Contact us to talk with an advisor to determine if you have credits that will transfer. 

• See courses in the ODU Graduate Catalog

Online Learning Environment

Participate in live, regularly scheduled online class meetings and access course materials online from any location. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

This program requires attendance at two Summer Doctoral Institutes at ODU's main campus. Each institute is two weeks long and is held in July.

• Online Experience

Careers in English

• Writing/Editing
• Advertising
• Public Relations
• Business/Industry
• Digital Design
• Explore Career Data for Your Region at Our Career Coach Website

Calculating Cost

Rates are effective Fall 2023 and subject to change. * In-state rate assumes residency requirements are met.

• ODU Tuition and Financial Aid

Meet Your Team

You'll have a dedicated academic advisor for this program.

Contact us if you have questions about admission requirements, transferring credits, or application deadlines.

Ready to get started?

How to apply.

If you don't have some significant background in an English-related field, the department encourages you to take master’s level coursework in English before applying. Detailed information about admission to the PhD in English program is available from  the department's website .

• Request Info

Want to get started now?

You may be able to take up to four courses (12 credit hours) as a non-degree graduate student, before you are accepted into a specific degree program. 

Please contact us to discuss this option with an expert advisor.

2024 Best Online English PhD Programs

Writen by: CollegeRanker Team

Reviewed by: David Krug , Editor-in-Chief

Updated on: September 5, 2023

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In this article, we will be covering…

Online PhD programs in English offer a flexible and convenient way for students to earn their doctoral degree. With the advancement of technology, students can now pursue their academic goals from anywhere in the world. The online format allows students to complete coursework and research at their own pace, while still receiving guidance and support from faculty members.

Several universities offer online PhD programs in English, each with its own unique curriculum and requirements. Students can choose from a variety of specializations, including literature, creative writing, linguistics, and rhetoric. Some programs may require students to attend occasional on-campus residencies, while others are completely online. It is important for students to research and compare programs to find the one that best fits their academic and personal goals.

In this article, we will explore some of the best online PhD programs in English. We will provide an overview of each program, including its curriculum, faculty, and admission requirements. Students who are considering pursuing an online PhD in English can use this article as a starting point for their research and decision-making process.

Methodology

When compiling a list of the best online PhD programs in English, several factors must be considered. The following methodology was used to determine the top programs:

Accreditation

The first factor considered was accreditation. All of the programs listed are accredited by a recognized accreditation agency. Accreditation ensures that the program meets certain standards and that the degree earned will be recognized by employers and other institutions.

Program Reputation

The reputation of the program was also taken into account. Programs with a strong reputation in the field of English were given higher priority. This includes programs that have a history of producing successful graduates and are well-regarded by other academics in the field.

The curriculum of each program was carefully evaluated. Programs that offer a wide range of courses and allow students to specialize in their area of interest were given higher priority. Additionally, programs that require a dissertation or other significant research project were given higher priority.

The faculty of each program was also evaluated. Programs with experienced and accomplished faculty members were given higher priority. This includes faculty who have published research in their field and have a strong reputation in academia.

Student Support

Finally, the level of support offered to students was also considered. Programs that offer strong academic and career support, as well as resources for online students, were given higher priority. This includes access to online libraries, tutoring services, and career counseling.

By considering these factors, the following list of the best online PhD programs in English was compiled.

University of Florida

The University of Florida offers a highly regarded PhD program in English that allows students to specialize in a variety of areas, including literature, cultural studies, and rhetoric and composition. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in academia, research, and other fields.

One of the unique features of the program is its emphasis on interdisciplinary study. Students are encouraged to explore connections between literature and other fields such as history, philosophy, and cultural studies. This approach allows students to develop a broad understanding of their chosen subject area and to engage in innovative research.

The University of Florida’s English PhD program is also notable for its commitment to diversity and inclusivity. The program actively seeks out students from underrepresented groups and provides a supportive and inclusive learning environment. This commitment is reflected in the program’s faculty, which includes scholars from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Prospective students can apply to the PhD program through the university’s Graduate Admissions website. Applications are typically due in December, and admission decisions are made in the spring. Financial aid is available in the form of fellowships, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships.

Overall, the University of Florida’s English PhD program is an excellent choice for students seeking a rigorous and interdisciplinary education in English studies. With its commitment to diversity and inclusivity, as well as its focus on innovative research, the program prepares students for successful careers in academia and beyond.

Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) offers an online English (Literature) PhD program that trains students in various methodologies, pedagogies, and areas of inquiry that constitute literary and cultural studies. The program is designed to prepare students for academic careers in research and teaching.

ASU’s English (Literature) PhD program requires 84 credit hours and culminates in a dissertation. The program’s coursework includes seminars in literary theory, research methods, and literary history. Students are also required to complete a comprehensive exam before beginning their dissertation.

ASU’s Department of English offers a range of resources and opportunities for its graduate students. The department hosts a variety of guest speakers, workshops, and conferences throughout the year. Additionally, the department offers several internship opportunities for English graduate students, as well as study abroad opportunities.

ASU is ranked among the best graduate schools in the country by U.S. News & World Report. The university offers more than 120 online master’s degrees and doctorate programs taught by the same world-renowned faculty who teach on campus. ASU also offers more than 30 graduate certificates, all online. Students can filter areas of interest to find the program that best suits their needs.

Overall, ASU’s English (Literature) PhD program is a strong option for students seeking a rigorous and comprehensive education in literary and cultural studies. With its world-renowned faculty and extensive resources, ASU is a top choice for students pursuing graduate studies in English.

University Of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida (UCF) offers an accredited online PhD in English program that focuses on literary, cultural, and rhetorical studies. The program is designed to prepare students for academic careers in research, writing, and teaching. The program is delivered entirely online, allowing students to complete their coursework from anywhere in the world.

The program requires 60 credit hours of coursework, including core courses, electives, and a dissertation. The core courses cover topics such as literary theory, research methods, and critical pedagogy. Electives allow students to explore their interests in more depth, with options such as American literature, British literature, and cultural studies.

Students in the program work closely with faculty members who are experts in their fields. Faculty members provide guidance and support throughout the program, helping students to develop their research interests and refine their writing skills. The program also offers opportunities for students to present their research at academic conferences and publish their work in scholarly journals.

UCF’s online PhD in English program is ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The program’s flexible schedule and online delivery make it an ideal choice for working professionals who want to advance their careers while continuing to work full-time.

Overall, UCF’s online PhD in English program is an excellent choice for students who want to pursue advanced study in English while maintaining their current work and personal commitments. With its flexible schedule, expert faculty, and rigorous curriculum, the program provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in academia and beyond.

Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) offers a highly ranked online English PhD program that is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to become experts in the field. The program is designed for students who are interested in pursuing careers in academia, research, or other related fields.

Penn State’s online English PhD program is ranked #6 out of 122 PhD-granting English departments in the United States, according to the National Research Council. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in literary history and critical theory, as well as in-depth training in their chosen area of specialization.

The program is delivered entirely online, which allows students to complete their coursework and research from anywhere in the world. Students have access to a wide range of resources and support services, including online research databases, academic advising, and faculty mentoring.

The online English PhD program at Penn State is designed to be flexible and customizable, allowing students to tailor their coursework and research to their individual interests and career goals. Students can choose from a variety of areas of specialization, including:

• American literature
• British literature
• Postcolonial literature
• Rhetoric and composition
• Creative writing

Penn State’s online English PhD program also offers a number of professional development opportunities, including teaching assistantships and internships, that allow students to gain practical experience in their field.

Overall, Penn State’s online English PhD program is a highly respected and rigorous program that provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen careers. With its flexible and customizable curriculum, world-class faculty, and comprehensive support services, Penn State is an excellent choice for students who are looking to pursue a career in English.

University of Denver

The University of Denver offers a PhD in English and literary arts with a concentration in literary studies. This program exposes students to a wide range of literature and literary theory, preparing them to teach and research at the university level. The program is offered through the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.

The English and Literary Arts Department at the University of Denver provides students with opportunities to explore literary and creative endeavors through a variety of workshops and seminars. The Denver School of Forms & Poetics brings together DU faculty, graduate students, advanced seniors, guest artists, and the broader Denver community. The program serves as a forum to experience innovations in how such endeavors can interact.

The PhD in English and literary arts with a concentration in literary studies at the University of Denver requires students to complete a minimum of 90 credit hours. The program includes coursework in literary theory, literary history, and research methods. Students are also required to complete a dissertation on a topic of their choosing.

The University of Denver also offers a PhD in English and literary arts with a concentration in creative writing. This program focuses on the craft of creative writing, preparing students to publish their work and teach at the university level. Students in this program are required to complete a minimum of 90 credit hours, including workshops and seminars in creative writing, literature, and research methods. They are also required to complete a dissertation in creative writing.

The University of Denver is a highly respected institution with a strong reputation for academic excellence. Its English and Literary Arts Department is no exception, providing students with a rigorous and engaging program that prepares them for success in the field of English studies.

Indiana University

Indiana University (IU) offers a highly respected online English PhD program that provides students with the flexibility to complete their degree while maintaining other commitments. IU’s English department partners with IU Online to offer several options for students who wish to continue their education and enhance their professional skills.

IU’s English PhD program provides students with a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes literary and cultural theory, critical analysis, and research methods. Students can choose from a variety of areas of focus, including medieval studies, early modern studies, eighteenth-century studies, nineteenth-century studies, twentieth-century studies, and contemporary studies.

IU’s English PhD program also provides students with numerous opportunities for professional development. The program offers a range of teaching assistantships and fellowships that provide students with valuable teaching experience and financial support. Additionally, IU’s English department sponsors a number of events and activities throughout the year, including guest lectures, conferences, and workshops.

IU’s English PhD program has a strong track record of producing successful graduates. Alumni of the program can be found working as faculty and administrators in the Ivy League, flagship public universities, smaller regional universities and colleges, and liberal arts colleges throughout the United States and beyond.

University of North Carolina

The University of North Carolina (UNC) offers a comprehensive online PhD program in English and Comparative Literature. The program aims to produce excellent scholars and teachers by fostering insightful and imaginative thinking. UNC’s online doctoral degree programs allow students to hone their senior leadership skills and become scholars and practitioners in their field.

The program engages in all historical periods and across several key areas of critical study. Students can learn from experienced faculty members who are experts in their respective fields. The program offers a wide range of courses, including Literature, Medicine, and Culture, which is a unique interdisciplinary program that explores the intersections of literature, medicine, and culture.

UNC’s online doctoral programs offer students flexibility and convenience. Students can complete the program at their own pace while still receiving the same quality education as on-campus students. The program is designed to help students develop their research skills and produce original research that contributes to the field of English and Comparative Literature.

UNC’s online doctoral alumni serve in prominent leadership roles, run independent practices, and influence change at the highest levels. The program’s job placement rate is high, and graduates have gone on to work in academia, government, and the private sector.

Overall, UNC’s online PhD program in English and Comparative Literature is an excellent option for students who want to pursue a career in academia or other fields related to English and literature. The program offers a rigorous curriculum, experienced faculty, and flexibility that allows students to complete the program on their own terms.

University Of Nebraska

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers a Ph.D. degree in English with specializations in Literary and Cultural Studies, Creative Writing, and Composition and Rhetoric. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the field of English and its various subfields. The program is designed for students who are interested in pursuing academic careers in English or related fields.

The program is offered both on-campus and online, providing students with the flexibility to choose the learning environment that best suits their needs. The online program is a hybrid program, which means that students complete the majority of their coursework online, but are required to attend at least two on-campus summer research seminars.

The Department of English at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has a distinguished faculty of scholars and writers who are actively engaged in research and teaching. The faculty members are committed to providing students with individualized attention and support, and work closely with students to help them achieve their academic and professional goals.

The Ph.D. program in English at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is highly competitive and selective, with a limited number of spots available each year. Students are required to submit a writing sample, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose as part of the application process. The application deadline for fall admissions is December 1st.

Overall, the Ph.D. program in English at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is an excellent choice for students who are interested in pursuing advanced study in English. The program offers a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum, a distinguished faculty, and a flexible learning environment that can accommodate the needs of a diverse range of students.

University of Memphis

The University of Memphis offers a PhD in English with three concentrations: Applied Linguistics, Literary and Cultural Studies, and Writing, Rhetoric, and Technical Communication. The program is designed to provide students with advanced training in research, writing, and critical thinking, and prepares them for academic careers in English studies.

The program requires a minimum of 54 credit hours beyond the master’s degree, including coursework, language proficiency, and a dissertation. Students can choose from a variety of courses in their chosen concentration, as well as in other areas of English studies.

The University of Memphis is ranked among the top English PhD programs in the nation by various sources. According to CollegeReviews.org, it is the third-best affordable online PhD in English program. The program is also ranked 122nd in the nation by U.S. News and World Report.

In addition to the PhD program, the University of Memphis offers several other online English degree programs, including an MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, an MA in Technical Communication, and a Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. These programs are designed for students who want to enhance their skills in teaching, writing, and communication, and are offered fully online for maximum flexibility.

Overall, the University of Memphis provides a high-quality, affordable option for students seeking an online PhD in English. With a strong focus on research, writing, and critical thinking, the program prepares students for successful careers in academia and beyond.

Liberty University

Liberty University offers an online Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in English program that is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge in literary studies, critical theory, and writing pedagogy. The program is designed to be completed entirely online, allowing students to balance their academic pursuits with other commitments.

The Ph.D. in English program at Liberty University is a 60-credit hour program that can be completed in 3-4 years. The program is structured to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of literary theory, research methods, and critical analysis. Additionally, the program offers a wide range of elective courses that allow students to specialize in areas such as creative writing, linguistics, and cultural studies.

The program is designed to foster a collaborative learning environment that allows students to interact with their peers and professors through online discussion forums, email, and video conferencing. Students are also required to attend a one-week residency on campus during their first year of study, which provides an opportunity for students to meet their professors and classmates in person and participate in academic workshops.

Overall, Liberty University’s Ph.D. in English program offers a flexible and comprehensive curriculum that is designed to prepare students for careers in academia, research, and writing. The program’s emphasis on literary theory, research methods, and critical analysis provides students with a solid foundation for pursuing advanced research and scholarship in their chosen field.

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2024 Best Online PhD in English Programs

If you love words and communication, it may be your goal to earn an online PhD in English.

Holding a doctoral degree is a common requirement for jobs in academia, such as being an English professor or a humanities researcher. Having a PhD isn’t just for working in a college, though.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Whether you plan to be a professor or a practitioner, you can satisfy your desire to study language and writing by completing a distance learning PhD in English.

Universities Offering Online PhD in English Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer English degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Concordia University – Chicago

Concordia University—Chicago offers an online program for a PhD in Leadership with a specialization in Reading, Language, and Literacy.

