graduate english phd programs

Ph.D. Program

Click  here for the Handbook for Graduate Study in English .  This document includes departmental policies and procedures concerned with graduate study.

The Berkeley English Department offers a wide-ranging Ph.D. program, engaging in all historical periods of British and American literature, Anglophone literature, and critical and cultural theory. The program aims to assure that students gain a broad knowledge of literature in English as well as the highly-developed skills in scholarship and criticism necessary to do solid and innovative work in their chosen specialized fields.

Please note that the department does not offer a Master’s Degree program or a degree program in Creative Writing. Students can, however, petition for an M.A. in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing upon completion of the Ph.D. course requirements (one of which must be a graduate writing workshop) and submission of a body of creative work.

Students interested in combining a Ph.D. in English with studies in another discipline may pursue Designated Emphases or Concurrent Degrees in a number of different fields

Normative time to complete the program is six years. The first two years are devoted to fulfilling the course and language requirements. The third year is spent preparing for and taking the Ph.D. oral qualifying examination. The fourth through sixth years are devoted to researching and writing the prospectus and dissertation.

The general goal of the first two years is to assure that the students have a broad and varied knowledge of the fields of British and American literature in their historical dimensions, and are also familiar with a wide range of literary forms, critical approaches, and scholarly methods. Students will complete twelve courses distributed as follows:

• 1) English 200, “Problems in the Study of Literature”
• 2) Medieval through 16 th -Century
• 3) 17 th - through 18 th -Century
• 4) 19 th -Century
• 5) 20 th -Century
• 6) a course organized in terms other than chronological coverage.
• 7-12) Elective courses.

(A thirteenth required course in pedagogy can be taken later.) Students who have done prior graduate course work may transfer up to three courses for credit toward the 12-course requirement. Up to five of the 12 courses may be taken in other departments.

Students must demonstrate either proficiency in two foreign languages or advanced knowledge in one foreign language before the qualifying examination. There are no "canonical languages" in the department. Rather, each specifies which languages are to count, how they relate to the student's intellectual interests, and on which level knowledge is to be demonstrated. "Proficiency" is understood as the ability to translate (with a dictionary) a passage of about 300 words into idiomatic English prose in ninety minutes. The proficiency requirement may also be satisfied by completing one upper-division or graduate literature course in a foreign language. The advanced knowledge requirement is satisfied by completing two or three literature courses in the language with a grade of "B" or better.

At the end of the second year each student’s record is reviewed in its entirety to determine whether or not he or she is able and ready to proceed to the qualifying exam and the more specialized phase of the program.

The Qualifying Examination

Students are expected to take the qualifying examination within one year after completing course and language requirements. The qualifying exam is oral and is conducted by a committee of five faculty members. The exam lasts approximately two hours and consists of three parts: two comprehensive historical fields and a third field which explores a topic in preparation for the dissertation. The exam is meant both as a culmination of course work and as a test of readiness for the dissertation.

The Prospectus and Dissertation

The prospectus consists of an essay and bibliography setting forth the nature of the research project, its relation to existing scholarship and criticism on the subject, and its anticipated value. Each candidate must have a prospectus conference with the members of their committee and the Graduate Chair to discuss the issues outlined in the proposal and to give final approval to the project. The prospectus should be approved within one or two semesters following the qualifying exam.

The dissertation is the culmination of the student's graduate career and is expected to be a substantial and original work of scholarship or criticism. Students within normative time complete the dissertation in their fourth through sixth years.

English PhD

The Berkeley English Department offers a wide-ranging PhD program, engaging in all historical periods of British and American literature, Anglophone literature, and critical and cultural theory. The program aims to assure that students gain a broad knowledge of literature in English as well as the highly-developed skills in scholarship and criticism necessary to do solid and innovative work in their chosen specialized fields.

Please note that the department does not offer a masters degree program or a degree program in Creative Writing. Students can, however, petition for an MA in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing upon completion of the PhD course requirements (one of which must be a graduate writing workshop) and submission of a body of creative work.

Students interested in combining a PhD in English with studies in another discipline may pursue Designated Emphases or Concurrent Degrees in a number of different fields

Contact Info

[email protected]

322 Wheeler Hall

Berkeley, CA 94720

At a Glance

Department(s)

Admit Term(s)

Application Deadline

December 15, 2023

Degree Type(s)

Doctoral / PhD

Degree Awarded

GRE Requirements

Best English Programs

Ranked in 2021, part of Best Social Sciences and Humanities Schools

Earning a master's degree or

Earning a master's degree or doctorate in English can improve your writing skills, sharpen your analytical abilities and broaden your literary knowledge. These are the top schools for a graduate degree in English. Each school's score reflects its average rating on a scale from 1 (marginal) to 5 (outstanding), based on a survey of academics at peer institutions. Read the methodology »

• Clear Filters

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.

Share this page

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.

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

Ph.D. Program

The Stanford English department has a long tradition of training the next generation of scholars to become leaders in academia and related fields. Our Ph.D. program encourages the production of ambitious, groundbreaking dissertation work across the diverse field interests of our prestigious faculty.

Fusing deep attention to literary history with newer approaches to media, technology, and performance, our department carefully mentors students in both scholarship and pedagogy through close interaction with faculty. Our location on the edge of the Pacific and at the heart of Silicon Valley encourages expansive, entrepreneurial thinking about the interpenetration of arts and sciences.

Program Overview

The English Department seeks to teach and promote an understanding of both the significance and the history of British and American literature (broadly defined) and to foster an appreciation of the richness and variety of texts in the language. It offers rigorous training in interpretive thinking and precise expression. Our English graduate program features the study of what imaginative language, rhetoric, and narrative art has done, can do, and will do in life, and it focuses on the roles creative writing and representations play in almost every aspect of modern experience. Completing the Ph.D. program prepares a student for full participation as a scholar and literary critic in the profession.

Financial Support

We offer an identical five-year funding package to all admitted students with competitive funding available for a sixth year. Funding covers applicable tuition costs, Stanford Cardinal Care health insurance, and living expenses in the form of direct stipend, teaching assistantships or pre-doctoral research assistantships. The department, in conjunction with the School of Humanities and Sciences, is also committed to supporting students' involvement in professional activities and funds many of the expenses for research travel, summer language study, and participation in academic conferences. Student housing is not included in the funding package.

In addition to our standard doctoral funding package, the Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Education (VPGE) provides competitive funding to support individual doctoral students, student groups, and department-based projects. VPGE funding opportunities promote innovation, diversity, and excellence in graduate education. Explore their doctoral  fellowship  and other student  funding  opportunities.

The  Knight-Hennessy Scholars  program cultivates and supports a highly-engaged, multidisciplinary and multicultural community of graduate students from across Stanford University, and delivers a diverse collection of educational experiences, preparing graduates to address complex challenges facing the world. Knight-Hennessy Scholars participate in an experiential leadership development program known as the King Global Leadership Program and receive funding for up to three years of graduate study at Stanford. Two applications must be submitted separately; one to Knight-Hennessy and one to the Stanford English graduate degree program by its deadline. Please refer to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program page to learn more and apply.

Teaching Requirements

One pedagogical seminar and four quarters of supervised teaching. Typically a student will teach three times as a teaching assistant in a literature course. For the fourth course, students will have the option of applying to design and teach a Writing Intensive Seminar in English (WISE) for undergraduate English majors or teaching a fourth quarter as a T.A..

• 1st year: One quarter as T.A. (leading 1-2 discussion sections of undergraduate literature)
• 2nd year: One quarter as T.A. (leading 1-2 discussion sections of undergraduate literature)
• 3rd/4th/5th years: Two quarters of teaching, including the possibility of TA'ing or teaching a WISE course.

Language requirements

All candidates for the Ph.D. degree must demonstrate a reading knowledge of two foreign languages. One language requirement must be completed during the first year of study. The second language must be completed before the oral examination in the third year.

Candidates in the earlier periods must offer Latin and one of the following languages: French, German, Greek, Italian or Spanish. Candidates in the later period (that is, after the Renaissance) must demonstrate a reading knowledge of two languages for which  Stanford’s Language Center  regularly offers a reading course, administers a competency exam, or facilitates the administration of an American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages Reading Proficiency Test (ACTFL RPT). In all cases, the choice of languages offered must be relevant to the student’s field of study and must have the approval of the candidate's adviser. Any substitution of a language other than one for which Stanford offers a competency exam must also be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies.

Other requirements

All candidates for the Ph.D. must satisfactorily complete the following:

• 135 units, at least 70 of which (normally 14 courses) must be graded course work
• Qualifying examination, based on a reading guide of approximately 70-90 works, to be taken orally at the end of the summer after the first year of graduate work.
• University oral examination covering the field of concentration taken no later than the winter quarter of the third year of study.
• Submission of the dissertation prospectus
• First chapter review with the dissertation advisor and the members of the dissertation reading committee.
• Dissertation, which should be an original work of literary criticism demonstrating the student's ability to participate fully as a scholar and literary critic in the profession.
• Closing colloquium designed to look forward toward the next steps; identify the major accomplishments of the dissertation and the major questions/issues/problems that remain; consider possibilities for revision, book or article publication, etc.

• University of Pennsylvania
• School of Arts and Sciences
• Penn Calendar

Search form

Graduate Program

• Graduate Events
• Student Directory
• Doctoral Alumni Directory
• Requirements, Rules, Procedures
• Graduate Student Awards
• Job Placement
• Organizations
• Working Groups

A Letter from the Graduate Chair

To All Current and Prospective Graduate Students:

Welcome to the virtual home of the M.A. and Ph.D. programs in the Department of English at the University of Pennsylvania. On these pages, current as well as prospective students will find detailed information about graduate study in English at Penn.

The Department offers full-time M.A. and Ph.D. programs. Comprehensive in their range of specializations, these programs are intellectually dynamic and rigorous. Our M.A. program offers students a solid foundation in the professional study of literature and culture, and our Ph.D. program prepares students for full participation in the profession as scholars and teachers of English and American literature, broadly conceived. Over seventy graduate students enjoy close interaction with thirty-eight internationally renowned faculty members in the Department who teach and publish on a large number of historical periods, theoretical areas, and methodological approaches. Many of our faculty work across traditional period and disciplinary divides, and we encourage our students to bring similar innovation and creativity to their own research and teaching.

Our Department culture reflects our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that is at once challenging and supportive. We recognize that success in our profession requires more than taking courses, passing exams, writing a dissertation, attending conferences, and publishing articles; it also involves the recognition that we produce new knowledge collectively. Accordingly, we consider our graduate students full members of the Department and encourage everyone to take an active role in the intellectual and social community of the Department as well as other programs and departments across campus. We convene an array of reading and discussion groups that bring together faculty and graduate students throughout the year; we host numerous Department lectures by leading scholars from across the world; we encourage graduate students to take leading roles in planning conferences and symposia; and we include graduate students in a range of Department gatherings, dinners, and other intellectual and social events.

We also support and value our Graduate English Association, which acts as a forum for graduate students to provide advice and support, to organize workshops, to help one another through all stages of the program, to discuss graduate concerns and initiatives with faculty and administration, and to plan various social events. Since most of our Ph.D. students plan to become professors, the Department provides extensive pedagogical training and mentorship. All Ph.D. candidates teach at least three semesters while working toward their degrees. Second-year English Ph.D. students assist professors with teaching and grading in undergraduate courses and enroll in a semester-long pedagogy seminar; fourth-year English Ph.D. students design and teach a Junior Research Seminar in their own field of specialization while attending a series of pedagogy workshops. In addition to these official requirements, Ph.D. students have other opportunities to assist with and teach courses at Penn and beyond, and each year we offer teaching and mentoring workshops on special topics led by professors and graduate students.

