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30 Best PhD Programs in English

Quick Highlights:

• Our #1 ranked school for a PhD in English is  University at Buffalo , followed by  University of California, Berkeley .
• PhD English programs focus on comprehensive English language and literature knowledge . They require coursework, exams, and a dissertation.
• Specializations may be available in areas like rhetoric and digital humanities.
• Many programs emphasize practical experience, including teaching opportunities and involvement in academic communities .

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.

PhD Program in English Language and Literature

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

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

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

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

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

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

Special Committee

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

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

Language Requirements

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

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

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

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

Admission & Application Procedures

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

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

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

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

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

PhD Program Application Requirements Checklist

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

General Information for All Applicants

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For Further Information

Contact [email protected]

Best English Programs

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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 »

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20 Best Doctor of English Language and Literature (D.Litt.) Graduate Schools

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In 2020, more than 535 words, including on-brand , sesh , and inspo were new additions to the Merriam-Webster dictionary. Indeed, hundreds of new words are being added to the English language every year! There’s also the fact that the number of people who consider English as a foreign language and a second language exceeds the number of native English speakers. 

So, who says there’s no need for a doctorate in the English language and, by extension, literature? As long as the English language grows in its breadth, use, and influence, there’s always a need for its advanced study! 

Quick audio summary:

The Doctor of English Language and Literature degree is an advanced academic degree that prepares students to become experts in the English language, literature, and culture. This program is best suited to students who already have a strong background in English and are interested in pursuing a career as a professor or in the areas of publishing, editing, writing, or research.

Prospective students in this program will have the opportunity to work closely with experienced faculty members and learn up-to-date approaches to literary theory, style, and trends. With this degree, students will have the knowledge and skill set to become successful in their chosen field and have the opportunity to be leaders in the literary and academic community.

Students in Ph.D. in English language and Literature programs are already proficient in its written and oral forms. For these students, the goal is to think more creatively and critically about the English language and its literature. The professional ability to analyze theories and practices, critique everyday language and works of literature, and analytically think about them comes as second nature. 

Note that the terminal degree may have an equal focus on the language and literature aspects. However, some programs specialize either in the English language or in English literature and its aspects. Check the program’s title since it’s a dead giveaway and, thus, is crucial in your decision to enroll. 

In an English literature program, students focus on literary texts from several periods in recorded history. The vast range of literature written in the English language makes it an exciting field of study. Students can read the works of Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, and Lord Byron, as well as Virginia Woolf, J.K. Rowling, and Dr. Seuss. There’s an emphasis on relating their works to the social, cultural, and political contexts of their time, too. 

For students in English language programs, the focus is on the dynamics, evolution, and English language in non-literature settings. These can include casual face-to-face conversations, virtual interactions, and specialized medical and legal jargon. The in-depth analysis translates to a deeper understanding of the English language and its impact on individuals and society.

Would you like to use your degree to become an Editor? Check out this informational video to find out more:

METHODOLOGY

These are on-campus Ph.D. in English Language and Literature programs selected based on the following criteria: 

• Valid accreditation from any of the six US Department of Education-recognized regional accreditation agencies 
• A proven reputation, both in terms of quantitative and qualitative measurement, for academic excellence 
• A roster of credentialed faculty members, preferably with pertinent terminal degrees in the English language and literature 
• Presence of satisfactory student support services, which may include a writing center and career placement 
• Large libraries and other research facilities to conduct research activities and complete the dissertation 
• With financial aid services 

BEST DOCTOR OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE (GENERAL) STUDIES

Louisiana state university and agricultural and mechanical college.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Ph.D. in English  

LSU may have started as a seminary and military academy in 1853, but it has since evolved to become the most comprehensive institution in The Pelican State. Its beautiful Baton Rouge campus is its brilliant Ph.D. in English program, where students gain a more profound understanding of the English language. 