Students must complete 67 credits to graduate. To be eligible for the program, applicants must have a master’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. They must also submit 2 letters of recommendation and a personal statement about their goals.

Concordia University Chicago  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Murray State University

Murray State University offers an online Doctor of Arts in English Pedagogy program. The program offers four different specializations: Language, Literacy, Literature, and Writing.

Students who have a master’s degree only need to complete 48 credit hours of coursework. Applicants with a minimum GPA of 3.2 and 3 letters of recommendation can enroll at any point during the year. Murray State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

National University

National University offers an online program for a PhD in Education with an emphasis in English Language Learning.

To graduate, students must obtain 60 credit hours. The program can usually be completed in 37 months. Students can start the program at any time and can determine their own schedule with no preset lecture hours or due dates.

National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University offers an online PhD in English program. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.5, a GRE score above the 70th percentile, and 3 letters of recommendation.

Students choose two emphases from Literary and Cultural Studies, Writing, Rhetoric, and Discourse Studies, Technology and Media Studies, or a student-designed emphasis. A total of 48 credits are needed to graduate. Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Ohio University

Ohio University offers an online PhD in English program. Students can choose a concentration in one of three areas: Literary History, Creative Writing, or Rhetoric and Composition.

Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and 2 years of undergraduate coursework related to foreign languages and should submit GRE scores and 3 letters of recommendation.

Ohio University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Rowan University

Rowan University offers a PhD in Education with an option to add a Language and Literacy Concentration.

Students must complete 72 semester hours, with 15 hours dedicated to the specialization. A thesis or project is required to graduate. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 and 3 letters of recommendation.

Rowan University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

St. John’s University

St. John’s University offers an online PhD in Literacy program. To graduate, students must complete 42 credit hours and a dissertation project under the supervision of a faculty member. The program can typically be completed within 3 to 4 years. Applicants should have a GPA of 3.2 or higher, GRE scores, and 2 letters of recommendation.

St. John’s University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University offers an online PhD in English program. Applicants must submit 4 letters of recommendation, transcripts, and GRE scores.

Students may choose to add a specialization to their degree with a concentration in Written Discourse, Theory and Practice, or Critical Literacy. The program is designed for those interested in teaching English and requires a teaching residency.

Texas A&M University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University offers an online program for a PhD in English with the option to take a concentration in Literature, Creative Writing, or Linguistics. At least 60 course hours and a qualifying exam are needed to graduate. Applicants must submit 3 letters of recommendation, a resume, and all transcripts.

Texas Tech University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of Houston

The University of Houston offers an online program for a PhD in Professional Leadership with an emphasis in Literacy Education.

Students must complete 51 credit hours with a GPA of 3.0 to graduate. Courses last for 5 to 6 weeks. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and must submit 3 letters of recommendation, a resume, and transcripts.

The  University of Houston  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Online PhD in English Programs

A doctorate in English is a terminal degree for people who are interested in various aspects of the English language, including literature and writing.

During your program, you may have the opportunity to spend several years engaged in serious study, so you’ll probably want to select a topic in the field that fascinates you. Some areas of study include medieval literature, gender studies, written discourse, modern grammar, or film criticism.

In a doctoral English program, you’ll typically complete a series of coursework toward the beginning of your studies. While a handful of your classes might be prescribed, you may be at liberty to select much of your own curriculum.

Topics you might study in online English PhD programs include:

• Cultures and societies
• Composition and rhetoric
• Grammar and syntax
• Literature from various time periods
• Research methods
• Teaching methods

Many students enter English PhD programs because they want to have careers in academia. In a linguistics department, you might teach courses and work on research projects. Taking classes on instructional methods during your program can help you prepare for that role.

As a PhD candidate, you’ll typically need to undertake a major research project. Completing the research and the writing for your dissertation can take several years. Along the way, you’ll take classes to help you get started, and you’ll have the support of a faculty advisor.

After completing your doctoral program, you might look for a job at a university or another academic institution. You can also pursue research opportunities outside of college settings. Having a PhD in English might also enhance your career as a writer, an editor, or a journalist.

Your developed communication skills can also be useful in the fields of public relations or business administration. Some graduates become education administrators or K-12 teachers as well.

English Major Careers & Salaries

Many students who enroll in English doctoral programs want to become college professors. As a faculty member of a university’s English department, you might teach writing or literature. You may have opportunities to conduct research in the humanities as well.

Getting a faculty job can entail a lot of competition. Fortunately, there are plenty of other options you can pursue with a degree in English lit or language.

Being a professor isn’t the only option for working in education. With a teaching license, you can qualify to teach in a high school’s English education department. Those with a PhD may also pursue roles as college administrators.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , there are various career paths open for people with a Ph.D. in English.

The publishing industry especially relies on strong writing skills. Some graduates become authors or editors. The process of researching and writing a dissertation might prepare you for the role of a technical writer, relaying complicated information in understandable ways.

In fact, nearly any job that depends on communication skills might benefit from your doctoral background. Public relations managers and administrative managers are two such positions that require solid communication skills.

Journalism and on-air reporting are other lines of work to consider. Audiences might appreciate your ability to explain complicated situations or to help them consider different perspectives.

English Doctorate Curriculum & Courses

As a doctoral student, you may have a good deal of flexibility to choose what courses you take as part of your program.

The English departments at many schools offer a vast lineup of courses. That might allow you to build a curriculum that supports your professional goals and research interests. Examples of courses that might be offered at your school include:

• American Literature : You could study a particular period in American history, the social forces that shaped that era, and the works that came out of it.
• British Literature : Writers you might study in a British lit class include Shakespeare, Chaucer, Marlowe, and Wordsworth.
• Communicating Through Mixed Media : You can learn to deliver effective messages on digital platforms through a mix of words, images, and other elements.
• Grammar of the English Language : You’ll study traditional and modern issues related to syntax and other aspects of grammar.
• Humanities Research : This course will introduce you to graduate-level research practices for people who study English or other humanities subjects.
• Key Questions for English Scholars : During this course, you may study literature theories, methods of analysis, and perspectives through which to view various works.
• Medieval Literature : In this course, you might familiarize yourself with early forms of the English language or explore ways that medieval works have influenced modern writers.
• Multicultural Language Studies : As you explore works from around the world, you may discuss the challenge of translating ideas from one culture to another.
• Statistics for Linguistics : You’ll learn how to apply quantitative statistical methods when analyzing your research data.
• Teaching Writing : Your time in this class can help you become a more effective educator who brings out the best in students’ composition skills.

Some of these classes may be designed to prepare you for a dissertation project. A significant portion of your doctoral program may be devoted to completing the dissertation.

Admissions Requirements

English departments typically look for doctoral students with a solid academic background and impressive writing skills. To demonstrate that you’re the right candidate for a doctoral program, you may need to submit the following:

• Application form and fee
• College transcripts
• GRE scores (if required)
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Writing sample

GRE scores are not a universal requirement for graduate admission, so your school may not request them or may grant waivers to qualified applicants.

Accreditation

A doctoral degree in English will require a lot of your time, attention, and effort. It’s strategic to make sure that you’re investing your resources wisely by choosing to study at a college that holds regional accreditation .

To become accredited, a school must take its educational mission seriously. It has to undergo an evaluation process in which it demonstrates honest practices and a commitment to academic excellence.

Accredited degrees garner greater respect from institutions and employers. When you’re looking for a job, holding a regionally accredited PhD may increase your chances of securing a desirable role.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

As part of your preparation for graduate school, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) .

You may qualify for government student aid, and you might be able to take out state or federal loans with a lower interest rate than you’d get with private loans. You may also be eligible for a work-study program.

Some colleges finance part or all of a PhD student’s education through teaching or research assistant programs. Your commitment to supporting the school’s English program may significantly reduce the price of your doctoral degree.

There’s also the possibility of earning scholarships or fellowships from private sources. These gifts may support you for one or more years of your program. If your studies will benefit your current employer, you can see if a workplace tuition program will cover part of your PhD costs.

Professional Organizations

Joining a professional organization can help you sharpen your abilities as a wordsmith, an educator, or a leader in linguistics. Your group might offer resources like conferences, journals, job boards, and discussion forums.

• Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP)
• Modern Language Association (MLA)
• National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)

Being a part of a professional organization can allow you to enhance your studies while in school. Your membership can continue to provide benefits after you complete your doctoral program.

Can You Get a PhD in English?

Yes, there is a Doctor of Philosophy in English degree. There are programs focused on literary criticism and others dedicated to the study of writing and rhetoric. Both online and on-campus PhD programs are available.

Course topics you might take during an English PhD program include literature theories, history of the English language, and 19th century American literature. You may also take classes focused on research, technical writing, and teaching. This group of courses can prepare you for your dissertation project and a potential career in academia.

What Can You Do with a PhD in English?

Many people want to earn their PhDs because they have their sights set on academic careers. You might want to teach university English courses or also work on original research. Your degree in English literature or composition can be useful in other fields as well.

Having a doctoral degree might establish you as a top candidate for various jobs in which communication is an essential skill. Common communication careers include working in education, public relations, writing, editing, and broadcasting.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in English?

How long it takes you to earn your English doctorate is largely up to you and your schedule.

A couple of years will probably be spent on required coursework. In accelerated English degree online programs with fast-track classes, you might be able to complete your classes in a shorter length of time. Most of your program, though, will be spent on the dissertation process. It may take you several years to complete the necessary research and write your document.

Students generally end up in a doctoral program for around 3 to 5 years. Others may spend longer on the process.

Is a PhD in English Worth It?

Yes, a PhD in English is worth it for many students. If you’re set on becoming an English professor, having this degree is typically a necessity.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, postsecondary teaching positions are growing at a 9% rate. Even still, some humanities departments are shrinking, so competition for English positions may be tight.

Before committing, it’s worthwhile to consider other benefits—such as the opportunity to immerse yourself in in-depth studies. A doctorate can also be useful in writing, editing, or administrative careers.

Getting Your PhD in English Online

If you have a deep passion for words and the messages they carry, then you may consider earning a PhD in English. A PhD is especially necessary if your plans involve searching for a job as a college professor.

Through your studies, you can also refine your communication skills. Your writing and speaking prowess can be useful in sectors like publishing, media, and public relations. Just as there are online masters programs in English , for your English PhD studies, you can also attend classes online. Through distance learning, you can earn a doctorate in English according to your own schedule.

If you’re ready to take the next in your educational journey, you can start by exploring online English PhD programs from accredited colleges.

PhD Program in English Language and Literature

The department enrolls an average of ten PhD students each year. Our small size allows us to offer a generous financial support package. We also offer a large and diverse graduate faculty with competence in a wide range of literary, theoretical and cultural fields. Each student chooses a special committee that works closely along side the student to design a course of study within the very broad framework established by the department. The program is extremely flexible in regard to course selection, the design of examinations and the election of minor subjects of concentration outside the department. English PhD students pursuing interdisciplinary research may include on their special committees faculty members from related fields such as comparative literature, medieval studies, Romance studies, German studies, history, classics, women’s studies, linguistics, theatre and performing arts, government, philosophy, and film and video studies.

The PhD candidate is normally expected to complete six or seven one-semester courses for credit in the first year of residence and a total of six or seven more in the second and third years. The program of any doctoral candidate’s formal and informal study, whatever his or her particular interests, should be comprehensive enough to ensure familiarity with:

• The authors and works that have been the most influential in determining the course of English, American, and related literatures
• The theory and criticism of literature, and the relations between literature and other disciplines
• Concerns and tools of literary and cultural history such as textual criticism, study of genre, source, and influence as well as wider issues of cultural production and historical and social contexts that bear on literature

Areas in which students may have major or minor concentrations include African-American literature, American literature to 1865, American literature after 1865, American studies (a joint program with the field of history), colonial and postcolonial literatures, cultural studies, dramatic literature, English poetry, the English Renaissance to 1660, lesbian, bisexual and gay literary studies, literary criticism and theory, the nineteenth century, Old and Middle English, prose fiction, the Restoration and the eighteenth century, the twentieth century, and women's literature.

By the time a doctoral candidate enters the fourth semester of graduate study, the special committee must decide whether he or she is qualified to proceed toward the PhD. Students are required to pass their Advancement to Candidacy Examination before their fourth year of study, prior to the dissertation.

PhD Program specifics can be viewed here: PhD Timeline PhD Procedural Guide

Special Committee

Every graduate student selects a special committee of faculty advisors who work intensively with the student in selecting courses and preparing and revising the dissertation. The committee is comprised of at least three Cornell faculty members: a chair, and typically two minor members usually from the English department, but very often representing an interdisciplinary field. The university system of special committees allows students to design their own courses of study within a broad framework established by the department, and it encourages a close working relationship between professors and students, promoting freedom and flexibility in the pursuit of the graduate degree. The special committee for each student guides and supervises all academic work and assesses progress in a series of meetings with the students.

At Cornell, teaching is considered an integral part of training in academia. The field requires a carefully supervised teaching experience of at least one year for every doctoral candidate as part of the program requirements. The Department of English, in conjunction with the  John S. Knight Institute for Writing  in the Disciplines, offers excellent training for beginning teachers and varied and interesting teaching in the university-wide First-Year Writing Program. The courses are writing-intensive and may fall under such general rubrics as “Portraits of the Self,” “American Literature and Culture,” “Shakespeare,” and “Cultural Studies,” among others. A graduate student may also serve as a teaching assistant for an undergraduate lecture course taught by a member of the Department of English faculty.

Language Requirements

Each student and special committee will decide what work in foreign language is most appropriate for a student’s graduate program and scholarly interests. Some students’ doctoral programs require extensive knowledge of a single foreign language and literature; others require reading ability in two or more foreign languages. A student may be asked to demonstrate competence in foreign languages by presenting the undergraduate record, taking additional courses in foreign languages and literature, or translating and discussing documents related to the student’s work. Students are also normally expected to provide evidence of having studied the English language through courses in Old English, the history of the English language, grammatical analysis or the application of linguistic study to metrics or to literary criticism. Several departments at Cornell offer pertinent courses in such subjects as descriptive linguistics, psycholinguistics and the philosophy of language.

All PhD degree candidates are guaranteed five years of funding (including a stipend , a full tuition fellowship and student health insurance):

• A first-year non-teaching fellowship
• Two years of teaching assistantships
• A fourth-year non-teaching fellowship for the dissertation writing year
• A fifth-year teaching assistantship
• Summer support for four years, including a first-year summer teaching assistantship, linked to a teachers’ training program at the Knight Institute. Summer residency in Ithaca is required.

Students have also successfully competed for Buttrick-Crippen Fellowship, Society for the Humanities Fellowships, American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS), Shin Yong-Jin Graduate Fellowships, Provost’s Diversity Fellowships, fellowships in recognition of excellence in teaching, and grants from the Graduate School to help with the cost of travel to scholarly conferences and research collections.