The Department recognizes the importance of financial support in a program as demanding as ours. To this end, all of our admitted Ph.D. students are awarded an identical five-year guaranteed funding package. This award, the Benjamin Franklin Fellowship, gives students a generous yearly stipend and covers all tuition, fees, and health insurance. In addition, Ph.D. candidates are eligible for many travel grants for conference presentations and archival research, and the University offers a number of competitive sixth-year funding opportunities for dissertation completion. Regrettably, no financial aid is available for our M.A. students, whether in the form of fellowships, research assistantships, or teaching assistantships.

In the last year of the Ph.D. program, most doctoral candidates apply for academic jobs, and the Department provides extensive assistance and support to students at this crucial stage of their careers. We are proud of our placement record, which is among the best in the country. Graduates of our Ph.D. program go on to thrive in tenure-track positions at a range of public and private colleges and universities. We also support students who seek opportunities beyond academia. We are proud of those who have chosen careers in library and digital services, in the publishing industry, in teaching at the secondary level, and in management consulting, to name just a few of the alternate paths graduates of the Department have taken.

Graduate school is full of many surprises, but there is one thing of which you can be sure: Your time in our Department will be one of intellectual growth and excitement. By the end you will have made an original and important contribution to your field of scholarly expertise. We cannot promise you that earning a Ph.D. or M.A. in Department of English will be an entirely smooth or always pleasurable process. The work and effort required is difficult and at times daunting. However, I promise you that we will do everything to support you as you work toward an advanced degree in English and prepare for a brilliant and rewarding career beyond graduate school.

Graduate Teaching Awards

Our graduate students are regularly recognized as excellent teachers. See right for a few recent winners, or view a full list of our award winners .

Shoshana Adler

Sas dissertation completion fellowship (dcf).

Kings College Fellowship

In memoriam.

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our colleague, Yoonmee Chang . Yoonmee received her Ph.D from the University of Pennsylvania in English and was an instrumental leader in the founding of the Asian American Studies Program at Penn. She was Associate Professor at George Mason University and author of Writing in the Ghetto: Class, Authorship, and the Asian American Ethnic Enclave .

https://asam.sas.upenn.edu/news/2018/01/23/memory-our-colleague-yoonmee-...

Department of English

• Graduate Courses
• Graduate FAQ
• Job Placement
• PhD Requirements
• PhD Testimonials

The Department of English offers a program leading to the PhD degree in literatures in English. The department is small in numbers and its graduate students are carefully selected on the basis of their professional distinction as teachers, critics, and scholars. Because of its small size, the department affords students exceptionally focused attention.

The department accepts only full-time students for the PhD. Continuance beyond each of the first three years depends on satisfactory performance in the graduate seminars and passing two foreign language examinations. Students who successfully continue are awarded an MA degree in the course of the PhD program, but the department does not offer a separate master’s program. Students proceed to the dissertation after successfully passing a qualifying examination in the third year.

The PhD in English literature at Johns Hopkins consists of two years of course work and three years devoted to the research and writing of a dissertation. Students who remain in good standing will be guaranteed the same level of financial support for the full five years.

Facilities for Research

The cities of Baltimore and Washington, D.C., jointly contain a large collection of manuscripts and printed books. Major libraries and museums in Baltimore possess more than a thousand early manuscripts and 3 million books. The 12 million books and numerous manuscripts in the Library of Congress are supplemented in Washington by many specialized collections, notably those of the Folger Shakespeare Library, with which the university is affiliated. Opportunities for research in those libraries are open to students in the English department.

The Tudor and Stuart Club, along with a number of other outstanding lecture series within the university, enables students to learn about advances in research, criticism, and theory, and to confer with leading scholars.

The Journal Club is a departmental series in which students present to the department papers drawn from their dissertation research.

Rice English integrates creative and critical practice through training in close reading, analytical writing, cultural history, and craft/form. Our faculty research and pedagogy cover the breadth of the study of British and American literatures and cultures ranging from the medieval era to the present.

PhD Program Overview

This page provides prospective students with an overview of the Graduate PhD Program in English. Specifically, prospective students looking to learn more about program details, as well as resources and opportunities beyond the program, may find the following information helpful.

Course of Study

Students entering the program will generally have before them two full years of coursework, will take their preliminary exams and selected courses in their third year, and will spend the fourth and fifth years writing their dissertations.

In addition, students are required to provide service to the department as part of their program: in their first year, entering students will serve twice as research assistants to departmental faculty; in their second year, they will serve twice as teaching assistants for departmental courses; in their fourth year, students will teach a section of an introductory departmental course.

3 courses and a research assistantship in the fall and spring semester. ENGL 600 (Topics in Literary Studies) in the fall semester.

2-3 courses and a teaching assistantship in the fall and spring semester. ENGL 510 (Pedagogy) in the spring semester.

Preliminary exams and candidacy by the end of the spring semester

Dissertation prospectus and chapter draft and independent teaching (either fall or spring semester). ENGL 605 (Writing Workshop) in the spring semester.

Dissertation work

Mentored Teaching Program

The Mentored Teaching Program is designed to provide support and resources for graduate student teaching at all stages of the program. Students move from teaching under direct faculty supervision to designing and teaching independent classes. Discussions on pedagogy are integrated into the curriculum at key moments.

While the department requires that students teach only one independent course, students can take advantage of competitive teaching opportunities inside and outside the department (extra-departmental opportunities are noted below in italics). By the time of graduation, most students will have served as the instructor of record for 3-4 courses.

Students serve as Research Assistants (RAs) to faculty both semesters. Research assistantships are governed by the department's RA Rights and Responsibilities policy. Issues on the place of pedagogy in the university are addressed in English 600.

Students are eligible to serve as tutors in the Program in Writing and Communication (PWC). This is independent of the English department, although they employ many of our students. The PWC trains all of its tutors, TAs, and instructors (see below).

Students serve as Teaching Assistants (TAs) for undergrad courses (one each semester). Teaching assistantships are governed by the department's TA Rights and Responsibilities policy, which frames the TA experience as a learning experience for the student, and not, primarily as a grader for the faculty. TA supervisors are required to fill out an evaluation at the end of the semester; this goes into the student file and becomes part of the decision-making process about future competitive teaching opportunities. We also ask for special TA evaluations from the students. After a review of the evaluations, the graduate committee can require more supervised (TA) experience before the student can move on to independent teaching.

Students are eligible to TA for the PWC first-year seminar (FWIS) courses. Students, regardless of field of interest, may also apply to serve as Diana Hobby Editorial Fellows for the SEL (Studies in English Literature 1500-1900).

Students teach an independent departmental course, usually ENGL 175, “Global Literatures in English.” Students have also taught “Literature and Medicine” and “Introduction to American Literature,” for example. A Faculty Teaching Mentor visits classes, provides feedback, and takes notes for a possible future teaching letter.

No department teaching or research obligations. Depending on availability, the department may offer competitive co-teaching or replacement teaching opportunities.

Students are eligible to teach independent first-year seminar (FWIS) courses for the PWC. These are topical communication-intensive seminars; students and faculty propose courses in the spring for the following year. The PWC provides required training for graduate students in the form of a week-long late summer workshop.

Students can also apply for teaching opportunities through the Humanities Research Center (HRC).

Students may be invited to compete for replacement teaching opportunities, should the occasion arise. Students/faculty pairs might also be able to propose (usually unpaid) co-teaching opportunities. Both the replacement and co-teaching selection is the responsibility of the Graduate Committee.

The PWC also offers competitive postdoctoral fellowships for those who their degrees by the end of the spring semester.

Financial Support

All students entering the Rice PhD program in English receive a five-year fellowship package, which includes an annual stipend ($32,000) and a tuition waiver. Continued support is contingent upon satisfactory progress in the program. Students still enrolled in the program after the fifth year pay reduced tuition, which can continue to be waived if a student secures additional fellowship funding, or a research or teaching assistantship.

Students also have a variety of opportunities for competitive sixth-year funding, based on teaching and research interests. Additionally, funding is available for travel to conferences and for summer research. Our students are regularly selected to receive additional support from interdisciplinary centers and programs.

Additional Funding Opportunities

You are here

Graduate education.

The Yale English Department offers a broad-ranging program of graduate education, with courses that engage all periods of British literature, American literature since its inception, and many of the contemporary interdisciplines (feminism, media studies, post-colonialism, Black studies, LGBTQIA+ studies, and the environmental humanities).

The Department aims to train future scholars, writers, and teachers of many kinds: our primary focus is on the development of college and university professors, but our alumni also go on to careers as curators, librarians, secondary school teachers, university administrators, journalists, editors, and professional writers. Our faculty believe in the values of pluralism (in what is studied and how it is studied), and they are committed to preparing students to succeed in competitive and demanding professions. To that end, we make the teaching of undergraduates an important part of graduate training, as well as offering a wide array of professional development opportunities at  The Yale Review , university libraries and museums, the Digital Humanities Lab, and elsewhere on campus.

Pluralism within the Department is enhanced by relations with other graduate programs. The English Department offers combined PhD programs with African-American Studies, Film and Media Studies, History of Art, Early Modern Studies, and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and has strong affiliations with graduate programs in American Studies, Comparative Literature, Medieval Studies, Religious Studies, and other humanistic disciplines. Faculty members are often joint appointees in English and another of these programs, and many courses are cross-listed. The Department encourages its students to design programs of study that combine specialization with wise generalization.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content

CollegeRank.net

Best College Rankings

30 Best PhD Programs in English

With one of the 30 top English PhD programs, career opportunities are numerous, because let’s face it: researching, writing, teaching, learning, communicating, and critical thinking all translate into a highly sought-after knowledge and skill set.

This is not a trick question: What would we do if we could not communicate with each other, whether verbally or in writing (or texting)?

Seriously think about it: Without language, what do we have?

There are those who live and breathe:

• sentence structures

They can’t seem to get enough of learning about the dynamic subject we call English. If you love language, writing, research, learning, and continuously searching for that right word, a PhD in English may be the graduate program you’re looking for.

Check out our top English PhD program rankings and start preparing for your future!

• Top MFA in Creative Writing
• Best PhD in Communications

What Is a PhD in English?

A PhD in English is a terminal degree, meaning it’s the highest you can get in any given subject. While concentrations and programs of study differ, three parts of an English PhD are certain:

• qualifying exams
• a dissertation

Coursework typically includes various literature classes to provide a strong breadth of English language and literature knowledge. Most top English PhD programs also require foreign language requirements. After the coursework is finished in around 2-3 years, English majors will take a comprehensive qualifying exam to achieve doctoral status. This exam covers all they have studied this far, and passing it will allow them to move on to their dissertation.

A dissertation is the final step to earning a PhD in English. Think of it as an independent research project that takes years to:

• compile information

The dissertation defense is the last step, where you present your project to a faculty panel.

Most top English PhD programs take five to seven years to complete, but of course, it depends on full-time or part-time status. It is also worth noting that many graduate schools, including the ones we have reviewed, provide full funding to the student earning a PhD.

You may also like: Doctorate vs PhD

What Are the Top English PhD Programs?

At CollegeRank , we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals. Please feel free to visit our dedicated methodology page for a step-by-step breakdown. For questions, comments, badge downloads, or data corrections, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].

University at Buffalo

Buffalo, New York

Average Net Price

While all of our rankings in this article are notable, The University of Buffalo ranks in the top 1% of not just the country but the world by the Center for World University Rankings. Founded in 1846, SUNY Buffalo is the largest campus in the 64-campus SUNY system. It offers one of the best English PhD programs. It just happens to be our #1 choice!

What sets SUNY Buffalo apart from others? As a student, you are a part of a vibrant, supportive community as an active participant in every part of the program. You are not just going to school, but you are a part of the process. This includes attending and voting in department meetings and joining the English Graduate Student Association (EGSA).

This top PhD in English requires 72 credits, which are satisfied through ten graduate seminar courses in fields such as:

• American and British literature
• poetics and critical theory

You will then take an oral qualifying exam and complete and defend a “book-length work of original scholarship,” otherwise known as a dissertation.