• Earning the terminal degree means completing 48 credit hours of the required coursework, the foreign language requirement, and the general examination. Students must also submit a dissertation prospectus, a dissertation with at least 150-175 pages, and undergo a dissertation defense. 
• There are three phases – coursework, exams, and research, including dissertation – that serve as the milestone markers in the program. The coursework phase involves three courses every semester, the full load, in English literature. During the exams phase go through their chosen reading list and take the General Exam. The dissertation phase includes the development of a prospectus, the writing of the dissertation, and finally, its defense.  
• Candidates with appropriate bachelor’s or master’s degrees can apply. The program of study will differ depending on the highest academic level achieved and the number of credit hours that can be applied toward the degree. 
• Students with a master’s degree are required to complete the requirements within four years after admission. 
• The Academic Course Plan committee evaluates the prior graduate-level credits applied towards the degree during the student’s second semester. 
• Students must become teaching assistants and teach one course every semester during their stay in the Ph.D. program. 

Standout Features:  

Students train to become experts in research as well as respected teachers, editors, and writers. The rigorous program of study includes the production of ambitious and innovative scholarly works across diverse areas of study. 

LSU’s library is considered a general-use library and a library for the federal government’s collections, known as a US Regional Depository Library. Documents from the American Patent and Trademark Office and the United Nations are also housed here. 

University of Pennsylvania 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 

Penn’s strong emphasis on multidisciplinary research and teaching and learning is woven into every academic program, as is its focus on academic flexibility and freedom. Undergraduates even have access to many of the graduate courses under the One University policy! Students in the Ph.D. in English program may then learn alongside younger counterparts resulting in both cohorts enjoying the benefits of intergenerational learning. 

• The minimum required number of course units for completion is 20. 
• The program of study includes a proseminar in the fall, a series of seminars throughout the program, language exams including a second language exam, and an oral exam. 
• Students must become teaching assistants and graders in their second year. Teaching assistants conduct a weekly recitation activity while graders assist professors in grading undergraduate courses. 
• The dissertation proposal and field exams are conducted in the third year. From years four to six, students focus on their dissertation, from research and writing to defense. 
• Students are well-advised to enroll full-time in the Ph.D. program to earn the degree as early as possible. Students get an individualized program of study for this purpose. 
• Faculty members make an effort to interact with students and provide guidance on their academics and dissertations. Their credentials include relevant terminal degrees and published authors in industry magazines on research methods, theoretical areas, and historical matters. 
• Admission is among the most selective, with candidates evaluated based on their academic record, letters of recommendation, and other supplementary information. 

Penn fosters inclusivity and diversity in its academic programs while promoting academic rigor that challenges students to their limits. However, student support services are among the best in a collegiate environment, not to mention that graduate students are considered valued members of the Department itself. Every graduate student has opportunities to contribute to collective knowledge and the social bonds among faculty and peers. 

Students throw toast – as in toasted bread – into the field in every home football game! This is certainly tamer than the 1966 Rowbottom riots when students smashed windows and stole panties, among other mischievous deeds. 

Cornell University

Ithaca, New York 

Ph.D. in English Language and Literature

Cornell’s status as an Ivy League institution is stronger than ever with its passionate commitment to its founder’s intention – a university where every person seeking instruction in any field of study will find it. In its 156-year existence, it has made substantial contributions to various fields, from arts and humanities to STEM. The Ph.D. in English Language and Literature program is notable where faculty and students have contributed to its body of knowledge. 

• The highly selective program admits about ten students, on average, every academic year. The small class size means more benefits for students, including generous financial aid and personalized attention. 
• The faculty members have diverse backgrounds, but all of them are known for their professional expertise in the English language and its literature, including their theories and practices. 
• Students follow a program of study characterized by didactic coursework from their first to their third years. During the first year of residence, students participate in 6-7 courses. This is followed by 6-7 courses in their second and third years. 
• The special committee decides on the suitability of every student to proceed in the program before the start of the fourth semester. The evaluation includes the results of the Advancement to Candidacy Examination. 
• Formal and informal studies are allowed, but these should result in the student’s familiarity with the works of influential authors, literary theory and criticism, and literary tools and concerns. 
• Students may choose from American literature until 1865 and after 1865, African-American literature, and American studies, among other topics, for their major or minor. 

Students have a five-year guarantee on funding covering full tuition, health insurance, and stipend. The five-year funding comes with obligations, including a non-teaching fellowship and teaching assistantship at different times. There are prestigious fellowships, too, such as the Buttrick-Crippen Fellowship and Provost’s Diversity Fellowships.  Academic flexibility comes with relative freedom in choosing courses, exam design, and the choice of minors outside of the English department. 