Admission & Application Procedures

The application for Fall 2024 admission will open on September 15, 2023 and close at 11:59pm EST on December 1, 2023.

Our application process reflects the field’s commitment to considering the whole person and their potential to contribute to our scholarly community.  Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of academic preparation (e.g., performance in relevant courses, completion of substantive, independent research project). An applicant’s critical and creative potential will be considered: applicants should demonstrate interest in extensive research and writing and include a writing sample that reveals a capacity to argue persuasively, demonstrate the ability to synthesize a broad range of materials, as well as offer fresh insights into a problem or text. The committee will also consider whether an applicant demonstrates a commitment to inclusion, equity, and diversity and offers a substantive explanation for why study at Cornell is especially compelling (e.g., a discussion of faculty research and foci). Admissions committees will consider the entire application carefully, including statements and critical writing, as well as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a resume/cv (if provided). Please view the requirements and procedures listed below, if you are interested in being considered for our PhD in English Language and Literature program.

Eligibility: Applicants must currently have, or expect to have, at least a BA or BS (or the equivalent) in any field before matriculation. International students, please verify degree equivalency here . Applicants are not required to meet a specified GPA minimum.

To Apply: All applications and supplemental materials must be submitted online through the Graduate School application system . While completing your application, you may save and edit your data. Once you click submit, your application will be closed for changes. Please proofread your materials carefully. Once you pay and click submit, you will not be able to make any changes or revisions.

Deadline: December 1st, 11:59pm EST.  This deadline is firm. No applications, additional materials, or revisions will be accepted after the deadline.

PhD Program Application Requirements Checklist

• Academic Statement of Purpose Please describe (within 1000 words) in detail the substantive research questions you are interested in pursuing during your graduate studies and why they are significant. Additionally, make sure to include information about any training or research experience that you believe has prepared you for our program. You should also identify specific faculty members whose research interests align with your own specific questions.  Note that the identification of faculty is important; you would be well advised to read selected faculty’s recent scholarship so that you can explain why you wish to study with them. Do not rely on the courses they teach.  Please refrain from contacting individual faculty prior to receiving an offer of admission.
• Personal Statement Please describe (within 1000 words) how your personal background and experiences influenced your decision to pursue a graduate degree and the research you wish to conduct.  Explain, for example the meaning and purpose of the PhD in the context of your personal history and future aspirations.  Please note that we will pay additional attention to candidates who identify substantial reasons to obtain a PhD beyond the pursuit of an academic position. Additionally, provide insight into your potential to contribute to a community of inclusion, belonging, and respect where scholars representing diverse backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn (productively and positively) together.
• Critical Writing Sample Your academic writing sample must be between 3,000 and 7,500 words (12-30 pages), typed and double-spaced. We accept excerpts from longer works, or a combination of shorter works.
• Three Letters of Recommendation We require 3 letters of recommendation.  At the time of application, you will be allowed to enter up to 4 recommenders in the system.  Your application will be considered “Complete” when we have received at least 3 letters of recommendation.   Letters of recommendation are due December 1 . Please select three people who best know you and your work. Submitting additional letters will not enhance your application. In the recommendation section of the application, you must include the email address of each recommender. After you save the information (and before you pay/submit), the application system will automatically generate a recommendation request email to your recommender with instructions for submitting the letter electronically. If your letters are stored with a credential service such as Interfolio, please use their Online Application Delivery feature and input the email address assigned to your stored document, rather than that of your recommender’s. The electronic files will be attached to your application when they are received and will not require the letter of recommendation cover page.
• Transcripts Scan transcripts from each institution you have attended, or are currently attending, and upload into the academic information section of the application. Be sure to remove your social security number from all documents prior to scanning. Please do not send paper copies of your transcripts. If you are subsequently admitted and accept, the Graduate School will require an official paper transcript from your degree-awarding institution prior to matriculation.
• English Language Proficiency Requirement All applicants must provide proof of English language proficiency. For more information, please view the  Graduate School’s English Language Requirement .
• GRE General Test and GRE Subject Test are NO LONGER REQUIRED, effective starting with the 2019 application In March 2019, the faculty of English voted overwhelmingly to eliminate all GRE requirements (both general and subject test) for application to the PhD program in English. GRE scores are not good predictors of success or failure in a PhD program in English, and the uncertain predictive value of the GRE exam is far outweighed by the toll it takes on student diversity. For many applicants the cost of preparing for and taking the exam is prohibitively expensive, and the exam is not globally accessible. Requiring the exam narrows our applicant pool at precisely the moment we should be creating bigger pipelines into higher education. We need the strength of a diverse community in order to pursue the English Department’s larger mission: to direct the force of language toward large and small acts of learning, alliance, imagination, and justice.

General Information for All Applicants

Application Fee: Visit the Graduate School for information regarding application fees, payment options, and fee waivers .

Document Identification: Please do not put your social security number on any documents.

Status Inquiries:  Once you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation email. You will also be able to check the completion status of your application in your account. If vital sections of your application are missing, we will notify you via email after the Dec. 1 deadline and allow you ample time to provide the missing materials. Please do not inquire about the status of your application.

Credential/Application Assessments:  The Admission Review Committee members are unable to review application materials or applicant credentials prior to official application submission. Once the committee has reviewed applications and made admissions decisions, they will not discuss the results or make any recommendations for improving the strength of an applicant’s credentials. Applicants looking for feedback are advised to consult with their undergraduate advisor or someone else who knows them and their work.

Review Process:  Application review begins after the submission deadline. Notification of admissions decisions will be made by email by the end of February.

Connecting with Faculty and/or Students: Unfortunately, due to the volume of inquiries we receive, faculty and current students are not available to correspond with potential applicants prior to an offer of admission. Applicants who are offered admission will have the opportunity to meet faculty and students to have their questions answered prior to accepting. Staff and faculty are also not able to pre-assess potential applicant’s work outside of the formal application process. Please email [email protected] instead, if you have questions.

Visiting: The department does not offer pre-admission visits or interviews. Admitted applicants will be invited to visit the department, attend graduate seminars and meet with faculty and students before making the decision to enroll.

Transfer Credits:  Students matriculating with an MA degree may, at the discretion of the Director of Graduate Studies, receive credit for up to two courses once they begin our program.

For Further Information

Contact [email protected]

Ph.D. Admissions

Thank you for your interest in our Ph.D. program, which offers an unparalleled combination of intellectual rigor and graduate support.  We are dedicated to training the next generation of scholars, and to confronting the opportunities offered by a changing job market. We look for various qualities in our applicants, including a proven capacity for advanced critical thinking and independent research.

The Department of English recognizes that the Supreme Court issued a ruling in June 2023 about the consideration of certain types of demographic information as part of an admission review. All applications submitted during upcoming application cycles will be reviewed in conformance with that decision. 

Note: Stanford does not offer a terminal Master of Arts in English.  

Autumn 2024 Admission

The deadline for the submission of graduate application forms to the Department of English for matriculation in Autumn 2024 will be  December 1, 2023 at 11:59pm PST .

Read all instructions at the  University Graduate Admissions website  before starting the application process.

Application Requirements/Checklist:

• Application form: Completed online through the  University Graduate Admissions website
• Non-refundable fee of $125.  For information on eligibility for fee waivers, please refer to  Graduate Application Fee Waiver
• Statement of Purpose (ideally 500-600 words, maximum 1000, double spaced, submitted as part of the application): reasons for applying, preparation, specific study and research interests (e.g., 18th century, American lyric poetry, Middle English, etc.), future career plans, and any other information to elucidate background and potential as a scholar/teacher.
• Letters of Recommendation:  Three letters of recommendation are required from faculty members or others who are qualified to evaluate academic work and teaching potential.  Recommenders submit their letters through the online system by the application deadline.
• Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts from all universities and colleges you have attended for one year or more must be uploaded to the online application.  We only require admitted applicants who accept the offer of admission to submit official transcripts that show degree conferral. Please do not send any official transcripts to us at this time.
• Writing sample: a critical paper of approximately 12-25 pages, ideally in your stated field of interest. The writing sample is also submitted with the online application.
• Official TOEFL and/or TSE: required for all international applicants (whose primary language is not English) sent via ETS.  To see if you need to provide this information, please check the  Exam Requirements for International Applicants . Stanford does not accept IELTS scores.

Note to Stanford Undergraduates (both current and former):  

As a department we are gratified when some of our undergraduate majors decide to pursue advanced degrees in English.  To foster breadth in the students’ educational experience and also to expose our department to diverse ideas, our philosophy is that students who receive their undergraduate degrees from our department should generally look elsewhere to pursue their doctorates.

Inquiries about the Ph.D. in English should be directed to  englishadmissions [at] lists.stanford.edu (englishadmissions[at]lists[dot]stanford[dot]edu) .

Knight-Hennessy Scholars 

Join dozens of  Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences students  who gain valuable leadership skills in a multidisciplinary, multicultural community as  Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS). KHS admits up to 100 select applicants each year from across Stanford’s seven graduate schools, and delivers engaging experiences that prepare them to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders ready to address complex global challenges. As a scholar, you join a distinguished cohort, participate in up to three years of leadership programming, and receive full funding for up to three years of your PhD studies at Stanford. Candidates of any country may apply. KHS applicants must have earned their first undergraduate degree within the last seven years, and must apply to both a Stanford graduate program and to KHS. Stanford PhD students may also apply to KHS during their first year of PhD enrollment. If you aspire to be a leader in your field, we invite you to apply. The KHS application deadline is October 11, 2023. Learn more about  KHS admission .

Start English PhD Application

English Ph.D.

The Ph.D. program in English at the University of Texas at Austin is one of the largest and best doctoral programs of its kind. Ranked in the top 20 English Graduate Programs by U.S. News & World Report , our program offers students intensive research mentoring and pedagogical training in the vibrant setting that is Austin, Texas. In addition, all admitted English PhD students receive six years of full funding .

Drawing on the resources of two units, the Department of English and the Department of Rhetoric and Writing, our program has at its center a dynamic and dedicated faculty of over 60 .

While the Ph.D. program is housed in and administered by the Department of English , the Department of Rhetoric and Writing is a crucial partner in helping to educate our shared students. The make-up of each cohort of students mirrors our unusual interdepartmental collaboration: each year we accept 10-12 students in literature and 4 in rhetoric and digital literacies.

One of the distinguishing features of our program is its collegiality and sense of shared purpose. Students and faculty work collaboratively on a number of departmental and university-wide committees, participate actively in reading and writing groups, and treat one another with respect.

Our program is engaged not only in meeting the challenges of a complex, rapidly changing academic discipline but also in helping to shape it. Our graduate courses examine relationships between writing and other cultural practices and explore the social, historical, rhetorical, and technological processes by which literature and other discourses are constituted. While we take seriously our responsibility to help train the next generation of the professoriate—that is, to cultivate scholarship, effective teaching, and collegiality—we also encourage our students to think of their training and their futures in the broadest terms possible.

Requirements

• Foreign Language Requirement
• Tab Option 4
• Tab Option 5

All students, regardless of whether they enter with a BA or MA, are required to complete 39 hours of formal graduate coursework taken for a grade before the end of their third year. These 39 hours must include:

• E384K Disciplinary Inquiries, which is taken in the first semester. It may not include other courses under the E384 course number.
• At least one 3-hour seminar on pre-1800 material
• At least one 3-hour seminar on post-1800 material
• At least 3 hours, but no more than 9 hours, taken out of department. Out-of-department courses include: undergraduate English courses taken for graduate credit, creative writing workshops or Literature for Writers courses with the New Writers Project, and supervised study conference courses arranged with individual faculty members.

These curricular requirements ensure that students encounter a wide range of courses, faculty, and texts during their time at UT, extending well beyond their specialized area of interest. Students choose coursework in consultation with the Associate Graduate Advisor, who may allow substitutions for English courses in cases where alternate coursework is needed to supplement departmental offerings. This alternate coursework could take the form of the out-of-department courses listed above. Such substitutions may be warranted in cases where a student is pursuing a portfolio in an interdisciplinary unit such as CWGS, MALS, or AADS; where the English department offers few courses in the student’s area of interest; or where the student needs to pursue a foreign language for research purposes. We encourage students to investigate portfolio options early in their career so they can integrate those courses as soon as possible. Some portfolios require 12 hours of coursework; in those cases, the Associate Graduate Advisor will grant an exception to the 9-hour limit on out-of-department courses.

Students who hold the position of AI are also required to take RHE398T, which is usually taken during the fall semester of their third year, or when a graduate student teaches RHE306 for the first time. RHE398T does not count toward the required 39 hours of formal graduate coursework.

Beginning in their third year of the program, students have the option of enrolling in additional seminars inside or outside the department, choosing whether to take these courses for a grade or for Credit/No Credit.  They can also enroll in E384L Scholarly Publication (usually taken in or after the third year) and E384M Professional Outcomes (usually taken in or after the fourth year). Students take these two courses for Credit/No Credit. The graduate program encourages students to continue enrolling in optional courses throughout their years as a PhD student, while they are reading for exams and planning and writing a dissertation.

In the spring of year three, students must pass the  Third-Year Examination , which tests their knowledge of and engagement with chosen fields of specialization. Students will be examined on either a fixed reading list or a reading list developed by three faculty members in collaboration with the student. The list will contain 60-80 primary and/or secondary texts. The Third-Year Examination consists of a written and an oral component. The written component consists of: 1) a 1000- to 2000-word intellectual rationale for the list; 2) an annotated version of the list (at least 1/3 of the texts with an annotation of 100 words or more each); and 3) two syllabi based on the list—the first for a survey course, the second for an upper-division seminar. Students will then sit for a two-hour oral examination during which the committee will ask questions about both the written materials and the students’ comprehension of the reading list.

The  Prospectus Examination  grants students an opportunity to receive formal feedback from three faculty members on their proposed dissertation project. Students work closely with faculty to write and revise a 15- to 20-page prospectus. Once the faculty members are ready to sign off on the document, an oral Prospectus Examination is scheduled. Students are encouraged to pass the Prospectus Examination by the end of the fall semester of their fourth year in the program.

Doctoral Candidacy  is achieved when students have successfully completed the Third-Year and Prospectus Examinations; fulfilled the foreign language requirement (see below); and identified a dissertation committee of at least four faculty members, one of whom needs to be from another graduate program or institution. All students must spend at least two long semesters, or one long semester and one summer, in candidacy before earning their degree.

The last milestone for the Ph.D. is the  Final Oral Defense , otherwise known as the dissertation defense.  In general, faculty will not schedule a defense until the dissertation is completed and ready for critical engagement.

Students working toward a Ph.D. in English at UT Austin are expected to pursue courses of language study relevant to their individual professional trajectories, as determined in consultation between students themselves; their faculty mentors; and graduate program advisor(s).