As a graduate program student, you are encouraged to publish during your time at SUNY Buffalo and equipped with a third-year workshop for this goal. This graduate program takes approximately five years and is fully in person. You can apply through the Graduate Enrollment Services.

University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley, California

Globally ranked as the fourth-best university according to U.S. News & World Report rankings, University of California-Berkeley has been described as a “glorious place,” full of “commitment to excellence.” This is a top graduate program in the country. The PhD in comparative literature, is both “historical and theoretical”. It includes a “signature combination of teaching and research on literature, film, and other media.”

In this English PhD program , you will choose one literature from a historical and critical perspective and complete comparative work in three kinds of literature. You will then complete ten courses encompassing:

• comparative
• major types of literature
• minor types of literature

The University of California-Berkeley says this program takes approximately seven years to complete and includes a recommended timetable to stay on track.

The University of California-Berkeley offers a myriad of fellowships and financial aid to help with the cost of this PhD program. In addition, you have the opportunity to seek employment through the department in teaching and research assistantship programs. Alumni have won national awards from the Modern Language Association and the American Comparative Literature Association (ACLA).

University of Maryland

College Park, Maryland

The University of Maryland is devoted to social entrepreneurship. It is recognized as the nation’s first  “Do Good” university. Home to over 41,000 students and 388,000 alumni, UMD spans 12 schools and colleges. It offers 297 academic programs, including the nationally ranked PhD in English. This graduate program prepares students who plan to teach at the university level with:

• language courses

Along with You will study an in-depth range of topics such as:

• literary and cultural history,
• aesthetic, critical and cultural theory
• digital and media studies
• humanistic engagement with the sciences
• language, rhetoric and composition

You will complete a minimum of 12 courses, including a foreign language requirement, while maintaining a 3.6 GPA. 

UMD’s top English PhD program is highly competitive but well worth the competition if you are accepted because all students receive a five-year funding package. To apply, you need to submit:

• a statement of goals and research interests
• transcripts
• three letters of recommendation
• a sample of critical writing
• an academic CV

The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, Texas

UT Austin is not only known for its food (especially breakfast tacos!) and music, but it’s also our #4 ranking. It has:

• excellent academic programs
• extensive research
• shared values of “equity, excellence, innovation, and empowerment”

It is ranked #20 in Best Graduate Schools from U.S. News & World Report . UT Austin offers a PhD in English with a concentration in literature or rhetoric and digital literacies.

Whether you enter the program with a bachelor’s or a master’s degree, you are required to complete 39 graduate seminar hours before the end of your third year. You must pass the third-year examination to achieve doctoral candidacy. The final milestone for the PhD in English is the dissertation defense. Graduate students have access to six years of funding from combined teaching assistantships.

UT Austin’s admission is highly competitive. Each year, this English PhD program accepts 12-14 students into the literature concentration and four in the rhetoric and digital literacies program. You can apply through ApplyTexas if you have a BA or MA plus at least 15 hours of upper-division English credits with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

University of Wisconsin – Madison

Madison, Wisconsin

A top-ranked university with 19 faculty and alumni Nobel Prize winners? Yes, please! Check out UW-Madison, awarded #13 in America’s Best Colleges from U.S. News & Report . UW Madison offers more than 9,000 courses across over 450 academic programs, including a PhD in English with the following specializations:

• Composition and rhetoric
• English language and linguistics
• Literature studies

This graduate program “combines a sharp focus on conceptual approaches to literary and cultural works with a commitment to broad coverage of the field of Anglophone literature.” As a student, you will tailor the program to your career goals through a required minor. You will also study interdisciplinary areas such as:

• literary theory and criticism
• gender studies
• race and ethnic studies

You will complete 51-63 coursework credits depending on which concentration you choose. Each concentration includes:

• major courses
• minor courses
• research/method/tools courses

While some of the best English PhD rankings offer online or hybrid formats, UW-Madison’s coursework is face-to-face. Applicants must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited institution. English degrees are preferred but they are not required.

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, Texas

Texas Tech warded a “Very High Research Activity” category by Carnegie Classification of Institution of Higher Education. It is a comprehensive public research university that spans 13 colleges and schools and 200 degree programs. At Texas Tech, you can earn a PhD in English with a specialization in literature.

One of the best parts of Texas Tech’s PhD in English is vast areas of study. You can choose any of the following concentrations:

• Early British literature
• Later British literature
• English and American literature
• Comparative literature, globalization, and translation
• Creative writing
• Linguistics
• Book history and digital humanities
• Film and media studies
• Literature, social justice, and environment

No matter which concentration you choose, you will take courses such as:

• Research Methods
• Critical Methods
• Writing for Publication
• Teaching College Literature

Texas Tech employs a holistic assessment for applicants while looking for:

• critical analysis skills
• a focused academic purpose
• strong letters of recommendation

University of South Florida

Tampa, Florida

Located in the heart of Tampa Bay, the University of South Florida is one of the fastest-rising universities in the nation. U.S. News and World Report ranks it as the 46th best public university in the country. At UCF, you can earn a PhD in English with either a literature or rhetoric and composition concentration.

UCF’s top English PhD program requires at least 30 hours of coursework, including:

• Scholarly Research and Writing
• Teaching Practicum
• Studies in Criticism and Theory

After completing your coursework, you must create and submit a portfolio and fulfill a foreign language requirement before you are admitted to doctoral candidacy. Then, the real fun starts: writing your dissertation.

USF graduate students can also earn graduate certificates in:

• comparative literary studies
• creative writing
• digital humanities
• professional and technical communication

UCF’s program is pretty competitive. You need:

• a Master of Arts from an accredited university
• at least a 3.7 GPA
• “competitive” GRE verbal and analytical writing scores
• recommendation letters
• a scholarly writing sample
• a personal statement

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah

“Step One: Imagine. Step Two: Do.”

The University of Utah is fondly known by students, faculty, and alumni as “The U,”. It features a simple yet profound motto that has inspired many graduates to go on and make their mark on the world. Notable alumni include writer Orson Scott Card and award-winning actor Stephen Covey, among many others.

You, too, can imagine what is possible and then take action by checking out the top PhD in English . It has concentrations in rhetoric and composition or literacy and cultural studies. The program entails:

• Ten seminar courses (including four concentration courses)
• Four additional English courses
• Two courses in writing and rhetoric studies
• A qualifying exam
• A successful dissertation

The Department of English features ample opportunities for publications, along with the graduate student reading series, Working Dog, where you can showcase your original work to not only other classmates, but the public.

University of Arizona

Tucson, Arizona

The University of Arizona is a nationally ranked university in public research and best value. It features a rich Native American history. The first graduating class in 1895 included three students before Arizona was even a state!

Check out the PhD in rhetoric, composition, and teaching of English – perfect if you intend to teach at a four-year college or a writing program.  UA’s Department of English states that the graduates of this doctoral program are “distinguished for their public engagement and action-oriented research, published scholarship, and innovative teaching.” 

The University of Arizona has an outstanding 97% job placement. English PhD graduates find themselves as nationally recognized scholars teaching, researching, and writing all over the world.

In this top English PhD program, you will complete 66 credit units, which includes 18 dissertation credits. Courses include:

• Research Methods in Rhetoric and Composition
• Qualifying Portfolio Workshop

To apply, you need to submit:

• a CV, a statement of purpose
• unofficial transcripts
• a writing sample in rhetoric or composition

Louisiana State University

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

LSU is Louisiana’s flagship institution. Louisiana State University is known for its top-notch academics and impressive return on investments. Ninety-two percent of all students receive scholarships or financial aid. Two in three students graduate with absolutely no debt. LSU’s PhD in English arms graduate students with the knowledge and skills to become expert:

• researchers

Similar to most English PhD programs, this program is organized into three phases:

• dissertation

The coursework consists of 48 credit hours of literature that “range across periods, genres, and traditions,” and critical and theoretical methods. Students will then take their exams and progress into the dissertation phase.

Students typically write one chapter of their dissertation per semester while enrolled in the Dissertation Writing Workshop. A perk of this program is that you can apply if you have either a Bachelor’s or Master’s of Arts. If you already have a master’s degree, you can apply up to 24 credit hours toward this degree and finish the PhD in just four years.

Arizona State University

Tempe, Arizona

Arizona State University boasts several national recognitions. This includes #1 in the country for most innovative school and the best graduate schools from U.S. News & World Report. Among the half a million alumni include notable:

• politicians
• actors and actresses

ASU features a PhD in English literature that is worth checking out!

The PhD in English literature emphasizes literary texts not only from a cultural and historical perspective but also from the “production, distribution, and reception.” The “texts” are defined as “folklore, oral traditions, popular culture, and film and digital media in addition to traditional literature.” The graduate program includes 42-72 hours in coursework. It also includes 12 hours of dissertation work.

This doctoral program is highly flexible and allows you to take courses in your interest areas. Sample courses include:

• Methods and Issues in Teaching Composition
• Rhetorical Traditions

To apply you need:

• statement of purpose
• an academic writing sample of 10-25 pages

The deadline to apply is January 1, and the GRE is not required.

University of California – Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California

Have you ever wondered which U.S. city features the most museums and theaters than any other city? Well, it’s Los Angeles!  UCLA is proud to be right in the center of the excitement. (And in case you’re wondering, LA is home to 105 museums and 225 theaters!) At UCLA-Los Angeles, you can join the current 15,724 graduate students and earn a comprehensive PhD in English literature.

UCLA structures its PhD in three stages. Stage one entails 14 graduate seminars in English literature, with various requirements to ensure a diverse depth of literature. Stage one also includes a first qualifying exam before you proceed to stage two for a second qualifying exam. Stage three is the research, writing, and completion of a dissertation. It begins in year five and typically takes two years to complete.

Component of UCLA’s PhD program include:

• dissertation project
• teacher training

Teaching assistantships are available and encouraged for graduate students. To apply you need to submit:

• a writing sample of 15-25 pages

Currently, the GRE exam requirement is waived because of Covid-19.

University of Michigan – Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, Michigan

The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor was voted #1 for Best Small College Town in America and Best U.S. Public University ( QS World University Rankings and Wallethub ). It is globally recognized for its exceptional academic quality. U-M Ann Arbor features a stellar doctoral program in English language and literature for those who aim to:

• write in a collective community

This top English PhD program allows you to specialize in British, American, or anglophone literature. Also, to“explore a wide range of critical, theoretical, and cultural perspectives.” The program focuses on learning as a social process. This is one reason why English graduate students are guaranteed six years of program funding! A huge perk.

In your first year you will:

• complete two basic languages or one advanced language
• Introduction to Graduate Studies
• three upper-level seminars

Your second year will be devoted to the preliminary examination. In the third year, a third-year review, which will provide feedback and direction. Finally, you will devote your last few years to your dissertation.

University of Missouri

Columbia, Missouri

If you know what the Tiger Walk and Tiger Prowl are, you certainly are familiar with the University of Missouri. It is fondly known as Mizzou. With a long history of traditions, Mizzou’s pride is seen all over the world. You can earn a PhD in English in just five years, including 30 hours of coursework that provides “deep knowledge and methodological sophistication. with a concentration on creative writing or literature.

Sample courses include:

• Literacy Criticism
• The Theory and Practice of Teaching in English
• English Linguistics
• creative writing workshops if you choose the creative writing concentration

By the spring of your third year, you should begin writing your dissertation. This could be scholarly or creative, depending on your concentration. You will have two years to complete your dissertation before you defend it by the end of your fifth year.