Kroch Library’s collection ranges from the whimsical, such as the first copies of Charlotte’s Web , to the historical like the Gettysburg Address written by Abraham Lincoln himself. Cornell’s motto has been ranked #1 by Motto Magazine, and it’s the only Ivy League motto in English; the rest are in Latin. 

University of California Berkeley 

Berkeley, California 

Ph.D. in Comparative Literature 

UC Berkeley’s reputation as the world’s #1 Public University makes it among the most challenging universities to get into for both the undergraduate and graduate levels. With its comprehensive focus on research – it’s home to numerous scientific breakthroughs from computers to genomics – and its strong political activism, its Ph.D. in Comparative Literature program sets the bar high! 

• This is recognized as among the best programs in comparative literature in the US. Students are expected to make impactful contributions to the field of study in terms of interdisciplinary research. 
• Students engage in research with a multidisciplinary framework, including cross-cultural viewpoints that transcend geographical boundaries. 
• Students are encouraged, if not required, to publish and present their scholarly works aside from their work in translations, literature, and theater. Individualized work is complemented by collaborative research and participation in seminars. 
• Faculty members and students collaborate in the development of innovative theoretical and historical frameworks related to literature.  
• Students develop advanced skills in the critical analysis of texts and the translation, editing, and writing of texts in a multidisciplinary context. The coursework includes literary works and traditions spanning several historical periods and diverse cultures, from Yiddish fiction to American literature. 
• Design and instruction in diverse topics of interest are also incorporated in each student’s program of study. The on-campus emphasis programs include Jewish Studies, Critical Theory and Gender, and Women’s Studies. 
• No GRE scores are required for admission. However, proficiency in at least three foreign languages is required for admission. 

Students can rely on the passionate commitment among faculty members for student success! An approved doctoral dissertation must cover comparative work in at least three works of literature, including English. 

UC Berkeley’s Dead Week tradition gives students a welcome reprieve from the intensive studying before the final exams. Naked students run through the Moffitt and Doe libraries while causing a 20-minute general commotion!  Students who want to stay awake during their study period and exams may head to Peet’s Coffee, the national coffee shop with Berkeley roots. 

New York University 

New York, New York 

Ph.D. in English Education

NYU is as New York as you can get, from its founder to its motto, “Perstare et Praestare” (To persevere and to excel)! Such is its academic renown that it receives the highest number of applications among private institutions in the country, too. But with a highly selective admission, only the cream of the crop has the honor to be called Violets. This is true for the Ph.D. in English Education program offered at NYU’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. 

• The credit requirements are between 48 and 60 credits depending on prior coursework completed from a master’s degree. However, students without a relevant master’s degree will likely be required to complete prerequisites and, thus, complete up to 72 credits. 
• Students in the Teaching and Learning programs must comply with the academic requirements of the common and core courses. 
• First-year doctoral students may take the proseminar, an introductory course to doctoral-level studies, including scholarship and professional development opportunities. 
• Students must take two cognate courses upon the guidance of an academic adviser. Cognate courses are outside the student’s area of study but support their research. 
• Two foundational courses, or equivalent to six credits, must be completed as part of the first 24 credits in the program of study. These are upper-level courses that broaden the students’ knowledge about fields of study other than their area of specialization. 
• During the first year, students must also complete one quantitative and one qualitative research methodology course. The minimum total number of required research-related credits is 15, inclusive of the abovementioned courses. 
• Students also complete three credits in advanced and specialized research methodology courses related to their planned dissertation. 
• Candidacy requirements include written and comprehensive oral exams followed by a dissertation proposal and an approved dissertation. 

Students must spend an average of 20 hours on their studies, including their academics and research experiences. Research assistantships are recommended for research experience. Every student can tailor their doctorate based on their specific career goals and interests. 

The Violets take their Quidditch game seriously, and they are world champions several times over! Adam Sandler, Angelina Jolie, and Lady Gaga are Violets, too. 

University of Wisconsin Madison 

Madison, Wisconsin 

Ph.D. in English

UW Madison’s flagship university status is well-deserved considering its numerous distinctions, from its founding member status at the Association of American Universities to its R1 and Public Ivy designations. The competitive process in its Ph.D. in English program ensures that its long-standing tradition of academic excellence applies to advanced studies, too. 