Student progress toward appropriate levels of competence will be assessed by means of a four-part  Foreign Language Audit  according to the following schedule:

Fall semester of the first year: Foreign Language Interview with the associate graduate advisor to review prior training, assess current levels of expertise, and, if necessary, begin developing an appropriate language study agenda.

Spring semester of the second year: as part of the Second-Year Reflection, students complete a first Language Study Check-in with the graduate advisor(s) and their faculty sponsor, to ensure that appropriate progress has been made toward execution of the agenda with alteration or addition in light of subfield expectations and project directions.

Spring semester of the third year (in most cases): as part of the Third-Year Exam, students will complete a second Language Study Check-in, this time with their exam committee, to determine whether satisfactory progress has been achieved on their language study agenda, again with alteration or addition in light of subfield expectations and project directions.

Fourth year (in most cases): as part of the Prospectus Exam, students will finalize their Foreign Language Audit. This will involve discussion with the exam committee, along with presentation of all necessary evidence to demonstrate that the language study agenda has been fulfilled. If, in the judgment of the committee, requisite levels of language competence have not been achieved, student and committee will agree upon a binding plan for fulfillment, during which period the student shall remain on probationary status with regard to the Foreign Language Requirement. Successful fulfillment of the Foreign Language Audit must be achieved before the student advances to Ph.D. candidacy.

Notes: Some students will enter the program with sufficient foreign language skills for their course of study (e.g. either compelling evidence of literate knowledge of a language other than English, such as a high school degree from a school in a non-English speaking country, or four or more semesters at the college level of a language other than English with a grade of B or better in the last semester, or its equivalent). These students will not need to complete the final three steps of the FLA.

Program Administration

Associate Chair & Graduate Adviser: Gretchen Murphy

Associate Graduate Adviser (Literature):  Julie Minich

Associate Graduate Adviser (Rhetoric): Scott Graham

Graduate Studies Chair: Tanya Clement

Graduate Program Administrator:  Patricia Schaub

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH

• Graduate Admissions
• PhD application

The Doctoral Program in English Literature

Applying to the doctoral program.

Look for Program Code E25PH when searching for the PhD program in the online application system

Application information FOR

Matriculation in fall 2025, application deadline: tba, all application materials are due by 11:59 pm (cst) on the day of the deadline.

When reviewing applications, we look for evidence of keen intellectual ability, skill in literary analysis, scholarly potential, and a strong sense of academic purpose. We do not emphasize any single factor, but pay close attention to written work and to applicants' competency in one or more foreign languages. We typically expect to receive between 200 and 300 applications for admission to the doctoral program, with a target class size of between 6 and 8 students.

Notification of the admissions committee's decisions will most likely occur in early February. Once our offers of admissions have been made, we will invite those prospective students to campus for a Visiting Weekend around the beginning of March. This is a chance for you to meet with faculty and current graduate students, discuss future projects, and hear about current doctoral work, tour the department and the campus, sit in on graduate seminars, and to look at some of the many advantages that Evanston and Chicago have to offer.

All supplemental application materials must be submitted through The Graduate School's application system. Please do  not  send, or have sent, paper copies of any documents. If you or your recommenders are having difficulty submitting any component of the application online, and the application system's online help is unable to resolve your problem, please contact the  Graduate Program Coordinator .  Never have any application materials sent directly to The Graduate School or their Office of Admission.

In all cases , our department's specifics regarding supplemental application materials supersede those listed on The Graduate School's website, as well as any listed in the application itself.  

Supplemental Application Materials

The English Department requires that the following documents be submitted as part of the online application for the PhD program (program code E25PH).  

• We cannot accept printouts of unofficial grade reports,
• Transcripts for non-degree courses are  not  needed,
• Transfer credits and courses taken as part of a study-abroad program will usually be included in your degree-awarding institution's transcript. There's no need to submit separate transcripts from those other institutions;
• Two letters of recommendation , though we strongly advise you to ask for three;
• An academic statement (1000 word max) answering the following questions: what are your academic interests, why do you wish to pursue graduate studies in our department, how has your academic and professional background prepared you for graduate study, and how will our program help you achieve your intellectual and professional goals? Please include mention of any research, training, or educational experiences you have that would be relevant to our program;
• A personal statement (500 word max)  addressing how , as a student in our graduate program, you could contribute to an intellectual community that prioritizes equity, inclusion, belonging, and cultural humility.  Your answer may draw upon past or present experiences, whether in academic work, extracurricular or community activities, or everyday life;
• It is not required, but feel free to submit an additional statement (250 word max) addressing concerns you may have with your application. If you feel that your academic credentials do not demonstrate your true capabilities, or if there are gaps in your academic career that you think it would  like to explain, this is the section in which to share that information;
• Please do not submit creative writing samples of any kind;
• Standard margins, Times New Roman 12 pt, double spaced;
• You may submit more than one sample, so long as the total page count does not exceed 25
• To be considered official, the exam must have been taken no more than two years prior to the intended September of entry ,
• Because of the level of English fluency required of students in our program, we will only consider applications with a TOEFL score of at least 100, or IELTS score of at least 7,
• Rules governing exemptions from this requirement can be found in our  FAQ ;
• Additional details from Northwestern's Graduate School about the application (including further details on the TOEFL/IELTS requirement, transcript submission, application fees, etc...) can be found on The Graduate School's website .

Best Accredited Online Ph.D. Programs 2024

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Contributing Writer

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Rachel Miller

Updated January 2, 2024

Danika Miller

Contributing Editor

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Turn Your Dreams Into Reality

Take our quiz and we'll do the homework for you! Compare your school matches and apply to your top choice today.

A Ph.D., or doctor of philosophy, is the highest level of academic degree that you can attain. Consisting primarily of research, a Ph.D. prepares you for a career in academia or research in the field you study.

Students who choose to pursue a Ph.D. online will find it can be completed in less time. Online students also get the added benefit of being able to complete their work from the comfort of home. The overall cost may also be less compared to an in-person program.

We've compiled a list of the best accredited online Ph.D. programs to help you start your search.

Are Online Ph.D. Programs Worth It?

An online Ph.D. program is an ideal choice if you want to balance your career and family responsibilities along with your education.

While there are some preconceived notions that online programs aren't legitimate, as long as the program you choose is accredited, the degree is the same as one earned in person.

While the annual tuition cost to earn a Ph.D. online averages $12,394 for a public institution and $26,621 for a private university, doctoral graduates enjoy a lower unemployment rate and higher weekly salary than those with less education, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Did You Know...

• According to the BLS , workers with a doctoral degree earned a median of $651 more per week than workers with a bachelor's degree in 2022.
• Doctorate-holders boast some of the lowest unemployment rates at 1%.
• In 2019, research found that 39.8% of graduate students were enrolled in online learning.
• The number of doctorates awarded between 2020 and 2021 dropped by 5.4%.
• Not all Ph.D.-holders end up working in academia.

Explore Our Featured Online Doctoral Programs

Top schools for online accredited ph.d. programs.

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

Capitol Technology University

• Online + Campus

Cost per Credit: In-State | $950 Out-of-State | $950

Credits to Graduate: 60

Founded in 1927, Capitol Technology University features 40 doctoral programs, which you can complete online. Majors include aeronautical science, artificial intelligence, computer science, cybersecurity, military leadership, occupation risk management, and supply chain management. 

Programs require about 60 credits, but you can choose from a doctoral degree without any research requirements. Coursework focuses on doctoral research, proposal writing, and oral defense. Capitol also offers a dual master's and Ph.D. in technology combination program. 

Admission requirements vary, but generally you need a master's degree in a related major and five years of work experience.

Clemson University

• Clemson, SC

Cost per Credit: In-State | $515-$1,319 Out-of-State | $515-$1,319

Clemson's graduate catalog features 52 doctoral programs with the flexibility to study on campus, online, or in a hybrid format. Fields like digital history, entomology, genetics, or business administration offer on-campus programs for traditional doctoral students. You have the opportunity to study virtually in nine doctoral programs, including nursing, educational leadership, and parks, recreation and tourism management.

To obtain a doctoral degree, candidates must complete approximately 60 credits over a span of 3-5 years and successfully defend their dissertation.

Keiser University

• Fort Lauderdale, FL

Total Cost: In-State | $31,712 Out-of-State | $31,712

Keiser University, which was established in 1977, offers 19 flexible doctoral degrees. You can attend classes on the 100-acre main campus or study at one of 23 satellite campuses. Programs offer evening, online, and daytime courses. Keiser's “student first” policy lets you take 1-2 classes at a time, depending on your availability. It takes about 2-5 years to earn your doctoral degree.

To apply for a doctoral program, you need to submit your master's or doctoral transcripts, a resume, personal statement, and an application with a fee.

Mississippi State University

• Mississippi State, MS

Cost per Credit: In-State | $537 Out-of-State | $1,074-$1,468

Credits to Graduate: 60-65

The public research university MSU, which began admitting students in 1880 as an Agricultural and Mechanical College, now boasts 71 doctoral degrees, including 15 virtual programs. Ph.D. programs include engineering, computer science, agricultural sciences, mathematical sciences, and educational leadership. In addition to coursework, you'll need to complete a dissertation and defense on an independent research topic.

As a doctoral candidate, you can access ample research opportunities. The Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station runs 16 stations throughout the state. Applicants need a recommended 3.4 GPA for their master's-level coursework.

Nova Southeastern University

Cost per Credit: In-State | $969-$1,386 Out-of-State | $969-$1,386

Credits to Graduate: 51-64

Nova Southeastern University, the largest private research university in Florida, boasts 14 colleges and 11 campuses. NSU offers 37 doctoral programs, with 19 of them available online. Earn a doctoral degree online in subjects such as criminal justice, computer science, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology. 

Departments such as the NSU Fischler College of Education and the School of Criminal Justice offer dissertation resources, including templates and mentor support. Each program sets distinct admission requirements, but you generally need a master's degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Old Dominion University

• Norfolk, VA

Cost per Credit: In-State | $599 Out-of-State | $1,439

Credits to Graduate: 31-60 

Old Dominion University offers 10 online doctoral programs through its seven colleges and three schools. The program covers a range of subjects such as nursing, community college leadership, educational leadership, engineering management, English, instruction design and technology, and workforce and organizational development. 

Admission requirements vary across programs. For instance, the Ph.D. in business administration requires GMAT or GRE scores, while the Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction asks applicants to submit master's transcripts, an essay, and three references.

Saybrook University

• Pasadena, CA

Cost per Credit: In-State | $1,416-$1,590 Out-of-State | $1,416-$1,590

Credits to Graduate: 54-76

Offering hybrid online degrees since 1970, Saybrook University now delivers 11 online doctoral degrees. You can earn a doctoral degree completely online or in a hybrid format with a low-residency option.

Doctoral students can pursue studies in counseling, integrative social work, organizational systems, mind-body medicine, integrative and functional nutrition, psychology, and wellness. To get admitted, you need at least a master's degree. And you complete up to 76 credits over about 4-5 years.

Texas Tech University

• Lubbock, TX

Cost per Semester: In-State | $2,107-$6,877 Out-of-State | $2,107-$6,877

Credits to Graduate: 60-96

Created in 1923, Texas Tech's 13 colleges and schools offer 98 doctoral degrees. Texas Tech offers doctoral degrees in agricultural and applied economics, animal science, computer science, curriculum and instruction, and special education. 

Many of the doctoral programs, such as the Ph.D. in psychology and Ph.D. in wind science and engineering, offer STEM OPT Extension eligibility to extend your F-1 visa for up to two years. Programs require about 60 credits on average and a dissertation. Depending on the program, you may need to submit GRE scores to apply.

How We Rank Schools

Accredited Schools Online uses a custom ranking system to evaluate schools on their quality, affordability, and reputation.

We rank schools using factors like graduation rate, admission rate, tuition costs, financial aid, and program offerings. All our ranked schools hold institutional accreditation .

For this page, we created a directory of online accredited Ph.D. programs that meet our criteria. The list is organized alphabetically rather than ranked.

Learn more about how we create school rankings on our methodology page .

Does Accreditation Matter for Online Ph.D. Programs?

A college is accredited after being recognized by an independent institution that verifies the school's courses and programs meet set quality standards.

The school you choose must be accredited in order for your Ph.D. to be recognized by employers , earn professional licensures, and qualify you for federal financial aid.

Legitimate accreditors are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

How Much Does an Online Ph.D. Cost?

In general, you can expect to pay around $13,000-$30,000 per year in tuition and fees for your online Ph.D.

Several factors affect how much your Ph.D. program will cost, including:

• Whether the program is fully funded
• Whether your school is public or private
• Whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student
• How long your program lasts (most Ph.D. programs take 5-7 years to complete)
• How much financial aid you get

While many in-person and online doctoral programs in the U.S. are fully funded, these tend to be highly competitive.

One way to save money on your online Ph.D. is to attend a program that offers in-state tuition to residents. Make sure you submit the FAFSA each year so you can secure federal financial aid .

You may also need to budget for occasional travel to and from campus and research sites, especially as you work on your dissertation.

What's the Difference Between a Ph.D. and a Doctorate?

While a Ph.D. and a doctoral degree, or doctorate, both signify the same level of education completed, their uses are different.

Doctorate is the broader term — a Ph.D. is a type of doctorate. Specifically, a Ph.D. is an academic degree that prepares you for a career in research or teaching in your field of study (such as science, English, or economics).

Besides a Ph.D., other types of doctorates include a doctor of medicine (MD), a doctor of education (Ed.D.), and a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.). These degrees are typically used in either an academic or professional setting.

Online Ph.D. Programs That Don't Require a Dissertation

A dissertation is a final written project culminating in a student's original research at the end of their Ph.D. program. A dissertation is typically presented and defended by its author. It's typically required for degrees with an academic or research focus.

Not all Ph.D. programs require a dissertation. For example, some Ph.D. programs in humanities, education, business administration, and criminal justice require simple or no dissertations for a quicker completion time .

What Jobs Can You Get After Earning an Online Ph.D.?

Once you finish your online doctoral program, you can explore a variety of career paths both within and outside academia.

Many Ph.D. graduates, especially those who studied the humanities, go on to become professors. Other popular roles include administrator, scientist, and psychologist.

Graduates of online Ph.D. programs earn a relatively high average base salary of $105,000 a year, according to Payscale .

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Ph.D. Programs

• Collapse All

What is the quickest Ph.D. to get?

The quickest Ph.D. to earn are those that award professional degrees and don't require extensive research projects or dissertations at completion. These Ph.D. programs can include accounting, business, education, and media.

To finish your degree faster, you can also look for accelerated programs that quicken the pace of a program and shorten the time it takes to complete.

Are online doctoral programs legit?

If the online doctoral program is accredited, it is legitimate. Accreditation ensures that the program meets the rigorous educational standards of other comparative doctoral programs.

With accreditation, employers and other institutions of higher learning will recognize your degree. As more universities turn toward online programs to serve a more diverse student population, there are a growing number of legitimate, accredited online Ph.D. programs.