Recent dissertation titles include:

• “Medieval Romance, Fanfiction, and the Erotics of Shame” 
• “Science Frictions: Science, Folklore, and ‘The Future ” 
• “Magical Safe Spaces: The Role of Literature in Medieval and Early Modern Magic” 

University of Virginia – Main Campus

Charlottesville, Virginia

The University of Virginia is one of the very best in the nation. Both U.S. News & World Report and Money Magazine rank UVA #2 and #4 as the best public university and the best value. UVA houses a PhD in English language, literature, and research that leads graduates to all types of careers in:

• education administration

This best English PhD program entails 72 credits, including courses like:

• Introduction to Literary Research
• Dissertation Seminar

During the second semester of the fourth year, students will give a 40-min talk about their dissertation. This is a great opportunity for students to share their work with a formal venue before they defend their dissertation later.

In addition to this degree, you can earn graduate certificates in:

• Comparative literature
• Gender and sexuality studies
• African studies
• Environmental humanities
• Digital humanities

Accepted students receive financial support and health insurance for at least five years of their duration in the program.

University of Tennessee Knoxville

Knoxville, Tennessee

Founded in 1794, UT Knoxville is one of the oldest in the country. UT Knoxville spreads across 910 acres. The 294 buildings house 11 colleges and 900 programs of study! If you’re a teacher and want to continue your education studies, then UT’s PhD in literacy studies and education may be for you.

This program is not a standard PhD in English. It combines English and education and allows you to choose from a number of concentrations and specializations. You can choose between literacy studies and education. Then you can further choose an emphasis like:

• children’s and young adult literature
• ESL education
• literacy education

This program includes 48 credit hours beyond a master’s degree. This includes six credits in a cognate area and 24 hours of doctoral research and dissertation courses. Comprehensive exams should be completed in five years. The dissertation should be completed within eight years. To apply to this program, you need at least three years of teaching experience.

University of Louisiana

Lafayette, Louisiana

Smart. Spirited. Solution-Driven.

Those are words to describe the University of Louisiana at Lafayette It is the second-largest university in Louisiana, home to over 19,000 students. We also must mention that UL’s sports teams are THE Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns®! With a PhD in English from UL, you will receive a strong background in British and American language and literature. You can further customize your program to match your career goals.

UL now has over 100 students in its PhD program, which is a lot for a PhD in English! You can specialize in four areas (out of 21!) such as:

• critical theory
• Africana literature
• feminist theory and criticism

The degree requires 72 credit hours, which include 48 in coursework and 24 in dissertation research.

UL’s PhD program asks for application materials that “testify to solid academic preparation for advanced work.” These materials include:

• Transcripts
• Recommendation letters
• A Statement of purpose
• A CV with relevant academic/professional experience
• A critical (or creative) writing sample
• Optional GRE scores

To enter in the spring, submit your application by November 15.

New York University

New York City, New York

Imagine studying English in one of the most vibrant cities in the nation: New York City. New York University Steinhardt is a top university. It is ranked #10 among the Best Graduate Schools in Education ( U.S. News & World Report ). NYU Steinhardt offers a range of programs:

• doctoral programs

This includes the notable PhD in English education: secondary and college.

This doctoral program at New York University prepares graduates to become:

• university researchers
• English curriculum specialists
• post-secondary English language educators

You will enjoy small classes in one of the most diverse settings in the world: New York City! As a student, you will complete 48-60 credits, depending on the focus area and prior coursework.

Coursework includes:

• teaching and learning seminars
• two cognate courses
• foundation requirements
• research methodology classes

Before beginning your dissertation, you will complete a research experience course to prepare you. While many programs require full-time status, you can complete this PhD full-time or part-time. To apply, you need:

• A statement of purpose
• A writing sample (no more than 20 pages)
• Three recommendation letters

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Benjamin Franklin once said, “well-done is better than well-said.” This statement, by the school’s founder, serves as the cornerstone tradition of the University of Pennsylvania. Since the 1740s, Penn continues to evolve into a place of social activism, touching all of its programs. Penn’s PhD in English combines English and American literature to produce a comprehensive program with a range of specializations.

This “intellectually dynamic and rigorous” PhD program prepares students to be scholars and educators of English. You can specialize in one primary field. Or you can specialize in two additional fields such as:

• contemporary poetry

Penn recognizes that true learning comes when students become active participants in their academic and social community. The program’s emphasis is on the relationships between scholars and faculty.

In this top English PhD program , you will take courses such as Teaching of Literature and Composition. This is along with six literature courses spanning throughout various time periods. During your third year, you will choose a specialization as you start working on your dissertation. All PhD students receive the Benjamin Franklin Fellowship, which covers tuition and health insurance for five years.

Harvard University

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Have you ever wondered which academic institution is our nation’s oldest? Well, it’s Harvard University, established in 1636! With over 400,000 alumni all over the world including:

• 49 Nobel Laureates
• 32 heads of state
• 48 Pulitzer Prize winners

It’s no wonder Harvard University made our list of top English PhD rankings. After all, it’s Harvard! Check out Harvard University’s PhD in English that covers topics ranging from medieval literature to criticism and theory.

Harvard’s PhD in English provides a broad knowledge of English and teaches students to:

• research and write well
• teach effectively
• present their research at conferences and seminars

The first two years are devoted to coursework and preparing for the PhD qualifying exam, while the rest of the time is spent working on the dissertation.

Check out the many past doctoral theses and dissertations published on Harvard University’s website. Harvard states that this program typically takes between four and seven years. Most students finishing in five or six years. While GRE scores are not required for admission, past English classes, strong writing samples, and excellent letters of recommendation are.

Columbia University in the City of New York

A private Ivy League University, Columbia University has been a leader in higher education for over 250 years. Columbia University spans three undergraduate schools and 13 graduate schools. This includes the Teacher College, which opened in 1880. Columbia’s Teacher College features a PhD in English education for students who aim to become teachers and researchers in higher education.

This English PhD program includes 75 credits, and students may transfer up to 30 credits from previous graduate work. All PhD English education majors will take courses like:

• Research Paper: Teaching of English
• Professional Seminar: Foundational Texts

As a student, you stay on track through:

• milestones of coursework
• meeting with your dissertation committee

While most doctoral English PhD programs only admit students once a year, Columbia’s program allows entry in both the summer and fall. To apply you need:

• a master’s degree in English
• education or a related field
• at least 3-5 years of full-time teaching experience
• an academic writing sample

Cornell University

Ithaca, New York

Cornell University is a private Ivy League research university in Ithaca, NY. It is home to over 24,000 students. This top-ranked university includes 15 colleges and schools, including The College of Arts and Sciences at Cornell University. You can earn a PhD in English and language literature. This English PhD program comes with a generous financial package for students.

Cornell’s PhD in English language and literature allows you to customize your plan of study to suit your interests. You will form a faculty committee that will work with you on selecting your courses and writing and revising your dissertation. You can choose from a myriad of areas such as:

• Romance studies
• Cultural studies

This graduate program also emphasizes teaching an essential part of this plan of study. As a student, you are required to teach writing-intensive courses for at least one year during your time at Cornell. As mentioned, Cornell University provides five years of funding that includes:

• full tuition
• health insurance

Syracuse University

Syracuse, New York

Syracuse University, a highly-ranked private research institution, states that “being orange is more than just a color, a place or degree. It embodies a lifelong connection to a global network of innovators, thinkers, and creative solution finders.” Join the “Orange Community” of 22,000 other students when you earn a top PhD in English from Syracuse University.

Syracuse’s Ph.D. in English includes “specialized professional training in criticism, theory, research, and the teaching of literary and filmic texts”. It prepares you to teach at the college and university level.  You can apply whether you have a BA or master’s degree, and you will take between 12-18 courses, depending on your past academic records.

This PhD program is pretty straightforward. You will take courses like:

• Introduction to Critical Theory
• focused graduate seminars
• a foreign language

You will also take two exams: the field exam and the qualifying exam. This will qualify you as a doctoral candidate to begin:

• researching
• defending your dissertation

Syracuse boasts an excellent job placement record for PhD in English graduates.

Washington University in St. Louis

St. Louis, Missouri

Washington University was founded in 1853 in St. Luis. WashUis an independent university with more than 16,000 students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. It offers many opportunities, including:

• customizable programs
• study abroad experiences
• impressive financial aid options

You won’t want to miss the PhD in English and American literature from the College of Arts and Sciences.

Washington University’s PhD in English and American literature is described as “innovative, collegial, competitive, and generously funded, offering one of the top financial packages in the nation”. The program is rooted in literary history. As a student, you can tailor your plan of study to incorporate areas of English that you want to explore.

During your time at WashU, you will serve as both a graduate assistant and instructor in undergraduate English and literature courses. During year four, you will submit a dissertation prospectus. The next two years you will spend working on your dissertation. By April of year six, you will be ready to defend your dissertation and become a Doctor of English!

Northwestern University

Evanston, Illinois

Ranked #9 in the U.S. News & World Report 2020 Best Colleges, Northwestern University is a comprehensive research university. It has more than 13,000 graduate students and an impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1. Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences at Northwestern University features a PhD in literature that emphasizes:

• literary history
• criticism, and theory
• interdisciplinary studies

This best English graduate program includes:

• lectures and workshops from global scholars
• student-organized colloquia
• reading groups, conferences
• many ways to learn from not only the faculty, but from peers

You will complete 20 graduate-level courses in diverse historical periods during your first three years. In addition, you will complete a foreign language requirement by the end of year one.

At Northwestern, you will:

• work as a graduate assistant
• teach at least one course
• work on your dissertation during years four and five

While this PhD program can be completed in five years, most students complete it in six. As a graduate student at Northwestern, you will receive:

• full financial aid
• travel grants
• pedagogical training
• job placement

University of Miami

Coral Gables, Florida

Established in 1925, the University of Miami is a private research academic institution with numerous national recognitions in academic and research success. Check out UM’s Pride Points and what it means to be part of the Hurricane family. While you’re at it, check out the PhD in English with concentrations in Caribbean studies or early modern literature. This is a degree full of diversity and opportunity.

UM’s PhD in English is nationally ranked by the National Research Council for student and faculty diversity. As a student at UM, you will enjoy diverse topics such as:

• Caribbean literature
• early modern literature
• cultural theory

The cohorts are only five to seven students, so you will be among a tight-knit community of English scholars.

UM admits incoming students with either a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in English, and your previous degree(s) will determine whether you need to take 54 or 36 credits of coursework. You will also receive:

• at least five years of tuition remissions

UM reports that over 90% of its PhD graduates have full-time employment within nine months of graduating.

University of Chicago

Chicago, Illinois

The University of Chicago, a highly-ranked private research university, is known for its value of free and open inquiry. This has led to research breakthroughs such as:

• finding the cancer-genetics link
• discovering revolutionary economics links
• improving the graduation rates in urban cities

UChicago’s PhD in English language and literature involves intensive research for solutions, and open expression, staying true to UChicago’s values.

The University of Chicago’s PhD in English language and literature “prepares students for independent work as teachers, scholars, and critics by developing their abilities to pose and investigate problems in the advanced study of literature in English.” The four major elements of this program include:

• the dissertation.

Part of the appeal of this program are the dynamic courses like:

• The Print Revolution and New Readers: Women, Workers, Children
• Early Science Fiction
• Readings in Exile
• scanned transcripts
• 3-4 recommendation letters
• a 15-20 page writing sample
• a 1-3 page statement of purpose

Boston College

Newton, Massachusetts

“Education with a heart and soul – and the power to transform” is Boston College’s motto. Boston College is the first higher education institution in Boston. This private Jesuit research university is among one of the nation’s leaders. Boston College’s PhD in English gives graduate students the choice of a wide range of courses to tailor the program to their interests and career goals.

As a student, you are required to take just four PhD seminars along with courses in composition theory and pedagogy and research colloquium. The rest is up to you, and you will work with your advisor to build your program. Teaching is another component and starting with your second year, you will become a teaching assistant in a British or American literature class.