• Applicants with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in fields of study aside from English language and literature may apply. However, applicants without a relevant degree must complete masters-level courses before being accepted. 
• This is a face-to-face program with daytime hours, meaning there are no evening and weekend courses. 
• The Composition and Rhetoric concentration has 51 credit hours as the minimum degree requirement. The English language and Linguistics track requires 63 credits for completion. The Literary Studies concentration involves completion of 51 credit hours, minimum. 
• Students must complete at least 32 credits in residence. At least half of the required credit hours must be in graduate-level coursework – or 26 credits for the  Composition and Rhetoric concentration and the Literary Studies track. 
• Satisfactory progress means achieving a 3.00 overall GPA, minimum. 
• Students must choose and complete a minor. 

Students and faculty members work together to ensure that the program’s learning outcomes are achieved by the end of the former’s stay. Professional development opportunities, including workshops, seminars, and conferences, are offered as part of said thrust. Students can conduct advanced research in their fields, communicate complicated ideas, and demonstrate sophisticated knowledge and skills in their area of expertise. 

Students are frequent participants in the events conducted on or near the Wisconsin State Capitol building, thanks to the university’s next-door proximity. Farmers’ markets and epic snowball fights among students in winter are among the popular activities. 

University of California Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California 

UCLA may have started as a teachers’ college, but it has certainly evolved to become one of the world’s top research universities! Such is its worldwide renown that it receives the most number of university applications in the country, besting even NYU. But its highly selective admission policy means that few get into its programs, including its highly-rated Ph.D. in English program. 

• The program must be completed in eight years, but the average time for completion is between six and seven years. If you can’t complete the requirements after the eighth year, you must file a departmental petition. 
• The Vice-Chair for Graduate Studies and another faculty member act as the first-year personal advisers whose duties include approval of their quarterly study plans. Counseling services and evaluation of academic progress are also included. The evaluation process includes considering grades, performance evaluations in coursework, and satisfactory progress concerning degree requirements. 
• There’s a foreign language requirement, too, which requires demonstrations of reading proficiency in French, German, Spanish, or Italian. Translations are included in these proficiency exams. Students must fulfill the language requirement before being allowed to take the series of qualifying exams. 
• The program requires completing 14 letter-graded courses chosen from the department’s 200-level and above catalog and from equivalent courses in other on-campus departments. The latter includes film, art history, and women’s studies. 
• Up to four letter-graded courses from a master’s degree may be counted toward the 14-course requirement upon the Vice Chair’s approval. 
• Teaching experience isn’t a requirement for admission, but students can become teaching assistants for one year. These positions are offered based on merit (i.e., not automatically offered). 

Innovative research, academic excellence in both coursework and dissertation and exceptional teaching skills are the hallmarks of UCLA’s Ph.D. in English graduates! Enough said. 

But UCLA students also play hard, and it has resulted in 111 NCAA titles – and counting – the most of any NCAA team! Students also know how to let off steam caused by stress from intensive studying. During the Midnight Yell, students engage in scream sessions that last for a few minutes. Don’t miss the Undie Runs, too! 

University of Michigan 

Ann Arbor, Michigan

UMich, the State of Michigan’s oldest university founded 20 years before its statehood, also boasts the largest endowment of all public universities in the US. With $17 billion at its disposal, it has abundant resources to provide its students with world-class education, training, and research opportunities. Students in its Ph.D. in English Language and Literature program can look forward to the UMich way! 

• This program is designed for six years of full-time study for students seeking a doctorate. The culminating document is an approved dissertation worthy of publication. 
• Students choose from several specializations, including American, British, and Anglophone literature, while also expanding their knowledge of their impact, perspective, and evolution. 
• Advanced research skills are equally important as the critical evaluation and cultural knowledge of English literature through historical periods and different places. 
• Students must satisfy the foreign language requirement within their first two years in the program. The requirement is either two basic languages or one advanced language. 
• Course requirements include an Introduction to Graduate Studies course, three upper-level seminars, and two cognate courses.
• There’s no specific program of study that students must follow, although their first year must be dedicated to a well-balanced education in their discipline. Their second and third years are spent on their specialized areas of study. 
• Application requirements include an academic statement of purpose, a personal statement, a resume, and a writing sample. 