How long are online Ph.D. programs?

Online Ph.D. programs, like any other doctoral program, can vary in length but typically take 5-7 years to complete. A doctoral degree balances coursework with research. Usually, students must meet a certain number of course requirements before they can start original research.

While coursework may take only a year or two, writing a dissertation that meets the program requirements varies from candidate to candidate.

Can I earn my Ph.D. entirely online?

Yes, many accredited colleges and universities offer 100% online Ph.D. programs. That said, some programs may require on-campus experiences, such as library research and a dissertation defense.

What do employers think of online doctoral programs?

It takes a high level of discipline and persistence to obtain a graduate degree, no matter the context. Most employers will recognize and value the hard work it takes to get a Ph.D., whether you completed your doctorate online or in person.

Make sure you research potential programs. If you're attending an accredited, well-regarded school, employers will value your online Ph.D. just as much as a traditional one.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Accredited Schools Online. Page last reviewed November 20, 2023.

Popular Resources

Whether you’re looking to earn your online degree or you’re a parent looking for answers, you can find all of your questions covered here. Explore these resources to help you make informed decisions and prepare for whatever is thrown your way.

Shape your future with an online degree

Connect with a community of peers, and find a program that will allow you to continue your education in a fast and flexible way.

Department of English

Doctoral program.

• Graduate Studies

Brown's doctoral program in English offers professional training in literary criticism, critical theory, intellectual history, and all aspects of research and pedagogy in the humanities.

We promote the analysis of imaginative forms, cultural logics, and literary and visual rhetorics across the Anglophone world.  Our students are encouraged to think outside traditional conceptions of the discipline of literary studies, and often work with a diverse range of faculty, departments, and centers at Brown. Partner units include the Cogut Institute for the Humanities, the Pembroke Center, the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs, the Center for Contemporary South Asia, the Center for the Study of Race and Ethnicity in America, the Center for the Study of Slavery and Justice, and the Departments of Modern Culture and Media, Comparative Literature, History, American Studies, Africana Studies, Literary Arts, French Studies, German Studies, Hispanic Studies, Brazilian and Portuguese Studies, the History of Art and Architecture, and Music.

The first two years of the doctoral program are devoted to course work and the fulfillment of the foreign language requirement. We expect graduate students to take the Qualifying Examination by the end of the third year. Their remaining time in the program is given to the writing of the dissertation. We expect this project to involve research and to demonstrate the potential to become a book or series of articles during the early years of the student’s career as a college or university professor.

Brown’s doctoral program trains graduate students to become teachers as well as researchers. Thus we require that, with some exceptions, our students teach for three years as assistants to members of the English Department faculty and as instructors of sections of ENGL0900 ( formerly ENGL0110 ) Critical Reading and Writing I: The Academic Essay, and ENGL0200 Seminars in Writing, Literatures, and Cultures. This teaching begins in the second year of the program. As part of their course work all students are required to take ENGL2950 Seminar in Pedagogy and Composition Theory. To help develop their teaching skills, we assign students to a variety of teaching positions, from assistant in a large course to instructor of a virtually autonomous workshop. We are convinced that the intellectual relationship between teaching and research is one that stands a college or university teacher in good stead for the duration of his or her career, and we try to establish this relationship early on by assigning graduate students, whenever possible, to teach courses related to their general area of research, and to work with faculty who may serve as appropriate mentors.

Course Requirements

Thirteen courses.

Candidates for the Ph.D. are required to take a minimum of thirteen courses. These courses are typically distributed as follows:

• Six courses in the first year (one of which is the required Proseminar*)
• Five in the second year. ENGL2950 Seminar in Pedagogy and Composition Theory is taken by all students during their second year of graduate studies.
• Two in the third year. The two courses taken in the third year can be independent studies designed to help students prepare for the qualifying exam.

Among the thirteen courses, students must take one in each of the following areas:

• Medieval and Early Modern Literatures and Cultures
• Enlightenment and the Rise of National Literatures and Cultures
• Modern and Contemporary Literatures and Cultures

Graduate students are also required to take one course during their first year of study that focuses on race and empire, which can also satisfy one of the three area requirements listed above.

*First-year graduate students are required to take ENGL2210. This Proseminar aims to familiarize students with contemporary critical debates and stances in the wider discipline, engage with current methodologies, theories, and analytical tensions and address issues of professionalization as they relate to the first years of graduate work.

Foreign Language

Foreign language competence and courses in particular areas of specialization are required.

Ph.D. candidates can satisfy the language requirement by demonstrating an ability to use a foreign language in their scholarly and critical work. The department offers its own language exams. Students may ordinarily choose any language  appropriate to their research interests, but some fields within English and American literature have specific requirements.

Professionalization Seminars

Throughout the year, the Department plans a series of seminars that address a variety of timely academic topics that are meant to enhance the students' professional development , as well as expose them to important elements of an academic career. The seminars are usually led by faculty members, and the topics are determined each year by the Graduate Committee. Students in all years are strongly recommended to attend the professionalization seminars since they are a constitutive part of graduate formation.

Learn about Professional Development

Masters from Another Institution

In their second year at Brown, students who already have an A.M. (or M.A.) in English or graduate credit from another institution may transfer up to one year’s coursework toward the requirements for the Ph.D. at the discretion of the department.

Qualifying Examination

The purpose of the Qualifying Examination is to certify your mastery of the scholarly field in which you have chosen to specialize. It consists of two components:

• Written Component—an essay of approximately 20 pages representing your best scholarly work to date and submitted to your committee by September 15 of your third year, and
• Oral Examination—the oral exam is given by a committee of three faculty members chosen by the candidate; it lasts approximately two hours. The exam is taken by April 15 of the third year. The foreign language requirement must be completed in order to take the exam. See the Graduate Student Handbook for detailed guidelines.

Dissertation

The dissertation is a substantial work of criticism and scholarship that makes a contribution to professionally recognized areas of literary study. The dissertation process begins when the candidate’s proposal and first chapter are approved by a committee in his or her field and accepted by the Director of Graduate Studies. It concludes when the completed dissertation is presented to a committee of three faculty members, including the dissertation director, and successfully defended in discussion with the committee and other interested members of the department.

See Past Dissertation Topics

Financial Assistance

The University offers incoming graduate students six years of guaranteed financial support, including a stipend, tuition remission, a health services fee, and a health insurance subsidy. Students are supported by a fellowship in the first year. In years two, three, five, and six, students are supported by a teaching assistantship, and in year four by a dissertation fellowship. Financial support is contingent upon students remaining in good standing in the program and making good progress toward the doctoral degree.

Applications & Deadlines

Applications must be submitted electronically via the  Graduate School's website .

• The deadline for applications is  December 15, 2023 .
• The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general and subject tests are not required.
• Application materials should not be sent directly to the English Department.

English (Literature), PHD

On this page:.

At a Glance: program details

• Location: Tempe campus
• Second Language Requirement: No

Program Description

Degree Awarded: PHD English (Literature)

The PhD program in English with a concentration in literature trains students in various methodologies, pedagogies and areas of inquiry that constitute literary and cultural studies.

With a diverse and distinguished faculty, the program offers opportunities for specialization in traditional areas of literary criticism, cultural analysis and theory, as well as various fields of interdisciplinary study.

A doctorate in literature equips students with a range of highly sought-after skills and competencies: research and analysis of complex material, communication in written and oral modes, collaboration, independence and self-motivation, creativity and adaptability.

The PhD in English (literature) at ASU is a premier graduate program in the U.S. with strong interdisciplinary ties and faculty links to research centers on campus and in the state, including the Arizona Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies, the Center for the Study of Race and Democracy, the Institute for Humanities Research, and the Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing. With these resources and a strong mentorship program at their fingertips, our graduates are prepared for a wide array of professional opportunities including careers in college teaching, research, writing, editing, higher education, and humanities-related organizations.

Lee Bebout ,  Director  

Sheila Luna , Program Manager

Faculty in Literature

Doctoral Examinations

Doctoral Procedures and Timeline

Teaching Assistantships

Degree Requirements

84 credit hours, a foreign language exam, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

A student with an appropriate master's degree must complete a minimum of 54 credit hours of approved graduate work, which includes 12 credit hours of dissertation, provided the student's master's degree is accepted by the supervisory committee and the academic unit. Research hours may be used toward coursework in consultation with the advisor.

A student without an appropriate master's degree must complete 84 credit hours of work at ASU. At the advisor's discretion, students may include up to 12 credit hours of appropriate, graduate-level coursework undertaken at another university and not previously counted toward any other degree.

Specifically required are six credit hours in theory courses and ENG 501 Approaches to Research. Students must complete eight graduate courses in any of the following categories:

• cultural studies
• ethnic studies
• gender studies
• history and structure of the English language
• literature 1500--1660
• literature 1660--1900
• literature since 1900
• literature to 1500
• postcolonial or anglophone literatures

Students must take at least five graduate seminars at the 600 level en route to the doctorate, at least three of which must be taken in the doctoral program. Up to 12 credit hours taken outside the department may be counted toward the degree. Students should consult with their supervisory committees when choosing electives.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• statement of purpose
• resume or curriculum vitae
• three letters of recommendation
• academic writing sample relevant to the field
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English and has not graduated from an institution of higher learning in the United States must provide proof of English proficiency, regardless of current residency. Applicants can find more information about English proficiency requirements on the school website . Please note that official scores must be sent to ASU in order for the application to be processed.

The well-considered, one- to two-page, single-spaced statement of purpose should explain the applicant's scholarly background and training, career goals, proposed research specialization, any secondary field of interest and why the applicant wishes to pursue a PhD in English (Literature) at Arizona State University. Applicants applying for funding must also submit a statement of teaching philosophy.

Courses and Electives

Approaches to Research (3 credits / one class) :  Students must take the core class ENG 501 Approaches to Research.

Theory (6 credits / two courses): Appropriate courses for filling this requirement must be in the area of the history of criticism, literary theory, rhetorical theory, linguistic theory or cultural theory. Examples of courses which meet this requirement, if the specific topic is appropriate, include the following: ENG 502, 503, 504, 550, 551, 552, 554, 556, 602, 604, 651, LIN 510, 516, 517; however, an equivalent or more advanced course in linguistic, rhetorical or literary theory would also be acceptable.

Additional Required Courses (24 credits / 8 classes): Students must complete eight graduate courses in any of the following categories: cultural studies, ethnic studies, gender studies, genre, history and structure of the English language, literature to 1500, literature 1500-1660, literature 1660-1900, literature since 1900, postcolonial or anglophone literatures.

A minimum of five courses counted toward the PhD, which may include those listed above, must be taken at the 600-level (three of which must be taken in the doctoral program at ASU). Students wishing to take courses outside of the department may count up to 12 credit hours toward the degree. These courses may also fulfill some of the above degree requirements. Students should consult with an advisor or their committee chair when choosing electives.

Other Requirements

Language Requirement : PhD students must demonstrate evidence of a competent knowledge of a natural language other than modern English, to be selected by the student, subject to the approval of the chair of the dissertation committee. The language requirement must be completed before the student is eligible to take the doctoral exams. This requirement may be met by

• Earning a “B” (3.00) or higher in a 400- or 500-level course in an appropriate (approved) language.
• Demonstrating comparable proficiency by taking a language examination, administered by the School of International Letters and Cultures, in a language approved by the student’s supervisory committee.
• Demonstrating native-speaker proficiency, as determined by the School of International Letters and Cultures, in a language approved by the student’s supervisory committee.
• Earning a “B” (3.00) or higher in both ENG 530 Old English and ENG 531 Old English Literature or their equivalent.
• Holding a bachelor’s degree in an approved foreign language.
• Having fulfilled a foreign language requirement towards a previously awarded master’s degree that has been completed within five years of the semester for which the student has been admitted to the doctoral program. This foreign language must be in a language approved by the student’s doctoral supervisory committee.
• For languages which the School of International Letters and Cultures does not offer or does not offer above the 200 level, two years (4 semesters) of successfully completed college level coursework at least at the 100 and 200 level with a C or better would fulfill the requirement. The coursework must have been successfully completed no more than six years prior to admission to the degree program.

PhD Examinations :  Essay, oral exam, colloquy on the dissertation prospectus.

Dissertation : Students must take 12 credit hours of ENG 799.

Miscellaneous : Students may take research (ENG 792) for the purpose of working independently in preparation for the doctoral examination. This is an alternative to be elected by the student at the discretion and with the approval of the advisor and supervisory committee and can count towards course work. Satisfactory completion of ENG 792 is indicated by the grade of "Y." Individual interim segments of ENG 792 will be graded "Z" (course in progress), and changed to "Y" (successful completion) after the dissertation defense. No conventional letter grades are awarded for ENG 792 or 799.

The Graduate College also requires that students be enrolled every semester, excluding summer sessions, until they have completed all requirements for the degree. Continuous enrollment may be satisfied by registration for one hour of ENG 799, or, in cases where dissertation or other credit hours are not needed, Continuous Registration (ENG 595 or 795). If students wish to interrupt their programs of study for one or more semesters, they may apply for a leave of absence, not to exceed one year. Failure to enroll or obtain leave status for the semesters in which they are not enrolled will result in dismissal from the program.

Doctoral Supervisory Committee

The doctoral supervisory committee consists of a minimum of three members from the  graduate faculty  selected at the time the student files a program of study. In consultation with the director of the Ph.D. program, the student will select the committee chair, who also serves as the student's advisor. Once a graduate faculty member has agreed to serve as the student's chair, the student and chair will then consult before recommending two other members to the director of the doctoral program. Ideally another member of the supervisory committee in addition to the chair should be in the area of specialization. It is the responsibility of each student to form a supervisory committee very early in the program so that the chair and members of the committee may be involved in shaping the course of study, for example, in determining such matters as the choice of foreign language(s) and in specifying courses that will be required for the student's particular area of concentration.

Important Notice to Current International Students

In order for international students to maintain good standing for their VISAs, they must take a minimum of 9 credit hours per semester (i.e., 3 classes), 6 credits (2 classes) should be face-to-face classes.

Next Steps to attend ASU

Learn about our programs, apply to a program, visit our campus, application deadlines, learning outcomes.

• Identify and evaluate various disciplinary arguments, trends, traditions and debates within the knowledge community of literary and cultural studies scholars.
• Demonstrate the ability to produce written work of publishable quality.
• Demonstrate research skills necessary to bring a project of literary or cultural analysis to fruition, including the ability to evaluate disciplinary debates and developments; and the ability to produce research on historical and cultural meanings of texts and related cultural productions.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for careers in higher education and other fields that value this expertise. Sectors employing high numbers of arts and humanities graduates include information and communication, financial and insurance, public administration and defense, arts and entertainment, and education.