We’ll be honest: the very thing that we love about this program—the small classes—means that each year Boston College only admits 4-5 students. Applications for the fall semester are due by January 2. To apply you need:

• a critical writing statement

The Catholic University of America

Washington, D.C.

Right in the heart of our nation’s capital, you will find the Catholic University of America. It is the only national research academic institution found by the U.S. bishops. CatholicU is a great place to earn a  PhD in English language and literature offering:

• more than 250 academic programs
• 5,700 students
• 90,000+ alumni

And who wouldn’t want to study literature in Washington D.C.?

CatholicU’s English language and literature program includes 54 credit of coursework, a comprehensive exam, and a dissertation. The comprehensive exam consists of three parts:

• literary theory
• the history of criticism

After you pass the exam, you will begin your dissertation, described by CatholicU as “a substantial piece of original research,” which “gives the doctoral program its capstone.”

CatholicU’s location allows you to become fully immersed in literary history since you are among some of the most reputable museums, research collections, and libraries. Classes are small, so you will get personalized attention, including pedagogical training. CatholicU offers funding for this English language and literature PhD program for up to seven years.

University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, Indiana

Notre Dame’s College of Arts and Letters features a “flexible and dynamic” PhD in English that entails 42 credits of literary criticism courses, preparing you for:

• individualized reading courses
• independent study

Your written and oral exams in the third year will assess your knowledge and skills in your specialization, a secondary field, literary theory, and methodology.

You will then focus on researching for your dissertation, which you will defend in year five or six. 

Notre Dame also offers a 5+1 program that gives job incentives for students finishing this program in five years.

Frequently Asked Questions

PhD graduates can find rewarding careers in academia, journalism, media, and other communication fields. You can also become a content strategist or explore writing opportunities. Your expertise in language and literature opens doors to diverse fields of research and publishing.

Historical trends indicate PhDs in English graduates find jobs in academia, research, publishing, and related fields. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of postsecondary teachers (which includes university professors) is projected to grow 8% through 2032. This should result in about 118,000 new job openings each year, over the next 10 years.

Pay varies for PhD in English graduates, based on factors such as experience, location, and employment sector. In academia, assistant professors with a PhD in English start with salaries ranging from $60,000 to $80,000, while more experienced professors earn higher salaries.

A PhD in English typically takes 5 to 7 years. It involves coursework, comprehensive exams, dissertation research, and writing. Some online PhD programs allow students to finish their degree in less time, but the average is 6 years.

Many PhD programs in English offer financial support to students, which can include tuition waivers, stipends, and teaching or research assistant positions. Students often receive compensation for their teaching or research contributions, helping to offset costs during their doctoral studies. Stipends and compensation for teaching or research assistantships can range from a few thousand dollars to more substantial amounts, depending on the university, location, and program.

Yes, earning a PhD in English grants you the title of “Doctor.” When you successfully complete a doctoral program, including a PhD in English, you’re awarded the academic title of “Doctor of Philosophy.” You can use the prefix “Dr.” before your name in professional and academic contexts.

Yes, it is possible to pursue a PhD in English without a master’s degree. Some doctoral programs accept students with a bachelor’s degree directly into their PhD programs, providing specific academic and admission requirements are met.

Our websites may use cookies to personalize and enhance your experience. By continuing without changing your cookie settings, you agree to this collection. For more information, please see our University Websites Privacy Notice .

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Department of English

Graduate education.

UConn English is a vibrant, supportive, and diverse intellectual community where graduate students develop as writers, thinkers, scholars, and teachers.

Our department offers MA and PhD programs in English . Students in these programs engage with traditional and cutting-edge fields to study the full range of English literature written across the globe. Click on the buttons below to learn more.

View Graduate Programs

Learn about Financial Support

Apply to UConn

Our Community

UConn English graduate students are part of a welcoming, collaborative community with a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion . They are active participants in UConn’s graduate employee union and work together through the English Graduate Student Association to enhance the graduate student experience in the Department of English.

Our graduate professors are passionate educators, engaged mentors, and highly-respected scholars in their fields. Students have direct access to faculty through courses, seminars, and research. They also gain hands-on experience in teaching and public engagement. As a result, UConn English alumni flourish in positions in academia, administration, and the nonprofit and private sectors.

Areas of Interest

​​UConn English graduate students specialize in historical periods and fields from Medieval to twenty-first century literature, from multiethnic literature to poetics to children’s literature. Their work engages in a range of methodologies, including those drawn from postcolonial theory, adaptation studies, disability studies, anti-racism, and women’s, gender, and sexuality studies.

Our students also engage in specialty communities, such as the Creative Writing Program ; connect their research to their pedagogy through upper-level teaching; and complete graduate certificates in areas like Digital Humanities and Media Studies, American Studies, Human Rights, College Instruction, and Literary Translation.

More Graduate Education Resources

Campus and facilities.

The UConn English graduate program is housed in the Austin Building on the dynamic main campus in Storrs, nestled among the lovely hills of northeastern Connecticut. We are half an hour from Hartford, just over an hour from New Haven, Boston, and Providence, and about two hours from New York City.

Members of our community therefore benefit from the high quality of life that comes with living in an affordable suburban area located among several of America’s greatest cities. Graduate students also enjoy the proximity of archives such as the American Antiquarian Society, the Beinecke Library, the New York Public Library, the Pierpont Morgan Library, and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. On the Storrs campus, the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center at the Homer Babbidge Library has strengths in human rights, children’s literature (including the Maurice Sendak papers), alternative press publications, and fine press and artist’s books.

Faculty and Research

The Department of English is home to more than 50 full-time graduate faculty members , whose books, articles, scholarly reputations, and engaged teaching help make UConn one of the top public research institutions in the nation.

English faculty approach their work as archivists and cultural studies scholars, as literary theorists and creative writers, using methodologies from areas as diverse as disability studies, gender and sexuality studies, postcolonial theory, and childhood studies. We pride ourselves on our coverage of nearly all major specialty areas .

Funding and Teaching

Full-time students in all three UConn English graduate programs receive tuition waivers, a living stipend, and access to university health insurance. This funding is supported by guaranteed teaching assistantships, through which our graduate students gain valuable classroom experience in our innovative First-Year Writing Program, which is dedicated to writing across technology, collaborative learning, and small class sizes.

MA/Ph.D. and Ph.D. students are also guaranteed one semester in which they teach two courses that speak to their professional interests, such as genre courses, literature surveys, major author courses, advanced writing courses, or courses focused on a literary period or theoretical approach. Our department values and strives to support our graduate students as teachers as well as scholars.

Learn more about graduate student funding.

Awards and Contests

The Department of English supports a range of annual awards and writing contests that recognize students for outstanding achievements in creative writing and teaching.

Learn more about English awards, contests, and scholarships.

Career Development

Our program is distinctive in its support of graduate students as they meet the demands of an increasingly competitive job market.

In their first semester, all MA and MA/Ph.D. students enroll in a three-credit course on pedagogical theory, a one-credit teaching practicum, and a one-credit exploration of graduate study. MA/Ph.D. and Ph.D. students also take a three-credit seminar on professional development, in which they explore research activities such as academic publishing, conferencing, and grant writing while learning about classroom strategies and careers open to Ph.D. alumni.

Students also receive one-on-one support from a member of our Job Market Committee as they develop materials from cover letters and CVs to diversity statements and teaching philosophies. This support has helped our students earn positions in academic settings and beyond across the country.

View recent placements of our graduate alumni.

• Recommendations
• Notifications
• My Favorites

Favorites, recommendations, and notifications are only available for UCLA Graduate Students at this time.

Access features exclusively for UCLA students and staff.

As a student, you can:

• Add funding awards to your favorites list
• Get notified of upcoming deadlines and events
• Receive personalized recommendations for funding awards

 We're Sorry

You've signed in with a UCLA undergraduate student account.

UCLA Graduate Programs

Graduate Program: English

UCLA's Graduate Program in English offers the following degree(s):

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Masters available on Doctoral track

With questions not answered here or on the program’s site (above), please contact the program directly.

English Graduate Program at UCLA 149 Humanities Building Box 951530 Los Angeles, CA 90095-1530

Visit the English’s faculty roster

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Visit the registrar's site for the English’s course descriptions

• Admission Requirements
• Program Statistics

(310) 825-3927

[email protected]

MAJOR CODE: ENGLISH

Graduate Programs

Brown's graduate program in English offers professional training in literary research, theory, criticism and the teaching of literature and writing.

The Department of English has a diverse faculty representing a range of theoretical approaches. Faculty regularly publish books and articles in such areas as literary history, theory of the novel, poetic form, literature and visual arts, African American literature, Asian American literature, critical race theory, postmodernism, new historicism, feminist theory and criticism, gender and sexuality studies, postcolonial literature, and film studies. The Department of English has close ties with the departments of Africana Studies, American Studies, Comparative Literature, Modern Culture and Media, and with the Cogut Institute for the Humanities and the Pembroke Center for Teaching and Research on Women.

Additional Resources

Research opportunities in the John Hay Library, the John Carter Brown Library, and the John Nicholas Brown Center for Public Humanities and Cultural Heritage; collaborative work with the Cogut Institute for the Humanities, the Pembroke Center for Teaching and Research on Women, the Malcolm S. Forbes Center for Modern Culture and Media, and the programs housed in the Department of Africana Studies and Ethnic Studies; interdisciplinary opportunities in the Center for the Study of Slavery and Justice and the Center for the Study of Race and Ethnicity in America.

Application Information

Application requirements, gre subject:.

Not required

GRE General:

Writing sample:, personal statement:, dates/deadlines, application deadline, completion requirements.

Minimum of 13 courses, including one course from each of three historical areas: medieval and early modern literatures and cultures, enlightenment and the rise of national literatures and cultures, and modern and contemporary literatures and cultures, one course with a focus on the study of race,  ENGL2210 Proseminar, ENGL2950 Seminar in Pedagogy and Composition Theory , and two independent studies that serve as preparation for the qualifying examination; one foreign language; six semesters of teaching; oral qualifying examination; dissertation.

Alumni Careers

Contact and Location

Department of english, mailing address.

• Program Faculty
• Program Handbook
• Graduate School Handbook

• Make a Gift
• Directories

Search form

You are here.

• Programs & Courses

Graduate Programs

The UW Department of English graduate programs are committed to the intellectual and professional development of our students as educators, researchers, and writers. We offer a combined MA/PhD in language and literature in addition to MFA and MATESOL degrees. Our faculty include many nationally and internationally recognized creative writers and scholars working in literary studies, cultural studies, language, rhetoric, and literacy. In addition to a broad range of interests and specializations particular to English as a discipline, we have significant strengths in interdisciplinary areas of scholarship, including textual and digital studies, feminism and gender studies, critical race studies, queer studies, genre and popular culture studies, sociolinguistics and critical applied linguistics, writing studies, translingual and transnational literacy studies, and environmental humanities. Looking beyond our department and our campus, Seattle and the Puget Sound region offer our students a wealth of cultural and professional resources and opportunities.

Eva Cherniavsky , Director

What programs do we offer?

Three degree options:

• MA/PhD in English Language and Literature
• Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (MFA)
• Master of Arts for Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (MATESOL)

How do you apply to an English graduate program?

• Explore our How to Apply  page
• MA/PhD Application Checklist and MA/PhD FAQ
• MFA Application Checklist and  MFA FAQ
• MATESOL Application Checklist and MATESOL FAQ  

How do you contact an advisor?

• MA/PhD questions:  [email protected]
• MFA questions:  [email protected]
• MATESOL questions: [email protected]
• Meet our Graduate Staff
•   Instagram
•   Newsletter

• Majors & Careers
• Online Grad School
• Preparing For Grad School
• Student Life

Top 5 Best PhD Programs in English [2024]

Earning a PhD in English makes you an expert in language, literature, communication, research, critical thinking, and academic presentation. This qualification opens doors to a successful and well-paid career in a broad range of fields, including teaching, research, and media.