All students have guaranteed funding for six years, a way of fostering collaboration and community among students. From year one to five, every student receives a full fellowship covering tuition costs, living stipends, and healthcare benefits. Students in their later years in the program also become part-time graduate student instructors. 

Wolverines don’t need mistletoe to kiss! Couples who kiss under the Engineering Arch at midnight are destined to be married, and we can surmise that Tom Brady, Madonna, and James Earl Jones may have done it, too. UMIch also has its running-naked-through-the-campus tradition known as the Naked Mile. 

Columbia University 

New York, NY

Ph.D. in English Education  

Barack Obama and Warren Buffett call Columbia their alma mater and, thus, students in its Ph.D. in English Education program are in good company. Getting into the Ivy League university’s highly selective program is an achievement in itself, too, more so when you earn a prestigious degree. Note that it’s offered at the Teachers College, with its primary purpose being to promote the body of knowledge concerning teaching and learning the English language. 

• Students complete 75 credits to earn the degree. 
• Mandatory courses include Research Paper: Teaching of English; Seminar in Foundational Texts; Dissertation Seminar: Teaching of English; and Dissertation Advisement in the Teaching of English. 
• Students must complete 12 credits of research-related courses, such as Research in Practice, Advanced Narrative Research in English Education, and Writing Research: Methods and Assumptions. 
• Electives are available in literary and rhetorical studies. 
• There are two start dates – summer and fall. 
• Application requirements include three letters of recommendation, of which one is an academic reference and an academic writing sample. 
• Candidates must present proof of full-time teaching experience for 3-6 years. 
• Transfer of credits can be as high as 30 credits from previous graduate work. The advisor approves the allowable number of transferred credits. 
• Students must have the academic advisor’s approval before undertaking any course and other actions related to their program of study. 
• There’s a series of certification exams conducted on specified dates, and students must file to take them at least a month before their administration. 
• Students must demonstrate reading proficiency in a foreign language, particularly as part of scholarly work. 
• The dissertation is the culminating requirement for all doctoral students. 

The rigorous program of study prepares students for leadership positions as teacher-educators, scholars, and researchers of the English language. Their expertise lies in its philosophical, theoretical, and pedagogical aspects and their capacity to find answers to relevant questions. 

Columbia has a cornucopia of resources for its students, with more than 12 million books and 2 million items in its digital collections. It has one of the largest library systems in the country! Check out Columbia Review, the country’s oldest college literary magazine, for ideas.

Arizona State University 

Tempe, Arizona 

Ph.D. in English Literature  

The Sun Devils won’t have to feel lonely and alone! With its huge student population – one of the highest enrollment of public universities in the US – there’s always a community present. The tight-knit community of students and faculty in its Ph.D. in English Literature program is known for its academic excellence and supportive environment. 

• Students complete 84 credits to earn a terminal degree in English literature. The number of credits earned in the Ph.D. program differs depending on your highest academic achievement. Students with a relevant master’s degree must earn at least 54 credits in the program. Otherwise, it’s 84 credits. 
• Of these 84 credits, between 42 and 72 credits are for didactic coursework and research activities. The dissertation phase consists of 12 credits. 
• There’s a series of examinations that students must pass in sequential order to make satisfactory progress. Students complete one essay, followed by a comprehensive oral exam and a dissertation prospectus. 
• Students must complete the language requirement, too. 
• The program is designed for completion in five years. 
• Students receive funding as teaching students for the five-year duration.  
• Coursework includes Approaches to Research, seminars, and electives, as well as the dissertation. Students are given academic flexibility to choose their coursework based on their areas of interest. 
• No GRE scores are required for admission. 
• The online application packet must include a statement of purpose, an academic writing sample, a resume, and at least three letters of academic recommendation. 

The program strongly emphasizes the intensive study of literature and its historical, cultural, and social contexts. Students also study these works’ creation, distribution, and reception, including oral traditions, folklore, and pop culture. Film and digital media are studied alongside traditional literature using several modes of inquiry. Students also benefit from ASU’s partnerships with research centers like the Center for Film, Media, and Popular Culture and the Arizona Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies. 

The Sun Devil Marching Band is as fierce on the field as they are off it! With the Sudler Trophy under its belt, it’s among the winningest marching bands in collegiate history. 