Career examples include:

• art director
• criminal investigator or special agent
• intelligence analyst
• market research analyst
• museum curator, educator or exhibit designer
• political analyst
• public relations specialist or manager
• technical writer

Global Opportunities

Global experience.

With over 250 programs in more than 65 countries (ranging from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students wishing to gain global skills and knowledge in preparation for a 21st-century career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

• [email protected]
• 480/965-3194

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The graduate program in English provides you with a broad knowledge in the discipline, including critical and cultural theory and literary history. This solid foundation enables you to choose your own path based on the wide variety of areas of concentration. Our flexible program allows you to take courses outside the department to further explore your chosen field(s). Our program emphasizes excellence in writing, innovative scholarship, and eloquent presentations—important skills you will need in your future profession. The program and its faculty are committed both to diversity in its student body and in the diversity of thought and scholarship.

Examples of student theses and dissertations include “The Write to Stay Home: Southern Black Literature from the Great Depression to Early Twenty-first Century,” “Profaning Theater: The Drama of Religion on the Modernists Stage,” and “Sentimental Borders: Genre and Geography in the Literature of Civil War and Reconstruction.”

Graduates have secured faculty positions at institutions such as Brown University, Columbia University, and University of California, Los Angeles. Others have begun their careers with leading organizations such as Google and McKinsey & Company.

Additional information on the graduate program is available from the Department of English and requirements for the degree are detailed in Policies .

Areas of Study

Unspecified | Medieval | Renaissance/Early Modern | 18th Century/Enlightenment | 19th Century British/Romantics/Victorian | Early American (to 1900) | 20th Century British | 20th Century American | Criticism and Theory | The English Language | Transnational Anglophone/Postcolonial | African American Literature | Drama | Poetry

Admissions Requirements

Please review admissions requirements and other information before applying. You can find degree program-specific admissions requirements below and access additional guidance on applying from the Department of English .

Writing Sample

The writing samples (one primary and one secondary) are highly significant parts of the application. Applicants should submit 2 double-spaced, 15-page papers of no more than 5,000 words each, in 12-point type with 1-inch margins. The writing samples must be examples of critical writing (rather than creative writing) on subjects directly related to English. Applicants should not send longer papers with instructions to read an excerpt or excerpts but should edit the samples themselves so that they submit only 15 pages for each paper. Applicants who know the field in which they expect to specialize should, when possible, submit a primary writing sample related to that field.

Statement of Purpose

The statement of purpose is not a personal statement and should not be heavily weighted down with autobiographical anecdotes. It should be no longer than 1,000 words. It should give the admissions committee a clear sense of applicants’ individual interests and strengths. Applicants need not indicate a precise field of specialization if they do not know, but it is helpful to know something about a candidate’s professional aspirations and sense of their own skills, as well as how the Harvard Department of English might help in attaining their goals. Those who already have a research topic in mind should outline it in detail, giving a sense of how they plan their progress through the program. Those who do not should at least attempt to define the questions and interests they foresee driving their work over the next few years.

Standardized Tests

GRE: Not Accepted

While there are no specific prerequisites for admission, a strong language background helps to strengthen the application, and students who lack it should be aware that they will need to address these gaps during their first two years of graduate study.

While a candidate's overall GPA is important, it is more important to have an average of no lower than A- in literature (and related) courses. In addition, while we encourage applications from candidates in programs other than English, they must have both the requisite critical skills and a foundation in English literature for graduate work in English. Most of our successful candidates have some knowledge of all the major fields of English literary study and advanced knowledge of the field in which they intend to study.

Theses & Dissertations

Theses & Dissertations for English

See list of English faculty

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Questions about the program.

Department of English

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Ph.d. in literature.

Our PhD students are involved in a range of interdisciplinary and public initiatives. For example, some affiliate with interdisciplinary  Designated Emphases ; others have received grants to create  podcasts , convene interdisciplinary  working groups , or organize and annual graduate student conferences . Each year one student participates in a year-long exchange program with the  Obama Institute for Transnational American Studies  in Mainz, Germany; some have worked as Graduate Assistants and researchers for research centers such as the  Medieval and Early Modern Studies Program , the experimental media  Modlab , and the university’s  Datalab .

Students graduate with the qualitative and quantitative skills necessary for professional research and teaching in English, as well as extensive pedagogical training and a range of teaching experience that includes writing and composition, as well as designing and teaching Introduction to Literature courses. Our Alumni Directory  includes titles of recent dissertations, as well as information about the diverse careers for which the PhD has helped prepare our graduates. There is an option to complete an MA in literature , but it is not a stand-alone program.

Questions? Contact:

Aaron Barstow Graduate Program Coordinator, Ph.D. Program in Literature [email protected]   (530) 752-2738 Pronouns: he/they

Admissions / Online Application

Degree requirements for the Ph.D. program   (links to more details) include 50 units of coursework with at least 44 units taken for a letter grade, proficiency in one foreign language proficiency before degree conferral, preliminary and qualifying examinations, and a dissertation. In addition, there are also opportunities for students to pursue a Designated Emphasis and gain teaching experience.

Coursework Requirements

2 Core Courses (8 units)

• English 200: Introduction to Graduate Studies (taken as Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory)
• One survey course in literary theory (Critical Theory 200A or 200C taken for a grade).

1 Workshop (2 units)

• English 288: Prospectus Workshop (taken as Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory); students may petition to complete this course independently with a Prospectus Adviser.

10 Graduate-level Seminars (40 units)

• All courses must be taken for a grade.
• Five courses must satisfy the breadth requirement (see below).
• Five courses will be comprised of electives (see below).
• Students may count one undergraduate 100-level course as one of their ten required courses.
• Aside from ENL 200, no course graded Satisfactory-Unsatisfactory may count as one of the twelve required seminars. Independent and group studies may not be taken for a grade.

13 Total Graduate Courses (50 units; 44 units taken for a grade)  Additionally, students who enter the Ph.D. program without a MA degree can earn one en route to the Ph.D. degree.

The English Ph.D. requires a reading knowledge of one foreign language before completing the degree; it is not an admissions requirement. This could be satisfied through previous or current coursework or an exam. Any of the following demonstrates proficiency:

Completion within the past eight years of 3 semester-length, or 4 quarter-length courses in a foreign language at the undergraduate level. Students must earn a passing grade, but courses may be taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Students may take the Placement Test offered by the UC Davis Language Center , testing out of the language at the intermediate level.

A Pass in the language exam offered in the English Department at the beginning of Fall or Spring quarter each year.

The breadth requirements must be fulfilled by coursework in the Department of English or coursework taught by English Department faculty.  Five courses (of the total 40 units above) will satisfy this requirement. Students must complete two Earlier Period courses, and two Later Period courses, and one Focus course. 

Earlier Period Courses Pre-1800; or Pre-1865 if the course focus is on American literature

Later Period Courses post-1800; or post-1865 if the course focus is on American literature

Focus Course Interdisciplinary, Identity, Genre, Other National, Method, Theory

Faculty and/or the Graduate Advisor may choose to designate a course as fulfilling more than one category, but students may use the course to fulfill only one requirement. For instance, a student could use a course on women in Early Modern literature to satisfy the Earlier Period requirement, or the Focus (Identity) requirement, but not both. A student could use a course on Cold War Drama to satisfy the Later Period requirement or the Focus (Genre) requirement, but not both.

The electives requirement can be fulfilled by actual offered seminars inside or outside the English Department.  Five elective courses will satisfy degree requirements. UWP 390 is acceptable as one of the electives. Also, be aware 299s are ungraded but still count towards overall units. With the approval of the Graduate Adviser, students may also enroll in a graduate class at another University of California campus through the Intercampus Exchange Program .

Students who enter the Ph.D. program with MA coursework from another institution may petition the Graduate Adviser for a Course Waiver up to three of the twelve required seminars; each approved petition will reduce the number of required courses by one. Students may not reduce their coursework to fewer than nine seminars.

Students holding an MA may also petition the Graduate Adviser for course relief for up to five of the breadth requirements; each approved petition allows the student to substitute elective courses. ENL 200 may not be waived or relieved.

For each waiver or relief request, students must submit to the English Graduate Office a Course Waiver or Relief Request form (available in the office) along with the syllabus from the course and the student's seminar paper.

Graduate students may participate in a Designated Emphasis (DE) , a specialization that might include a new method of inquiry or an important field of application which is related to two or more existing Ph.D. programs. The DE is awarded in conjunction with the Ph.D. degree and is signified by a transcript notation; for example, “Ph.D. in Literature with a Designated Emphasis in Native American Studies.”  More information .

In the Spring Quarter of the second year or Fall Quarter of the third year of graduate study, students take a Preliminary Examination in two historical fields and one focus field. Three faculty members conduct the oral examination, each representing one of the fields. Prior to taking the Preliminary Examination, students must have completed the following:

Introduction to Graduate Studies (ENL200)

Survey of Literary Theory (CRI200A or CRI200C)

Four of five Breadth Requirements

Four of five Elective Requirements

Additionally, students select one focus field. A student may devise her/his own focus list in collaboration with two faculty members or, as is more common, choose one from among the following:

Black Studies

Critical Theory

Disability Studies

Ecocriticism and Environmental Humanities

Film Studies

Media Technologies

Performance Studies

Postcolonial Theory

Psychoanalysis

Queer Feminisms

Queer Theories

Race and Ethnicity Studies

Science and Literature

Science Fiction

English 299 (Independent Study) is ordinarily used the quarters before the Preliminary Examination to prepare for the oral  examination and is graded Satisfactory-Unsatisfactory. Students may register for ENL 299 under the Graduate Advisor or a faculty member in the field of their exam for the quarter(s) they intend to study.

In the event that the student does not pass the exam, the exam chair will report the decision to the Graduate Adviser, who will work with the committee to decide whether the student should be given a chance to retake the exam (no less than six months later) or whether the student should be dismissed from the program. The Graduate Adviser will report this final decision to the student within 72 hours of the exam’s conclusion.

Any remaining requirements after taking the Preliminary Examination must be completed before scheduling the Qualifying Examination.

Students will select two historical fields from among the following list.   Students who would like to do non-consecutive historical fields need to get prior approval from the Graduate Adviser.  These lists and additional helpful documents can be accessed via our box folder "Preliminary Exam" in the English Graduate Program file.

The Qualifying Examination  happens as early as the spring of the third year and should be taken no later than the spring of the fourth year . The reading list for this exam, which is conducted orally, is constructed by the student in consultation with his or her three-person dissertation committee. When making their lists, students may consult the standard lists for preliminary exams available on the department's Box site. If the student has elected a designated emphasis (DE), materials from that field should also be incorporated into the Qualifying Exam reading list.

Graduate Studies requires the Qualifying Examination Application (GS319) to be submitted at least 30 days prior the the scheduled exam date.

Qualifying Examination Committee  The student, in consultation with their Prospectus Adviser and, if needed, the Graduate Adviser, nominates  four   faculty to serve on the Qualifying Examination Committee: 

• The three proposed Dissertation Committee members 
• One member must be from outside the English graduate program (this may be a member of the Dissertation Committee). 

The QE Committee is responsible for administering the exam. Neither the “Prospectus Adviser” nor the Dissertation Director (in many, though not all, cases these will be same) may be the chair of the QE Committee. Students with a designated emphasis (DE) must include one faculty member affiliated with the DE on both their qualifying and dissertation committee. DE paperwork must be approved before the QE application is submitted. The exam will focus on the Prospectus and the Qualifying Exam reading list. The bibliography of the prospectus will normally overlap substantially with the Qualifying Exam reading list.

The Qualifying Exam Report (GS343) must be submitted withing 72 hours of the exam. Upon successful completion, students receive the Candidacy for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Plan B (GS321) .

If you are disabled, you are entitled to accommodations for all requirements of the program you’re enrolled in, a process formally handled by the Student Disability Center . We recommend starting the process of coordinating with the SDC early in your graduate school journey, as it can take time for the Center to process information.  We must work with the SDC to implement your accommodations for your exams.  Please indicate your need for accommodations to us as soon as possible, so we can include the Center in our exam scheduling process.  Please notify us by the fourth week of the quarter in which you intend to sit the exam.

The dissertation must be an original work of scholarship and/or interpretation. It may be critical, bibliographical, historical, or biographical in its subject. Students work with a dissertation director and consult with two official readers as well as with other faculty knowledgeable about the project. A dditional details . 

Top 10 Most Affordable English PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2024

We rank the most affordable online PhD doctorate programs in English. It is possible to find a highly reputable program that is also affordable.

Key Takeaways

• Students in English doctoral programs become proficient in literary analysis, cultural understanding, and research techniques.
• Students may enroll in a PhD in English degree program to pursue literary education, teaching, or research-focused careers.
• To make online English PhD programs even more affordable, schools offer generous financial aid packages, grants, scholarships, and assistantships.

Featured Programs

What is an online phd in english.

The greatest degree a person with a master’s degree in English Language and Literature can receive is a doctorate of philosophy or simply a PhD in English. It’s a broad-based doctoral degree that gives students the tools they need to conduct in-depth research.

An English doctoral degree not only helps professionals get familiar with the subtleties of different writing styles but also gives them a thorough understanding of how literature and language affect how people react to the outside world.

An online PhD in English doctorate degree program provides a solid grounding in literary works and regional cultures. Because it emphasizes expertise in one of the world’s most commonly spoken language, a PhD is an impressive credential.

What To Expect from an Online Doctorate Degree in English

Admission requirements for online phd in english degree programs.

Prospective doctoral students will typically be required to submit the following in order to qualify for admission into an online doctoral program in English:

• A completed online application
• Official undergraduate college transcripts
• A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal interviews
• Personal statement or essay
• Plan of study

Key Point: In most cases, prospective doctoral students will be required to have earned a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English or a related field as well. Be sure you’ve completed all required undergraduate and graduate coursework before applying to your doctoral degree program.

Duration of an Online Doctoral Program in English

Online PhD in English degree programs can be pursued either full- or part-time. A part-time course takes 4-5 years to finish, whereas a full-time program typically lasts three years. Online English PhD programs include a thesis of between 60,000 and 100,000 words that must be submitted during the last year of study to be awarded the degree.

Doctoral Student Dissertations

In most cases, the central component of your online PhD program will be the completion of your dissertation. After being accepted as an online PhD candidate, most doctorate students will develop an original research question.

This research question forms the basis of the dissertation—an ongoing project designed to address this research question through applied research. A doctoral student will work closely with an advisor or mentor, although much of the dissertation will be rooted in independent research. This is especially true for students pursuing an online PhD.

Oral Defense

Upon completion of the written portion of the dissertation the student will be expected to defend their findings. This “oral defense” will typically be conducted by a commission of professors and experts in the field of English. PhD candidates in some online degree programs may be able to conduct this defense via teleconferencing.