Read on for everything you need to know about the best PhD programs in English and the universities that provide them, along with career prospects, salaries, alternative streams, as well as pros and cons.

Table of Contents

Best PhD Programs in English

Harvard university, the graduate school of arts and sciences.

Graduate Program in English

Acceptance rate: 5%

Harvard University  is a private Ivy League university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The oldest institution of higher learning in the country, it was founded in 1636 and is one of the most prestigious universities in the world. This exclusive institution has an acceptance rate of only 5%.

It has one of the best English PhD programs in the the world. It is an integrated program that includes both a Masters of Arts in English as well as a PhD. It can take anywhere between four and seven years to complete, ending with a doctoral dissertation. The program will give you deep insight into the English language and literature, with an emphasis on cultural and critical theory. It will also equip you with exceptional skills in writing, helping you excel at conference presentations, teaching, and academic work.

The program has a tiered fee structure  where the fees reduce over time, and various forms of funding and financial aid  are available.

Stanford University, School of Humanities and Sciences

PhD in English Program

Acceptance rate:  4%

The second Ivy-League school on our list, Stanford University is a private research university located in Stanford, California. It was founded in 1885 and today is a world-renowned and highly competitive institution, with an acceptance rate of 4%. The university’s location in the heart of Silicon Valley gives it a uniquely entrepreneurial approach to arts and sciences.

Stanford has one of the best PhD English programs in the country, with a focus on literary history. The program follows new approaches to technology, media, and performance to help students become scholars and literary critics. You’ll be required to complete a dissertation at the end of the program.

There are many options for fellowships  and funding  available. In fact, 80% of all Stanford students receive some form of financial assistance.

Cornell University, The Department of Literatures in English

PhD Program in English Language and Literature

Acceptance rate: 8.7%

Cornell University, based in Ithaca, New York, is a private Ivy League university and a land-grant institution. It was established in 1865 and offers exceptional educational opportunities for students at various levels, and has an acceptance rate of 8.7%.

Cornell’s PhD in English in English Language and Literature offers a range of concentrations, including African American literature, American literature, English poetry, colonial literature, and cultural studies. The program is very flexible, and students can choose electives from various fields such as German studies, women’s studies, linguistics, and philosophy. Since the program only accepts around 10 students each year, the school offers funding  to everyone admitted.

The University of Texas at Austin, Department of English

PhD Program in English

Acceptance rate: 32%

The University of Texas at Austin is a public research university that offers affordable education to a diverse student population. Established in 1883 and located in Austin, Texas, the university has an acceptance rate of 32%.

Its PhD program in English has a strong focus on research, mentoring and training for pedagogy, and benefits from resources from both the Department of English and the Department of Rhetoric and Writing. The program takes at least three years to complete, with an average annual intake of between 10-12 students. Full funding  for up to six years is available through teaching assistantships and fellowships.

The University of Pennsylvania, School of Arts & Science

PhD in English

Acceptance rate:  9%

The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia is a private, Ivy-League research university. Founded in 1740, it is one of the nine colonial colleges chartered before the Declaration of Independence. The university has an acceptance rate of 9%.

Their PhD in English gives students a broad understanding of English and American literature. The program has a much broader vision than just submitting dissertations and passing exams; rather, it encourages students to actively participate in the intellectual and social community of the department to produce a collective body of knowledge. The tuition  per academic year is $37,678, and the university offers various funding options .

What Jobs Can You Get with a PhD in English?

Having a PhD in English leads to a broad range of career opportunities. You could work in the fields of education, writing, publishing, research, or government, among others.

Here are some of the most common roles for professionals holding a doctorate in English, with annual median salaries for each:

• English Professor, Post-secondary/Higher Education ( $88,934 ):  A post-secondary or higher education professor delivers lectures to students, tutors them, and assists them with their research and dissertations. They may also conduct academic research.
• Correspondent ( $81,965 ):  A correspondent works for a media organization or agency to provide news reports for print and digital media.
• Public Relations (PR) Manager ( $71,632 ):  Public relations managers are responsible for maintaining a positive public image of their organization. To do this, they may oversee PR campaigns, deal with the media, and develop branding strategies.
• Research Analyst ( $57,562 ) : A research analyst analyzes large amounts of data to draw conclusions and validate or disprove certain assumptions or theories.
• Fundraising Manager ( $55,460 ):  A fundraising manager works for an organization, typically a non-profit to generate funds through grants and donations. They may conduct campaigns, write grant applications, and communicate with a range of stakeholders.
• Editor ( $55,297 ):  An editor reviews written content to correct errors in grammar, spelling, structure, and style before it is published.

Pros and Cons of English PhD Programs

A PhD in English could be a valuable qualification that puts you on track for your dream career, but it’s not for everyone. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of completing a PhD in English that you should keep in mind.

Pros of Studying a PhD in English:

• Make a Valuable Contribution: When you study for an English PhD, you have the chance to explore uncharted waters in the literary and language sphere. You’ll conduct independent research to come up with original findings that will add to the existing knowledge in the field.
• Qualify for a Higher-level Job:  A PhD in English will enable you to apply for roles that are simply out of reach if you only have a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
• Professional Networking Opportunities:  A PhD in English can advance your career and put you in constant contact with high-level professionals in the field. This can help you become part of an elite professional community, especially if you gain your doctorate from one of the best universities for English majors.

Cons of an English PhD:

• S olitary Pursuit:  Unlike a master’s, studying a PhD involves a great deal of independent research. You will often work alone on your project, without much opportunity to interact with other students.
• Limited Job Openings:  While earning a PhD in English can help you apply to some well-paid jobs, these roles are often limited.
• Tough Competition for Admission: Getting admitted to a PhD program is not as easy as it is for a master’s degree. Doctorate programs have very strict admission requirements, and you’ll need a high GPA and strong GRE scores  to get into the best English grad schools for PhD

Alternatives to a PhD English

Just because you have a bachelor’s or master’s in English doesn’t mean you have to get your PhD in English. You may get a taste for a related discipline while pursuing your master’s.

You have a range of options for doctorates that will help you to pursue similar career paths. For example, you can go for a PhD in Linguistics, Comparative Literature, Cultural Studies, or Education .

Frequently Asked Questions about PhD in English Programs

What salary can i get with a phd in english.

Having a PhD in English can lead to a broad range of career options, with various salary brackets depending on the exact role, as well as your level of experience. Having said that, the annual median salary for English PhDs is $60,000 .

Which PhD is Best After an MA in English?

After completing your MA in English , you may pursue a PhD in one of the many options available, such as literature, linguists, or teaching English as a foreign language. It all depends on your personal preferences and passions.

Is a PhD in English Worth It?

There is no doubt that a PhD in English will help advance your career and attract a better salary than most master’s degree holders, especially if your degree is from one of the best schools for English majors. If you are determined and willing to pay in the time and effort, you will enjoy the pay off in the long run.

What Can I Do After Finishing My PhD in English?

With a doctorate in English, you’ll enjoy a range of opportunities in various fields. You may work in academia, the publishing industry, or the media. This advanced degree can also lead to jobs in the government and research sectors, or you may choose to pursue an independent career as a writer or lexicographer.

Final Thoughts

A doctorate in English will not only make you an expert in language and literature, but it will also help you hone your critical thinking skills and build valuable professional connections.

The best PhD programs in English will give you a valuable qualification, as well as the option to focus on your preferred specialization. Specializations can vary greatly from one English PhD program to another, so be sure to do your research and find a school amidst the list of the top English PhD programs that best suits your passions and ideal career path. Don’t just look at the top three best English programs in the US; instead, look for programs that have courses you’re interested in.

If you’re looking for a flexible option that will allow you to earn your doctorate while balancing work and personal commitments,  take a look at our list of the top 20 online PhDs .

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

• Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ ACBSP Vs AACSB: Which Business Program Accreditations is Better?
• Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ BA vs BS: What You Need to Know [2024 Guide]
• Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ The 19 Best MBA Scholarships to Apply for [2024-2025]
• Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ 25 Best Gifts for Law Students for 2024

Master’s in Coaching: The Ultimate Guide

Master’s in speech pathology: the ultimate guide, related posts.

• 73% of job seekers believe a degree is needed for a well-paying role–but is it?

Tech Talent Crunch: Cities with More Jobs Than Workers

The Most Under-Rated Career Advancement Tip for 2024

Top 5 Best Psychology PhD Programs in 2024

Good News For Early Careers: Skills-Based Hiring is Surging

These Are The Best States To Start Your Tech Career

Master's in Speech Pathology: The Ultimate Guide

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Recent Posts

• Is a Master’s Degree Worth It? [2024 Guide]
• Graduate Certificate vs Degree: What’s the Difference? [2024 Guide]
• ACBSP Vs AACSB: Which Business Program Accreditations is Better?
• What is a Good GRE Score?

© 2024 TheGradCafe.com All rights reserved

• Partner With Us
• Results Search
• Submit Your Results
• Write For Us

What are you looking for?

• International Students
• Prospective International Students

English Proficiency

English-language proficiency requirements.

Effective for applications submitted for summer 2024 and later terms only.

The ability to communicate effectively in English—to read, write and speak the language fluently—is vital to your success as a USC student.

International graduate applicants are therefore expected to demonstrate their proficiency in English as part of the application process and should carefully review the guidelines below.

U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents (such as green card holders) are considered to be “domestic” applicants, regardless of where they have studied or reside. Domestic applicants are exempt from the university’s English-proficiency requirements.

Test Score Guidelines

Important: USC does not set university-wide score minimums for graduate admission. The scores listed below are typically used for placement purposes only—to determine if an admitted student will need to take the International Student English (ISE) examination upon arrival at USC.

English-proficiency scores must be dated within 2 years (24 months) of the date you submit your graduate application. For example, a prospective student applying to fall 2024 who submits their USC application in December 2023 will need to have taken the test no earlier than December 2021.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

USC accepts the TOEFL iBT Home Edition, iBT Paper Edition, and the standard in-person TOEFL iBT administered in official test centers. Admitted students are exempt from taking the ISE Exam with the following scores:

Sending official scores to USC: USC must receive scores electronically from the testing service for them to be considered official. Photocopies or paper copies of scores are not acceptable.

USC’s institution code is 4852. No department code is required.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

USC accepts IELTS Academic and IELTS Indicator (Online version) scores. Admitted students are exempt from taking the ISE Exam with the following scores:

Sending official scores to USC: USC must receive scores electronically from the testing service for them to be considered official. Photocopies or paper copies of scores from the testing service are not acceptable.

Select “University of Southern California” from the list of available institutions when you register to take the IELTS test. Alternatively, provide this information to your testing center after you have taken the test. Contact information for the USC department to which you are applying is not required.

PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic

USC accepts PTE Academic and PTE Academic Online scores. Admitted students are exempt from taking the ISE Exam with the following scores:

Select “University of Southern California” from the list of available institutions when you register to take the PTE Academic test. Alternatively, provide this information to your testing center after you have taken the test. Contact information for the USC department to which you are applying is not required.

Special Accommodations

The Educational Testing Service (TOEFL), the British Council (IELTS) and Pearson (PTE Academic) will provide accommodations for those with disabilities.

Score Minimums Set by Programs

Please note that some individual programs may set internal score minimums that are higher than those listed here. Please refer to your intended graduate program(s) for information about their English proficiency requirements.

English-Language Test Waiver

International applicants are exempt from submitting English-proficiency scores under the following circumstances:

• You hold a degree (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate) from USC or are currently enrolled in a USC degree program.
• You have completed a master’s or doctoral degree from a country in which English is both the language of instruction and the only official language. The degree needs to have already been completed at the time you submit your USC application. Applicants who have not yet completed a qualifying master’s or doctoral program at the time they apply will still need to submit English-proficiency scores.
• Your native language is English. This applies to native English speakers from countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada (except Quebec), where English is both the only official language of the country and the language of instruction.