University of Washington 

Seattle, Washington

The Huskies had made substantial contributions to the economic development of Seattle, its original intention when it was established in 1861, and more! Indeed, Washington’s academic and research programs and its community outreach projects have made Seattle and the State of Washington better in many ways. The Public Ivy University ensures that its academic programs are designed to better its students and the community in mind. 

• The terminal degree is offered in two concentrations – first, Literature and Culture; and second, Language and Rhetoric. Each concentration has different professional training and coursework, so making the best choice for yourself is imperative. Simultaneous application to both tracks isn’t allowed. 
• The Literature and Culture track emphasizes research and the teaching of literary and cultural studies in post-secondary institutions. 
• The Language and Rhetoric track also has a research and teaching emphasis in language-in-use settings, such as rhetoric, English language history, and linguistics. Graduates are qualified for related jobs in these broad areas. 
• All degree requirements must have been complied with within ten years, including the coursework, exams, and dissertation. Out-of-status are on-leave periods counted in the 10-year limit. A written statement is necessary for an extension. 
• Students must earn 65 credits in coursework, of which a maximum of 10 credits may come from an appropriate master’s degree from Washington or another institution. 
• The foreign language requirement is intermediate-level reading proficiency in another language except for Middle and modern English. 
• Students receive funding packages covering tuition, monthly stipends
• +, and health insurance. Fellowships and scholarships are also available. 

This is an integrated MA/Ph.D. program where students earn both degrees and make satisfactory progress. Due to its selective admission, a maximum of 14 students is admitted from more than 250 applications. 

Washington is the home of many significant modern inventions, including vinyl, color television tubes, and synthetic rubber. You can thank the Huskies for bubble gum and the Wave, too! 

The University of Arizona 

Tucson, Arizona

PhD in Rhetoric, Composition, and Teaching of English

UArizona, the oldest university in Arizona, offers an exceptional Ph.D. in Rhetoric, Composition, and Teaching of English program. The current emphasis is on social justice leadership and pedagogy, strategies for advancing languages and literacies, and comparative technologies. This program is designed for advanced-level students with a keen interest in teaching English to diverse populations with a world-centric view instead of an exclusively Western standpoint. 

• Students complete a minimum of 66 credits for graduation. The common curriculum consists of 15 credits and consists of courses like Research Methods in Rhetoric and Composition. There’s a once-a-week colloquium during the first year in the program, too. 
• Electives comprise 24 credits and may be applied to either a minor or the Immersive Cultural requirement. 
• Students choose a minor and include their chosen courses in the GradPath.  
• The dissertation courses, including its defense, comprise 18 credits.  
• Students teach in the Writing Program, too, where both lower-level and upper-division courses are taught. Other professional experiences include research assistantships and small group mentoring. 
• Application requirements include a resume, statement of purpose, transcripts, writing sample, and three academic letters of recommendation. GRE scores are required, but the GRE Subject Test isn’t. 

Interdisciplinary collaborations are the hallmark of UArizona’s doctorate programs, and these are made possible through partnerships with other on-campus programs. Students in this program may work with students from the School of Information or the School of Middle Eastern and North African Studies. 

Students are also known for their published scholarly works, action-centric research, and innovative teaching practices. Many are also Fulbright, Crossroads Collaborative, and Carson scholars, aside from receiving prestigious awards. No wonder 97% of its graduates find leadership positions soon after completion! 

“Bear Down” is UArizona’s motto, and its origins are as quirky as it sounds! Every day at exactly noon, the campus clock tower plays the university’s fight song, “Bear Down Arizona.” 

The University of Texas at Austin 

Austin, Texas

UT Austin is a hub for academic research with more than $796 million in the amount awarded for sponsored research projects (2019-2020). With 17 libraries, seven museums, and several auxiliary research facilities, there’s no shortage of graduate students’ research and professional development opportunities! Interdisciplinary collaboration underlines most research projects, too, and it’s evident in the Ph.D. in English program, a partnership between the Department of English and the Department of Rhetoric and Writing. 