Teaching Requirements

Some PhD online degree programs will also include a teaching component, which will require the student to work as an adjunct professor or teacher’s assistant in an undergraduate or graduate school. It may be possible for students in the online doctoral degree program to also serve teaching requirements by instructing online students.

Bottom Line: The main component of affordable online doctorate degrees in English is the dissertation. It will be a central part of your online doctoral degree program.

Areas of Study and Research in Online Doctor of English Programs

Literature and culture.

Students pursuing English PhD online degrees focusing on international literature or the confluence of literature and history will develop critical theory skills by analyzing works of topics such as feminism or post-colonialism. Additionally, they will use these approaches to analyze broad media and literary works.

Rhetoric and Communication

All doctoral candidates will learn to do critical research, effectively organize arguments and facts, and communicate both orally and in writing.

Common courses in rhetoric and communication include:

• The administration of writing programs
• The history and philosophy of rhetoric
• The impact of language and rhetoric on individuals, society, culture, and politics

Technology Resources

Students in these programs learn to study the importance of technology and media related to the scholarship. Online PhD programs in English use technology to teach and do research. Students get practical knowledge for roles in academia and business where they may apply the research and strategic skills they obtained while pursuing their doctorates in English.

Are there affordable online PhD in English degree programs?

Yes, finding an accredited and affordable quality online PhD in English degree program is possible.

Luckily there are many affordable online doctoral programs to choose from, especially in English.

A growing number of highly reputable universities have hybrid or fully online doctoral programs in English. These programs are perfect for busy graduate students trying to manage their time and balancing coursework, career, and family demands. This makes an affordable online PhD program especially attractive.

Take a look at our affordable degree guide for even more tips on making a doctorate degree as affordable as possible.

Here are some ways to ensure that an online doctoral programs in English are as affordable as possible.

In-state Tuition

The cost of online doctorate degree programs in English vary based on several factors. Most colleges and universities charge more for out-of-state students. However, there are some schools that offer flat-rate tuition, which means that in-state and out-of-state students pay the same per credit cost.

Other Expenses

Earning an online PhD in English degree as opposed to a traditional on-campus doctorate degree makes it possible to save money on expenses like housing, transportation, and certain campus fees.

Continue Working

Online learning also makes it possible to continue working in your field, which means you can complete your doctorate program while still earning a living. This can ultimately reduce your dependence on student loan debt.

Doctoral programs in English are a great option for busy professionals who want to continue their education while juggling work and family life.

Financial Aid, Scholarships, Grants, and Loans

If affordability is a particular concern, and it is making you reluctant to pursue a PhD in English online doctorate degree, you may be able to take advantage of financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and loans.

For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website. It is especially important that you only consider online programs that are accredited in order to qualify.

Assistantships

Many schools offering PhD in English online programs also have assistantship opportunities for their graduate students. Assistantships may give teaching opportunities in exchange for tuition waivers and a stipend. Each school is different, so check into the online program in English doctorate degree that you are interested in.

Bottom Line: Affordable online PhD in English programs are possible when you factor in things like in-state tuition, financial aid, grants, and assistantships.

The Most Affordable Online PhD in English Doctorates

Texas a&m university.

• #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Texas 2024
• #2 Best Colleges in Texas 2024
• #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
• #13 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
• #24 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
• #1 Top 5 Best Online English PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Texas 2024
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
• #3 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024
• #4 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #8 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2024
• #9 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice
• #11 Best RN to BSN Online
• #13 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #14 Best Online Master's in Management

Tuition + fees

Student body

Median SAT/ACT

Career Outlook for English degree at Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Engineering
• Earth Sciences
• Computer Science
• Criminal Justice
• Mathematics

Most Influential Alumni

• C. Wright Mills
• Frank Malina
• Gilbert Shelton
• Henry Cisneros
• Richard Steadman
• Kenneth Womack
• Elaine Ingham
• Forrest Mims
• Adrian Smith
• H. W. Brands
• Lihong V. Wang

Texas A&M University is the first public institution in Texas. The university is now considered a research-intensive flagship university committed to graduating leaders of several sectors who are ready to face future challenges and change the world. TAMU is also a world leader in online education and affordable degree programs.

One of TAMU’s affordable degrees is the PhD in English , designed for academic professionals seeking expertise and a specialized post-secondary position teaching English and literacy.

The program costs $758 per credit hour . Students can further customize their English online doctorate by choosing one of the program’s concentrations: linguistics, composition and rhetoric, and American, British, and children’s literature.

• Required Credits: 60
• Completion time: 4-5 years
• Format: Online

What we love about Texas A&M University

The traditions. Everyone looking for a top-notch education and a connected network after graduation should consider attending this school because it strongly emphasizes traditions and school spirit.

Texas A&M University is great for students who:

Value knowledge, heritage, and community. TAMU is strong in creating campus events that develop students’ sense of community.

Texas A&M University might not be the best fit for students who:

Prefer to have less diversity in the classroom.

Old Dominion University

• #8 Best Colleges in Virginia 2024
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Virginia
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in the District Of Columbia
• #2 Best Online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education Degree Programs for 2024
• #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity
• #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Virginia
• #3 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2024
• #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Accounting Programs
• #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Degree Programs
• #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration
• #3 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #3 Best Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs for 2024
• #4 Best Online Master's Programs in Virginia 2024
• #4 Top 5 Best Online English PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Electrical and Computer Engineering Degree Programs for 2024
• #6 11 Fastest Accelerated Online Master’s of Computer Science
• #6 Best Online Bachelor’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs for 2024
• #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #6 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
• #7 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity
• #7 Best Online Master's in English
• #8 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
• #8 Best Online Bachelor’s of Health Science Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #9 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of English Programs
• #9 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs
• #10 15 Most Affordable Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs)
• #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting
• #10 Best Online Master's in Sports Management
• #11 Best Online Bachelor's in Public Health Degree Programs for Students
• #13 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
• #18 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students
• #19 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
• #23 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
• #24 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs
• #25 Best Online Master's in Special Education

Career Outlook for English degree at Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Political Science
• Justin Verlander
• Nancy Lieberman
• Serkan Golge
• Ticha Penicheiro
• Linda B. Hayden
• Richard C. McCarty
• Kent Bazemore
• Bonita V. Saunders
• Sarah McCoy
• Jack T. Kirby
• Philip C. Kendall

Old Dominion University is a forward-focused public doctoral research university that offers rigorous academics, a vibrant residential community, and projects that boost Virginia’s economy by $2.6 billion annually. Through ODUGlobal, Old Dominion University offers more than 120 online programs to help working professionals fit their studies into busy work and life schedules.

The online PhD in English at ODU is one of the most affordable online doctorates, with in-state and out-of-state tuition of $571 and $595 per credit hour. It combines textual studies, rhetoric, discourse, and writing designed for academic and non-academic professionals. This online program offers Literary and Cultural studies; Writing, Rhetoric, and Discourse Studies; and Technology and Media Studies as concentrations. Students can also design their emphasis based on their future goals.

• Required Credits: 48
• Completion time: 3 years

What we love about Old Dominion University

The diversity and medium-sized classes are two of ODU’s strongest features. Students here interact with professors and peers worldwide, much as in the real world.

Old Dominion University is great for students who:

Seek engagement with other cultural and ethnic groupings.

Old Dominion University might not be the best fit for students who:

Lack of self-confidence and is unable to work independently.

Murray State University

• #1 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Kentucky
• #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Kentucky 2024
• #3 Best Online Bachelor’s in Agribusiness and Agriculture Degree Programs
• #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Kentucky
• #5 Top 5 Best Online English PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #6 Best Online Master's Programs in Kentucky 2024
• #6 Best Online Colleges in Kentucky 2024
• #6 Best Online MBA in Healthcare Management Ranked for Students in 2024
• #7 Best Online Bachelor's in Network Administration Degree Programs for 2024
• #11 Best Online Master's in English
• #12 Top 20 Most Affordable Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Programs
• #12 Best Online Master's in Economics
• #13 Best Online Bachelor’s of Human Services Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #14 Best Online Associate in General Studies
• #18 Best Online Associate in Business Administration
• #18 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
• #23 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration

Career Outlook for English degree at Murray State University

Murray State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Jeff Easley
• David L. Armstrong
• Popeye Jones
• Chris Thile
• Terry Yates
• W. Earl Brown
• Kirk Rueter
• Bill Cunningham

Murray State University offers a top-notch education that includes experiential learning, academic and personal growth, and the chance to secure a lifetime of success. MSU has been dedicated to fostering leaders in the community, the nation, and the world since 1922. Murray State University has expanded its online offerings to keep up with the current demand for flexible learning.

Murray State University’s online Doctor of Arts in English Pedagogy caters to secondary and post-secondary teachers looking to specialize in English.

The program offers affordable online tuition of $559.50 per credit hour. The program is linked to the aspects of work that teachers and other professionals do, and it encourages students to use their professional environments as sites of reflection and imaginative inquiry.

Students can specialize in writing, language, literacy, or literature.

• Completion time: 4 years

What we love about Murray State University

The rigorous academics, faculty support, the combination of large-university educational opportunities and the small student-to-faculty ratio of small universities.

Murray State University is great for students who:

Are academically driven, goal-oriented, and accepting of variety and different civilizations.

Murray State University might not be the best fit for students who:

Are unwilling to study or participate on campus and dislike the small-town atmosphere of the college.

Anaheim University

Anaheim University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Communications

Anaheim University is a leader in higher learning. The university offers students the chance to interact with the most famous specialists in their fields in a user-friendly and interactive environment through its cutting-edge online, face-to-face learning environment. This allows students to develop both their knowledge and professional abilities. One of the school’s strengths is its English majors.

Anaheim offers one of the most affordable online doctoral programs for students interested in gaining the technical and professional knowledge and the research skills necessary to hold leadership positions in the TESOL industry.

The online Doctor of Education in TESOL prepares online students to work as directors of programs where English is taught as a second or foreign language and contributes to programs that prepare English language teachers. Students will also learn how to research language teaching and testing and create language curricula and teaching resources, among other careers.

With an affordable tuition fee of $500 per credit hour, this online doctoral degree is vastly considered by working professionals.

• Required Credits: 76

What we love about Anaheim University

The school’s commitment to its students. Anaheim gives students worldwide a chance to further their careers while receiving a top-notch education without taking any loans or incurring any debt.

Anaheim University is great for students who:

Thrive in a tight-knit community.

Anaheim University might not be the best fit for students who:

Prefer to learn in a diverse environment and want to have vast options of degree majors.

Indiana University Bloomington

• #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2024
• #2 Best Colleges in Indiana 2024
• #2 Best Research Universities in Indiana 2024
• #2 Best Grad Schools in Indiana 2024
• #1 15 Most Affordable Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs)
• #1 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of English Programs
• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Indiana
• #2 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs)
• #2 Best Online Degree Completion Programs for Returning Students
• #3 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2024
• #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Indiana 2024
• #6 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2024
• #6 Top 8 Best Online Public Health PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #13 Best Schools in the World for Earning an MBA Degree Ranked for 2024
• #18 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
• #18 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for English degree at Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University Bloomington’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Anthropology
• Social Work
• James Watson
• René Girard
• David Chalmers
• David Starr Jordan
• Alice Dreger
• Stephen F. Cohen
• Robert M. French
• Isiah Thomas
• Marcia Baron
• Will Shortz

Indiana University Bloomington is one of the university’s eight campuses spread around the state. IU Bloomington makes top-tier contributions to science and the arts, distinguished by their originality, innovation, and commitment to academic freedom. Concerning economic, social, and cultural development and providing leadership in innovative answers to problems unique to the twenty-first century, IU aims to forge vibrant connections with the nation’s capital and local communities.

The affordable online EdD in Literacy, Culture and Language Education at IU Bloomington offers a high caliber of education that advances the knowledge of literacy and language education of students.

This program provides comprehensive coursework that equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to comprehend and manage the problems and challenges of the twenty-first century. Students enrolled will study in a cohort model that encourages collaboration.

In-state and out-of-state per credit hour are an affordable $519.93 and $615.45, respectively.

What we love about Indiana University Bloomington

The school’s engaging and colorful traditions and spirit create a sense of belonging for all students.

Indiana University Bloomington is great for students who:

Don’t mind being around people of many backgrounds who want to further their education in a sizable but welcoming community.

Indiana University Bloomington might not be the best fit for students who:

Have trouble making new acquaintances and feel awkward participating in extracurricular activities.

Northcentral University

• #19 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2024
• #16 20 Fastest Accelerated Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Northcentral University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Northcentral University is one of the cheapest Christian-based universities in the nation and a pioneer in online education. Northcentral provides more than 60 majors and minors, allowing students to explore their interests and work toward their objectives while getting ready to serve God in many capacities.

Northcentral University’s EdD in English Language Learning online is a specialization that works beyond the master’s degree of students, focuses on English language acquisition, and features an optional track for completing a dissertation.

Students can enroll in specialty courses like Second Language, Curriculum Development for ESL Students, and Evaluation of Diverse Students. Those who want further hands-on learning can participate in optional practicum assignments.

The degree is not a guarantee of ELL/ESL certification. Students must research their particular state requirements.

• Completion time: 33 months

What we love about Northcentral University

Northcentral University offers some of the best mentors and advisors that help students carefully select their majors, maximize their college experience, and find internship opportunities.

Northcentral University is great for students who:

Have a close relationship with God and are looking for a place where they can develop spiritually and academically.

Northcentral University might not be the best fit for students who:

Do not practice religion. All students must minor in the Bible because this school is an assembly of God institution.

University of Central Florida

• #3 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2024
• #4 Best Grad Schools in Florida 2024
• #4 Best Colleges in Florida 2024
• #4 Best Research Universities in Florida 2024
• #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
• #12 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
• #1 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs
• #3 11 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Speech Pathology
• #3 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #3 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2024
• #4 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
• #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Religious Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #4 Best Online Master's Programs in Florida 2024
• #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs for 2024
• #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
• #5 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of English Programs
• #5 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs
• #5 Best Online Master's in English
• #6 Top 20 Easiest Online Degrees from Accredited Schools in 2024
• #6 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics
• #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Anthropology
• #6 Best Online Master's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs
• #6 Best Online Master's in Nursing MSN
• #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #7 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #7 Best Online Master's in Art Education and Art Administration
• #8 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #9 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
• #9 Best Online Master's in Public Administration Degree Programs
• #10 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice
• #11 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students
• #11 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice PhDs (Doctorates)
• #16 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024
• #16 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #17 Best Online Bachelor’s of Communications Degree Programs for 2024
• #18 Best Online Master’s in Education
• #20 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
• #21 Best Online Master’s in Communications
• #23 Best Online Master’s in Engineering

Career Outlook for English degree at University of Central Florida

University of Central Florida’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Lisa Anthony
• Glenn Hubbard
• Mihaela Cardei
• Mark O'Mara
• Richard L. Daft
• Colleen M. Fitzpatrick
• Sajal K. Das
• Kenneth Stanley
• Asante Samuel
• Matt Prater
• Isabel Escobar
• Tabetha S. Boyajian

The University of Central Florida is a public urban research university with multiple campuses committed to serving the diverse and growing people of its surrounding towns and its technological corridors and international partners. The university provides excellent undergraduate and graduate education, student development, continuing education, research, creative activities, and services that support the metropolitan area’s intellectual, cultural, environmental, and economic development. It also includes addressing important national and international issues and establishing UCF as a significant global presence.