USC does not waive the English-proficiency requirement based on any other consideration such as work experience, ESL enrollment, amount of time spent in the U.S., etc. It also cannot be waived on the basis of programs taught in English in non-Anglophone countries.

To determine if USC requires TOEFL/IELTS/PTE scores for your country of study, please check our Country Requirements page.

USC International Academy

Students looking to prepare their English and academic skills for the rigors of graduate study at USC may wish to explore the USC International Academy as an option.

Exceptions: The Office of Graduate Admission does not have the authority to grant exemptions to the university’s English-proficiency policies on the basis of applicant requests. Exemption requests submitted directly to our office by applicants themselves are automatically denied. If you have extraordinary circumstances that you believe may merit an individualized exemption, please contact your intended graduate program to discuss available options.

How to Choose a Graduate School: 7 Tips for Success

So you’ve made the decision to go to grad school. You’ve weighed your options , researched the benefits of a graduate education , and discovered the value of having an advanced degree . Now it’s time to choose which program to pursue—a task that can seem overwhelming given the number of options available.

But the process doesn’t have to be so daunting. There are actions you can take to make choosing a graduate degree program more manageable—exciting, even. As you take the next step toward your personal and professional goals, take note of the following tips to help you choose a graduate school and degree program best suited for you.

Difference Between Grad School and Undergrad Programs

Before you start searching for the right graduate school for you, it’s essential to know what to expect for this new career trajectory you’ll be embarking on. Unlike an undergraduate program, grad programs are highly specialized and much more advanced in your field of study.

Prospective graduate students can expect a far more individualized experience as they work closely with students and professors. Due to this specialization, entering a graduate program will be an investment of time that’ll ultimately help elevate your expertise and career choices.

Tips for Choosing a Graduate School

1. Take inventory of your passions and motivations.

Pursuing a graduate education is a big investment, so it’s critical to understand the unique “ why ” behind your decision. What do you hope to achieve by going back to school? Whether you’d like to gain more specialized knowledge, change careers, earn a promotion, increase your salary potential, or achieve a lifelong personal goal, make sure the program you choose will help get you there.

Examine the curricula and course descriptions of various degree programs, and assess how each offering aligns with your passions and interests. Graduate school is challenging, but it will feel more manageable if you’re working toward something that matters to you. Understanding your expectations and what you want to get out of the program is the first step in choosing a degree that will be a good fit.

2. Do your research and explore your options.

Once you’ve determined your motivations for returning to school, leave yourself time to research the types of degree programs available in your preferred area of study and the opportunities each can create.

Resources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook can give you a sense of typical career paths by industry, along with the educational degree requirements for each. The handbook also provides market growth forecasts and earning potential to help inform your decision.

It’s also important to note the structure and focus of each program. Even in the same discipline, a program’s focus can vary among institutions. Does the curriculum emphasize theory, original research, or a more practical application of knowledge? Whatever your goals may be, make sure the program’s focus aligns with the educational experience that will provide you with the most value. Career changers, for example, who likely don’t have industry experience, might prefer a program with access to hands-on learning opportunities or a path for completing prerequisites like Northeastern’s Align and Bridge programs.

While conducting your research, don’t be afraid to utilize your professional network. Speak with colleagues who have pursued an advanced degree in your industry and reach out to alumni of the institutions you’re considering. Listening to their experiences as a graduate student and in the job market post-degree can help you gauge if the program is in line with your goals.

3. Keep your career goals in mind.

After exploring your range of program options, consider your career goals and how each specific graduate program can help you get there.

If you’re seeking a specialized area of focus, be sure to examine the program concentrations offered at each institution. One graduate program in education might prepare you to specialize in higher education administration or elementary instruction, while other institutions may offer concentrations in special education or classroom technology. Make sure the program you choose reflects your career interests.

Alternatively, if you’re unsure of exactly where your career path may take you, you may want to consider a broader degree that can give you flexibility in its application. Some degree programs, such as a Master of Business Administration , teach skills that can be applied across multiple professions. If this is the path you’d prefer to pursue, pick a degree that will remain relevant as you move around in your career.

Examine the types of credentials professionals in the industry possess and research the types of skills potential employers are looking for. Check to see that the degree program offers opportunities to learn and develop those same skills. You’ll want to make sure the program you’re investing your time in will arm you with the knowledge you can actually apply in the real world.

Some professions also require board certification and/or state licensure. For example, someone interested in becoming a ​​project manager must complete 35 hours of relevant training before gaining eligibility to sit for the certification exam. You’ll want to ensure that the graduate program you ultimately decide on is fully accredited and will help you meet any certification or licensure requirements.

Location is also an important factor to consider when thinking about potential employment opportunities after graduation. Individuals interested in financial services may consider schools in a major banking center, such as Charlotte , while those pursuing a technology career might look for programs in Silicon Valley .

Further, if your goal is to work for a specific company, do your research to determine where graduates of the programs you’re looking at are working. Universities often have corporate partnerships in which employers recruit graduates to work at their organization. Check to see if your dream company partners with any nearby universities.

4. Make sure the program fits your lifestyle.

While aligning your career goals, make sure the degree program you choose will realistically fit within your lifestyle, and determine what level of flexibility you need. There are many options available that will allow you to earn an advanced degree at the right pace and in the right format for you.

Some degrees can be earned in as little as 12 months, while others can take years. Determine how much time you’re willing to invest, considering your personal values, work and family commitments, and the type of graduate experience you’d like to have.

Full-time graduate studies are not for everyone. If you’re a working professional, you may benefit from the increased flexibility provided by a part-time degree program. You might also consider the benefits of online or hybrid graduate programs that provide access to worldwide institutions that may have otherwise not been an option.

5. Consider your finances.

Decide what you can afford for graduate school, and don’t forget to factor in both the up-front costs, such as tuition and textbooks, and hidden fees, like transportation and student activity costs. While your education is an investment, make sure you can cover the costs associated with earning your graduate degree.

Paying for graduate school can seem intimidating, but there are many different options available to you. While you narrow down your list of schools, be sure to check out the financial aid options at each institution. Along with scholarships , loans, and grants, some schools may offer assistantships or fellowships for graduate students.

For those who may already be working in their industry, your employer may offer tuition reimbursement , which pays for a predetermined amount of continuing education credits or college coursework to be applied toward a degree. Contact your company’s human resources department to determine whether tuition reimbursement is available to you and if your program of interest meets the eligibility requirements.

All of these options will help ease the costs associated with your education and could help you earn valuable experience to enhance your resumé. You may also want to consider your future earning potential and job opportunities when weighing your options—you want your degree to be worth the money, time, and energy you put into earning it.

6. Talk to admissions advisors, students, and alumni.

When determining your graduate school options, it’s important to talk to current students and alumni. Begin by creating a list of questions to ask, such as:

• Do you have enough academic and career guidance?
• What do you like and dislike about your program?
• Are you happy with your professors?
• Are there co-op and internship opportunities available to you?
• How do you feel about the student community?
• What do you wish you knew before enrolling?

What students and alumni tell you might surprise you and could be extremely valuable in determining the right graduate school for you.

Speak With a Student Ambassador

 Talk to an ambassador who’s been there and done that.

You can also speak with graduate admissions advisors to help you narrow your options. They have experience guiding students to make this type of decision and can provide you with the outcomes of past students whose goals were similar to yours. In speaking with the institution’s alumni and mentor network, you also have the opportunity to assess the type of connections you can make there and how they may help you get ahead after graduation.

7. Network with faculty.

Faculty can make or break your graduate school experience. Take the time to reach out to your potential professors and get to know them. Don’t be afraid to ask specific questions about their background to see if it aligns with what you want to learn.

Apply to universities that have one or more professors who focus on your area of interest and with whom you can imagine collaborating while earning your degree. Determine if they can help facilitate your growth, and go with a program where you’re comfortable with the faculty.

Applying to Graduate School

After narrowing down your options and determining which graduate programs align most closely with your career goals, lifestyle, and personal interests, you’re ready to begin the application process. It might seem intimidating, but applying to graduate school is simple so long as you remain organized and are well-prepared.

While the application requirements may look different depending on the institution and type of degree program you’re applying to, there are certain materials that you’ll likely be asked for as part of your grad school application. These include:

• An application form
• Undergraduate transcripts
• A well-optimized professional resumé
• A statement of purpose or personal statement
• Letters of recommendation
• GRE, GMAT, or LSAT test scores (if required)
• An application fee

Do your research to determine what the application requirements are for your program of choice, and remain conscious of deadlines. 

Remember that Graduate School Is a Stepping Stone

When deciding which program to pursue, it’s important to remember that graduate school is a stepping stone toward your personal and professional goals—not the final destination. That said, the clearer you are on what you want to do following graduation, the easier it will be to find a program that aligns with your goals.

Start early, keep your search organized , and reach out for support. In the end, only you can decide which program will be best for you. No matter what program you choose to pursue, with commitment, resilience, and hard work, you can find success.

Subscribe below to receive future content from the Graduate Programs Blog.

About shayna joubert, related articles.

Why Earn a Professional Doctoral Degree?

5 Tips to Get the Most out of Grad School

Is Earning a Graduate Certificate Worth It?

Did you know.

Advanced degree holders earn a salary an average 25% higher than bachelor's degree holders. (Economic Policy Institute, 2021)

Northeastern University Graduate Programs

Explore our 200+ industry-aligned graduate degree and certificate programs.

Most Popular:

Tips for taking online classes: 8 strategies for success, public health careers: what can you do with an mph, 7 international business careers that are in high demand, edd vs. phd in education: what’s the difference, 7 must-have skills for data analysts, in-demand biotechnology careers shaping our future, the benefits of online learning: 8 advantages of online degrees, how to write a statement of purpose for graduate school, the best of our graduate blog—right to your inbox.

Stay up to date on our latest posts and university events. Plus receive relevant career tips and grad school advice.

By providing us with your email, you agree to the terms of our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

Keep Reading:

The 8 Highest-Paying Master’s Degrees in 2024

Graduate School Application Tips & Advice

How To Get a Job in Emergency Management

Join Us at Northeastern’s Virtual Graduate Open House | March 5–7, 2024

Programs by Career Path

Your career starts here, where do you want umb graduate school to take you.

Our biomedical, health and human service science degrees and certifications offer you a chance to align your interests and passions with a variety of specialized careers in healthcare and related professions.

Advance Your Academic Career

Further your research interests and share your expertise with the next generation of students with a degree from the UMB Graduate School.

Aging, Gerontology, and Thanatology Specialties

Work with the elderly and terminally ill patients and their families to assist with the physical, emotional, and social aspects of aging and end-of-life care.

Clinical Care and Physician Assistant Programs

In-demand jobs such as physician assistant positions provide direct care in a variety of healthcare settings, ensuring patient well-being and recovery.

PhD in Nursing

Contribute your expertise in setting the highest standards of patient care, promoting health, and playing a critical role in putting healthcare innovation into practice.

Pursue new research or get the credentials you need to manage medications, educate patients, and contribute to drug therapy decision-making.

Biomedical Science Careers

Biomedical scientists study the biological mechanisms of diseases and develop innovations in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and medical technology.

Life Sciences Professionals and Academics

Be a leader in biomedical research and life sciences to help inform the next generation of educators and caregivers dedicated to improving human health.

Global Health Leadership

Work to improve healthcare access and outcomes on a global scale, addressing infectious diseases, health disparities, and systemic innovations.

Find out what your future can be in …

• Health Professions Education
• Biomedical Science
• Clinical Care
• Global Health
• Life Sciences
• Health Science Research

We’ll help you take the next step in advancing your goals

Your path to success starts here

• Request Information
• Register for an Info Session

620 W. Lexington St. Baltimore, MD 21201 (410) 706-3100

University of Maryland Graduate School. All Rights Reserved.