UCF’s online Curriculum and Instruction, EdD , offers an English Language Arts specialization designed for students who want to study literacy, literature, and diversity. This specialization comprises reading, writing, listening, speaking, seeing, and producing texts. These texts cover a range of narrative, informative, and literary genres and visual content that can be accessed digitally and on paper.

In-state students pay an astoundingly affordable $327.32 per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay $1,151.72 per credit hour.

• Required Credits: 54-57

What we love about the University of Central Florida

The endless opportunities are UCF’s strongest point. Every major at UCF is extremely challenging but also incredibly rewarding. This school offers countless internship possibilities that can be obtained at any stage of education.

The University of Central Florida is great for students who:

Are ambitious and can learn independently.

The University of Central Florida might not be the best fit for students who:

Prefer to have individualized attention from their advisors.

Kennesaw State University

• #13 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity
• #14 Best Online MBA Programs in Georgia
• #19 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs
• #23 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2024

Kennesaw State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Ali Shilatifard
• Larry Nelson
• Dar'shun Kendrick
• Daniel Haugh

Kennesaw State University is the third-largest university in Georgia. It is dedicated to developing into a top-tier academic institution that can broaden its educational and research missions and increase its local, regional, and national scope.

Kennesaw State was designated a comprehensive university by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. Today, Kennesaw State has fully adapted online degree programs to give non-traditional students further access to affordable and accessible higher learning education.

The online EdD in Secondary Education English at Kennesaw State University caters to Master of Education graduates or a related field. This online English doctorate equips students with the necessary knowledge, abilities, and attitudes to function as learner-centered experts engaged in scholarly investigation and research. Students pay an affordable per credit hour of $383 .

• Required Credits: 66

What we love about Kennesaw State University

The world-class faculty and academic support from the school’s in-the-know advisors.

Kennesaw State University is great for students who:

Want to have the experience of a small school.

Kennesaw State University might not be the best fit for students who:

Dislike interacting with others from diverse origins and points of view.

Columbia University

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Columbia University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Milton Friedman
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• Murray Rothbard
• Stephen Jay Gould
• Carl Rogers
• Kenneth Arrow
• B. R. Ambedkar
• Isaac Asimov
• Robert Nozick
• Margaret Mead
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Columbia University , an Ivy League institution, is one of the most renowned colleges and universities worldwide. The school uses its setting to offer students various resources and educational opportunities. The Columbia core curriculum, which includes literature, writing, art, and science courses, benefits students aiming for a comprehensive liberal arts education. Each year, Columbia invests around $1 billion in research.

Columbia’s Teachers College offers an affordable, Ivy League EdD in English program. While the $1,913 per credit hour may seem heavy on some students, this is one of the cheapest degrees from a private Ivy League institution.

This online EdD in English degree program emphasizes educational practice and allows students to choose courses that support their academic and career objectives. This English language learning degree also includes a dissertation tackling a more practical research topic.

• Required Credits: 90
• Completion time: 5 years

What we love about Columbia University

The ground-breaking research and strong undergraduate programs. The school is also known for providing a core curriculum that exposes students to a wide range of subjects to broaden their academic horizons.

Columbia University is great for students who:

Are self-sufficient, independent, and academically driven but also eager to experience city life and participate in various social activities.

Columbia University might not be the best fit for students who:

Want to have a party atmosphere because Columbia University is not a party school.

St. John's University

• #11 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees

St. John's University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• John Esposito
• Edmund Pellegrino
• Charles J. Hynes
• Leszek Balcerowicz
• P. Kevin Castel
• George Deukmejian
• Martin Ritt
• Mario Cuomo
• Frank Macchiarola
• Mark Jackson

St. John’s University is one of the oldest and top Catholic universities in the United States. The university is renowned for its exceptional academic offerings, which include over 100 majors leading to certification, bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees. St. John’s is also a top choice for Catholic students earning their degrees online at a more affordable tuition rate.

St. John’s University offers an affordable $1,265 per credit hour online PhD in Literacy: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) . The International TESOL Association has designated the courses of this specialization to satisfy the highest professional TESOL requirements.

The program allows students to learn from a comprehensive English language curriculum that offers authentic, collaborative learning opportunities and undertakes in-depth linguistic and cultural disparities analyses. Graduates can work in non-teaching fields, such as curriculum and materials creation, program management, and teacher training.

• Required Credits: 42
• Completion time: 3-4 years

What we love about St. John’s University

The school’s endless activities. There is never “nothing to do” at St. John’s because there are over 180 student clubs and organizations on campus. St John’s hosts an Activities Fair every year to teach students about the many opportunities for involvement in academics, sports, the arts, social life, and the community.

St. John’s University is great for students who:

Enjoy a small campus and like intimate classroom settings.

St. John’s University might not be the best fit for students who:

Are shy and afraid to voice out. St. John’s is always looking for students who want to speak up and make a difference.

Career Outlook for Students with English Degree

English language and literature, degree level: doctorate.

• Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
• Avg. Starting Salary*: $54,937
• Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $61,994
• * denotes ‘annually’

Career Salaries

Average career salaries, promising job markets, top industries.

Return to:  3220 Department of English    

The Ph.D. degree programs prepare students to write, to teach on the college and university levels, and to conduct scholarly research. At the end of their Ph.D. coursework, students will have acquired a productive general knowledge of the various fields of literary study in English and will have developed a concentrated preparation in their areas of specialization.

Applicants should be aware that admission is competitive and that meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the Ph.D. program. Before entering the Ph.D. program, students are generally expected to have completed a master’s degree in English or a closely related discipline from an accredited college or university. The Department of English admits students to its doctoral programs only in the fall semester of the academic year. The Director of Graduate Studies in English will consider only complete admission files. Applicants are responsible for seeing that their admission files are complete by the deadlines for admission published in this catalog.

All applicants must submit the following materials:

• Transcripts of all previous college or university work. Students should upload unofficial transcripts from every post-secondary institution directly to the application. Any student offered admission will need to have official transcripts sent to the Office of Graduate Services.
• Three letters of recommendation sent directly from persons who testify to the applicant’s ability to do graduate work. Applicants from the M.A. program in English at Georgia State must submit new letters of recommendation, preferably from English department faculty;
• Competitive scores (no more than five years old) on the General portion of the GRE;
• An essay composed by the applicant stating goals and career objectives; and
• A 10-20 page critical writing sample.
• For Creative Writing applicants only: a portfolio consisting of a minimum of 10 poems; or three works of fiction totaling no fewer than 30 and no more than 50 pages. One of the three fiction samples may be an excerpt of a longer work (novel, novella, etc.), and you may include short-short/flash fiction, but we ask that you send at least one complete, stand-alone example of your short fiction of 15 pages or more. On the first page of the creative sample, the applicant should list her or his name, email address, phone number, and program she or he is applying to (PhD Fiction, PhD Poetry).

The Director of Graduate Studies will serve as the student’s initial faculty advisor, whom the student should consult regularly. However, very early in the program, the student should begin to design a course of study leading toward an area of specialization. The student will be tested on this specialization (the doctoral examination and the coursework required for taking it are described below). Optimally in the first semester of the doctoral program, but certainly before the end of the second semester, the student should form a  three-member faculty advisory committee  composed of at least two faculty members in the area of specialization. Working with this committee, the student will define and develop the area of specialization and determine the courses that can be used to satisfy the specialization requirements.

Doctoral Degree Plans

Students may choose to follow one of three plans. Plan 1 focuses on literary studies. Plan 2 emphasizes rhetoric and advanced writing courses. Plan 3 emphasizes creative writing.

Basic Coursework and Residency Requirements

Depending on the plan chosen by a student, the total credit hours required vary from a minimum of 50 to 59 beyond the M.A. (30-39 hours of coursework plus at least 20 hours of dissertation research). To fulfill the residency requirement for the Ph.D. degree, students must enroll for a minimum of 6 hours per term for 4 semesters. Two of these semesters must be consecutive. Each plan has further particular coursework requirements which are specified below. Please note, graduate assistants are required to enroll for a minimum of 12 credit hours each for the fall/spring semesters and 9 credit hours for the summer semester. These credit hours will consist of courses required for the prescribed program of study, as well as additional hours of thesis research and non-thesis individual research.

Doctoral Examinations

After completing coursework and the graduate research skill requirement (see above), students in all concentrations must pass the examination specific to their concentrations.

In the Creative Writing concentration, the doctoral examination in poetry is a two-day, on-site exam. Each examination period is four hours. The examination on Day 1 includes a section of identifications and either two or three essays dealing with the works and authors pre-1900 drawn from the Ph.D. reading list. The examination administered on Day 2 is comprised of three or four essays about the works and authors post-1900 drawn from the Ph.D. reading list. The examination director will decide on the final format for the examination.

In the Creative Writing concentration, the doctoral comprehensive examination in fiction is a two-day, onsite exam. Each day a four-hour examination is administered. The examination on Day 1 includes a section of identifications and either two or three essays dealing with works and authors pre-1900 drawn from the Ph.D. reading list. The examination director will decide on the final format for the examination.

In the Rhetoric and Composition concentration, the doctoral examination is a seven-day, off-site examination. The examination draws on both a primary field of specialization and a research focus within that field. Further information on the format of the doctoral examination in Rhetoric and Composition is available at sites.gsu.edu/rhetcomp/.

In the Literary Studies concentration, the doctoral examination will be in the area in which the student plans to write the dissertation. The examination consists of three parts: a two and a half hour on-site written, a seventy-two hour off-site written, and a ninety-minute oral. As described in the list of required courses below, in order to take the examination, the student must have completed 12 credit hours (4 courses) in or strongly related to that area. The exam itself will be based on a reading list composed of no fewer than forty texts, devised by the student in consultation with the faculty advisor who will be the primary reader of the exam. The examination reading list must be composed, and approved by the faculty advisor, at least one semester prior to the semester in which the student will take the exam. The examination questions must be approved by the Director and Associate Director of Graduate Studies.

Examinations are not offered in the summer. Students must give the Director of Graduate Studies in English written notification of their intention to take the primary examination by the departmental deadline. Each doctoral examination will be graded by at least three faculty members. A student must pass the examination on either the first or second try in order to remain in the Ph.D. program. Examples of past examination questions and of successful answers are available to students preparing for the examination.

Dissertation

Doctoral students must submit a dissertation acceptable to the Department of English and to the Office of Graduate Services of the College of Arts and Sciences. Stages in the preparation of the dissertation include the following: choosing a dissertation director and dissertation committee, submitting a dissertation proposal, defending the dissertation proposal, writing the dissertation, defending the dissertation.

Soon after completing the doctoral examination, a doctoral student must submit to his or her dissertation committee a written dissertation proposal that should include the following:

• A description of the subject, including a statement of the way the proposed approach to the subject differs from, contributes to, or modifies the existing scholarship on the subject;
• A description of the proposed method of treatment and an account of the research necessary to complete it; and
• A preliminary bibliography, including a discussion of the availability of materials.

After consulting informally with the dissertation director and the other members of the student’s dissertation committee, the student must defend the proposal orally in a meeting with the committee. If the committee judges the student’s proposal to be acceptable, the student will be given permission to proceed with the project. While writing the dissertation, the student must register for at least 20 hours of ENGL 8999 - Thesis Research.

Each student must pass a public oral defense of the dissertation open to all interested faculty and students. The structure of this defense will be determined by the student’s dissertation committee. After booking a room for the defense at a time agreeable to all members of the committee, the student must notify the graduate director and submit the completed dissertation to committee members at least two (2) weeks before the defense date (or earlier if required by the committee). The date, time, and location of the defense will be publicized by the graduate director. The student will bring to the defense a properly formatted Dissertation Title Page/ Signature Sheet. In the event of a successful defense, all committee members as well as the Department Chair must sign the Dissertation Title Page. It is the student’s responsibility ensure that the proper signatures are obtained and that the title page and dissertation are uploaded to the Office of Graduate Services before the graduation deadline.

Work on the doctorate must be completed within ten years of admission to the program.

Degree Requirements

Concentrations.

• English, Ph.D., Literary Studies Concentration  
• English, Ph.D., Rhetoric and Composition Concentration  
• English, Ph.D., Creative Writing Concentration  

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Uog doctoral program set to launch in fall 2024.

The University of Guam announces that it has received approval from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)   to begin offering its first ever online doctoral program — a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Instructional and Academic Leadership.

The new EdD program emphasizes development of the “scholar-practitioner” who will integrate their professional experiences with research and theory to improve educational practices within their cultural contexts and to influence change in their educational and organizational settings.

“UOG was founded as a teaching college in 1952 and has since developed tremendous capacity for teachers, counselors, and school administrators for our island and region,” said Anita Borja Enriquez, UOG President. "This new doctoral program is our commitment to advancing education, elevating the focus on research agendas relevant to our region, and addressing improvement to instructional areas and overall educational leadership."

School of Education Dean Alicia Aguon noted that the new doctorate responds to the needs of educators and school systems across the region.

“Our survey had nearly a thousand respondents including alumni, education professionals, and stakeholders throughout Micronesia, and overwhelmingly, there was a stated need for a program geared toward instructional and academic leadership,” said Aguon. “This doctoral program is groundbreaking as it has been developed with a cultural competency unique to our region.”

The School of Education will begin accepting applications to the doctoral program this summer with its first courses starting this October. UOG will release more details in the coming weeks about information sessions and the application timeline.

“This isn’t just a milestone for UOG, it’s a milestone for education across the region,” said Enriquez “I am thrilled to see the meaningful, diverse conversational and collaborative synergies unfold from our inaugural cohort.”

Overview of the Doctor of Education (EdD) in Instructional and Academic Leadership

• The EdD program is an online program with 20 required courses and a total of 60 credit hours.
• The dissertation is built in as coursework in the program of study.
• The program is expected to take four years to complete without pausing. 
• The UOG Board of Regents approved the program in June 2023 and the WASC Senior College and University Commission approved the program in March 2024.
• Up to 25 students are projected for the program’s inaugural cohort.
• The program will launch in Fanuchånan (Fall) 2024.
• To express interest or for more information, email  [email protected] .

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The University of Guam is a U.S. Land Grant and Sea Grant Institution accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. UOG is an equal opportunity provider and employer committed to diversity, equity and inclusion through island wisdom values of inadahi yan inagofli'e: respect, compassion, and community.

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