• Privacy Policy
• Web Accessibility

Lindner College of Business » Programs » Graduate Programs & Certificates

Graduate Programs & Certificates

Learning is a lifelong pursuit. Whether you are seeking to level up your skills, pick up a credential or pivot into a new industry, our offerings can help you achieve your goals.

Lindner's diverse portfolio of graduate degrees help students expand their knowledge, hone their expertise and cultivate their network.

Our engaged, expert faculty craft courses that connect advanced business concepts to the applicable skills top employers demand.

Master's degree options

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Science in Accounting
• Master of Science in Applied Economics
• Master of Science in Business Analytics
• Master of Science in Finance
• Master of Arts in Human Resources
• Master of Science in Information Systems
• Master of Science in Marketing
• Master of Science in Taxation

Graduate certificates

Fast, focused and relevant, our graduate certificates help students gain specialized knowledge of a business function or cross-disciplinary domain in as little as eight months.

Graduate certificates can be completed as standalone programs or in conjunction with the Lindner MBA or master's program.

• As a standalone option , graduate certificates help students effectively weave new skills into their existing knowledge, without the commitment of a degree.
• Graduate certificates can also serve as the preliminary step to starting a master's degree program. All credits taken as part of a graduate certificate may be subsequently applied towards an MBA or relevant MS degree.
• Finally, students can add even more value to their degree * by layering a graduate certificate into their current MBA or MS studies.

Certificate programs are not eligible for federal financial aid and the unversity will not issue an 1-20 for international applicants pursuing a standalone certificate.

Certificate options

• Business Foundations
• Data Analytics
• Data Science
• Enterprise Resource Planning
• Finance (Investment Management)
• Health Care Administration
• Health Care Finance
• Health Care Operations
• Health Care Policy and Regulation
• Human Resources
• Leadership and Management
• Digital Marketing
• Marketing Research
• Professional Selling and Sales Management
• Public Economics
• Real Estate
• Corporate Taxation
• Individual Taxation
• Entrepreneurship
• International Business

*Degree-seeking students must still apply for admission to the desired graduate certificate program. Please contact your academic advisor to apply.

Doctoral programs

For those who are attracted to research or mastering  how to teach business, Lindner's apprentice-style PhD programs consistently help place emerging thought leaders in public and private business schools around the world.

PhD concentrations

• Operations, Business Analytics, and Information Systems (OBAIS)

Jeffrey Franke

Assistant Dean , Graduate Programs

1318 Carl H. Lindner Hall

2024 Doctoral Career Pathways Conference

                                            Click here to register!

Conference program.

It's that time of the year again! The 7th Annual Doctoral Career Pathways Conference will increase your knowledge, curiosity, and excitement about how to get from here, wherever you are in your doctoral training, to your career beyond Maryland. This event brings together alumni, current doctoral students, and postdocs to: learn about the wide variety of career paths available to those with doctoral degrees; gain knowledge about the work alumni do and the skills necessary for success in their chosen career path and industry; allow alumni to speak about opportunities at their organization; create an opportunity for networking and advice sharing among all attendees. 

Pre-Conference Workshops

During your doctoral or postdoctoral training, you have gained a lot of experiences through research, teaching, service, and volunteering. How do these experiences translate to skills, and how do employers in and outside of academia value various skills? Through this workshop, you will gain a deeper understanding of how the skills you’ve developed can lead to a variety of careers. More importantly, you will be able to articulate your skills by looking at job descriptions.

Networking is a crucial part of building professional connections and maximizing career opportunities. Yet, the thought of talking to strangers can also be intimidating and overwhelming! The good news is: networking is a skill that can be developed over time, and you can network in different forms, based on what works best for you. This workshop will help you navigate the networking process before, during, and after meeting people either 1:1 or in group situations. 

You may be new to exploring careers outside of academia and wonder how to better leverage LinkedIn - you must have heard people talking about using LinkedIn. This workshop will help you build an impressive digital profile (headline, summary, and more!) and walk you through best practices in active networking and finding opportunities online. 

Online Opportunities

Looking to expand your career knowledge beyond the conference day? Join us for three virtual panels and networking opportunities!

Explore the diverse world of higher education! Learn about the different types of academic institutions, administrative roles, faculty positions at community colleges and liberal arts colleges, and careers in K-12 education.

Panelists: Tom Geary , PhD'16 (English): Professor of English at Tidewater Community College | JD Mathewson , PhD'13 (Government and Politics): AVP of Institutional Effectiveness & Planning at Connecticut State Community College | Lauren Michalak , PhD'23 (History): Field Experience Coordinator & Advisor at Michigan State University | Amanda Woodward , PhD'20 (Psychology): Assistant Teaching Professor at University of Minnesota             

Considering a postdoctoral position? Talk to UMD alumni with firsthand postdoc experience at UMD and other institutions. Discover the path to finding the right postdoc, the pros and cons, and tips for a smooth transition.

Panelists: Kiante Brantley , PhD'22 (Computer Science): Postdoctoral Scholar at Cornell University | Sabrina Gonzalez , PhD'22 (History): Assistant Professor at Washington State University | Nabila Hijazi , PhD'20 (English): Teaching Assistant Professor at George Washington University | Mauricio Rangel-Gomez , PhD'15 (Neuroscience and Cognitive Science): Program Director at National Institute of Mental Health 

Discover the wide range of paths within the tech and industry sectors. Connect with UMD alumni in software, data science, engineering, biotech, consulting, and more. Gain valuable insights on in-demand skills and how to prepare for these exciting fields.

Panelists: Yun-Ting Kao , PhD'17 (Biochemistry and Cell Biology): Scientist at Immunomic Therapeutics | David Prina , PhD'17 (Government and Politics): Behavioral Research Scientist at Peraton | Upamanyu Ray , PhD'23 (Mechanical Engineering): Senior Scientist at Warner Babcock Institute for Green Chemistry | Mariángel Villalobos , PhD'23 (Ethnomusicology): UX Researcher at TeamPeople, International Monetary Fund

Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to network, learn, and explore your career options!

Friday, April 26 

Adele h. stamp student union, event schedule.

9:00am - 9:30am: Check-In and Breakfast

9:30am - 9:50am: Opening Remarks by Dr. Yi Hao , Program Director, Career and Professional Development, Dr. Blessing Enekwe , Program Director, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, and Dr. Stephen Roth , Associate Provost and Dean, The Graduate School.

10:00am - 11:15am: Two Concurrent Panel Discussions

Expand your knowledge about career paths that utilize the research, data collection, and analysis skills that you have developed during your doctoral education/postdoctoral training. Alumni will share their experiences transitioning into non-faculty positions, plus tips for framing your research background as an asset to a variety of organizations, from Research and Development departments to nonprofit and advocacy groups.

Panelists: Analía Gómez Vidal , PhD'20 (Government and Politics): Research Director at Stanford University |  Sidra Montgomery , PhD'18 (Sociology): Principal Researcher at A-G Associates | Shayandev Sinha , PhD'18 (Mechanical Engineering): Process Integration Development Engineer at Intel Corporation | Jazalyn Dukes , PhD'13 (Civil Engineering): Research Engineer at National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Are you interested in building bridges between scholars and the broader community? Talk with alumni who translate research for policymakers and the public; who advocate for the value of science, the humanities, and the arts; and who strengthen connections between researchers and the people they serve. Whether you are interested in impacting science policy, working in public humanities and museum education, or helping scholars share the best version of their research by working in academic publishing, this panel will offer you the opportunity to hear how alumni have built on the communication skills they developed at UMD.

Panelists: Aya Farhat , PhD'23 (Communication): CEO at Social Intellect | Dustin Moraczewski , PhD'19 (Neuroscience and Cognitive Science): Staff Scientist at National Institute of Mental Health | Rebeca Moreno , PhD'13 (Spanish Language & Literature): Assistant Director of Engagement & Inclusion at University of Maryland | Kathryn Thier , PhD'23 (Communication): Research-to-Practice Postdoctoral Research Fellow at George Mason University's Center for Climate Change Communication

11:15am - 12:15pm: Professional Development Activities

• Create your wellness plan: Take care of yourself while you are thinking about your next steps.
• Stand out with a professional image: Update your online profiles and applications with a high-quality headshot.
• Optimize your resume for success: Get expert feedback to ensure your resume highlights your unique value.
• Navigate immigration complexities: Get personalized ISSS guidance for a smooth academic and professional journey.

12:15pm - 1:45pm: Lunch & Networking with Alumni

1:45pm - 3:00pm: Two Concurrent Panel Discussions

Are you passionate about social issues? Do you believe your research can serve a larger cause and improve the lives of others? Learn more about how UMD (post)doctoral alumni live out their interests and values as they use their academic skills to advocate for change.

Panelists: Diana Alkire , PhD'21 (Neuroscience and Cognitive Science): Program Analyst at National Institutes of Health | Sarah Blankenship , PhD'17 (Neuroscience and Cognitive Science): Social Science Research Analyst / Child Care Program Specialist at U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation | Colin Cooper , PhD'83 (Industrial-Organizational Psychology): Owner and Lead Consultant at Focus Hu-Energy Consulting, LLC & Adjunct Faculty at University of Maryland | Alessandra Zimmermann , PhD'19 (Biochemistry): Analyst at AAAS

For many doctoral students and postdocs, the thought of a federal career seems intriguing, but the process of applying feels overwhelming. You may also wonder which federal agencies are interested in hiring people with PhDs. Learn more from these alumni about the types of opportunities available, the process for landing a federal job, and the culture of public service employment.

Panelists: Anthony Cade II , PhD'23 (History): Historian at the United States Air Force | Dina Kurzweil , PhD'14 (Education): Director / Associate Professor at the Department of Defense, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences | Betsy Read-Connole , PhD'00 (Molecular and Cell Biology): Section Chief, Cancer Etiology at National Institutes of Health / National Cancer Institute | Raymond Williams , PhD'18 (Government and Politics): Director of Research, U.S. Election Assistance Commission

Please contact conference co-chairs -- Dr. Yi Hao ([email protected]), Program Director of Career and Professional Development, or Dr. Blessing Enekwe ([email protected]), Program Director of Postdoctoral Affairs for more information. 

Tips for Grads: Strategies to navigate a graduate program effectively

By Foram Gathia, PhD student

“The Deliberate Doctorate” by Leela Viswanathan offers practical insights and strategies that can significantly enhance the daily life of a graduate student, master’s or doctoral. Here’s how:

• Evaluate your values: The focus of this book is to evaluate individual values of graduate students and why a graduate degree matters to them. This will help them keep going when things get challenging.
• Pick a research focus: Choosing the right research topic is essential. Students can avoid wasting time on irrelevant topics and focus their energy on meaningful research and select a suitable topic aligned with their interests and career goals.
• Learn stress management: Graduate school can be stressful, but strategies for managing stress and staying motivated throughout the dissertation process are necessary. This includes techniques for maintaining work-life balance, dealing with setbacks, and seeking support when needed.
• Develop writing and presentation skills: Writing a dissertation and presenting research findings are crucial aspects of graduate studies. Skills such as improving writing proficiency, structuring arguments effectively, delivering compelling presentations, and empowering students to communicate their research with clarity and confidence are vital for success.
• Cultivate advising relationships: Building strong relationships with advisors and mentors is essential for success in graduate school. It is important to cultivate these relationships, communicate effectively with advisors, and seek guidance when facing challenges.

Visit the publisher’s website to read a free copy of “ The Deliberate Doctorate ”. The Graduate School Office of Professional Development is hosting an event Exploring Faculty Careers at Different Institutional Types which can help you assess your values and gain a better understanding of the higher education landscape in the U.S.

Tips for Grads is a professional and academic advice column written by graduate students for graduate students at UW­–Madison. It is published in the student newsletter, GradConnections Weekly.

• Facebook Logo
• Twitter Logo
• Linkedin Logo