• The highly selective admission policy results in 12 students in the literature track and four in the rhetoric and digital literacies track. This aligns with the partnership between the two departments and their shared mission of educating students in advanced English studies. 
• Applicants with either a bachelor’s or a master’s degree are considered for admission. While there’s no requirement for an English major degree, applicants will be required to complete a minimum of 15 credit hours of upper-division English. 
• Applicants who haven’t graduated with their bachelor’s degree may also apply but must present proof of graduation before entering the program during the subsequent fall semester. GPA in English courses and their related courses is more important in the admission decision. 
• All students must complete 39 credit hours of graduate-level coursework before their third year ends. The courses must include Disciplinary Inquiries, a minimum of one seminar on pre-1800 and one seminar on post-1800 materials, and between three and nine hours of out-of-department classes. The latter may include creative writing workshops and supervised study conference courses. 
• Students must pass several milestones, including the Third Year Examination and the Prospectus Examination, which results in their doctoral candidacy status once completed. Other requirements for earning the degree are the foreign language component and the Final Oral Defense for the dissertation. 
• All students receive guaranteed funding for six years through research fellowships and teaching assistantships, so there’s no need for separate applications for it. 

The Ph.D. program offers its students ample opportunities for pedagogical training, research mentoring, and intensive research projects. Students enjoy the sense of community, shared purpose and collegiality, and the abundance of professional development opportunities. 

Here’s hoping that you will see an albino squirrel on your way to your milestone exams and ace them! 

Harvard University 

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Harvard is among the world’s most selective universities, with a 4.6% acceptance rate! Getting into its Ph.D. in English program is no easy feat either, with applicants required to demonstrate their broad knowledge of English. Equally important are excellent skills in communication, research and presentation, and critical thinking. With its strong emphasis on research, applicants must also demonstrate in-depth knowledge of editorial, textual, and bibliographic methods. 

• Completion time ranges from four to seven years, with most students earning the degree in five or six years. Only under exceptional circumstances will a student be allowed to take more than seven years to complete the program. 
• Students typically follow a set program of study that allows them to complete the requirements within six years. During the first two years, students must focus on their coursework and prepare for the General exam. The second and third years are for preparations for the Field Exam and for drafting the Dissertation Prospectus. From the fourth to the sixth year, students focus on the completion of their respective doctoral dissertations. 
• Students are also required to become teaching assistants starting in their third year until their graduation. Fellowships are awarded at this time. 
• At least 14 courses must be satisfactorily completed by the end of the second year. 
• The minimum grade requirement is B-, the honor grade at Harvard for each of these 14 courses. But note that the minimum grade for the academic year is B average. 
• There are ten required seminars, of which two are proseminars. 
• Students must be enrolled on a full-time basis for two years, the minimum residency requirement.  
• Candidates are evaluated based on their overall presentation, writing samples, statement of purpose, overall GPA, and letters of recommendation. No GRE scores are required. 

Harvard accepts ASL and other computer languages and proficiency in other non-English languages like Latin, French, ancient Greek, German, and Spanish. However, the department reserves the right to reject computer language proficiency unless it’s considered relevant to a student’s specialization. 

Harvard has 92 kilometers of bookshelves, which means that graduate students won’t run out of research materials! The books are housed in 79 libraries, many of which feature the oldest collections in the US. 

University of Virginia 

Charlottesville, Virginia 

Ph.D. in English Language, Literature, and Research

UVA has a distinguished history, from claiming Thomas Jefferson as its founder to its UNESCO World Heritage Site, secret societies, and honor code. The Ph.D. in English Language, Literature, and Research program is also driven by the honor code, including academic excellence, collegiality, and honesty. 

• Students are advised to enroll on a full-time basis to complete the program in approximately six years. 
• There’s a direct link between the financial support provided and the accomplishment of milestones within set deadlines. The six-year schedule is designed according to these milestones, too. 
• The 72-credit program requires the completion of at least 42 credits of graded formal coursework. There’s a set deadline for completing each course, too, so students can finish the program within six years. The required courses include Introduction to Literary Research, Pedagogy, and Dissertation Seminar and 12 courses at advanced levels from 5000 to 9000. Additional two courses must be audited, too. 
• Students may be offered paid teaching assignments during their sixth year without fellowship support; proof of their satisfactory progress on their dissertation will be evaluated. Teaching assignments may also be awarded to students in their seventh year under conditions. 
• Students must meet the foreign language requirement. There’s a choice between proficiency in two foreign languages or mastery of one foreign language. 

Ph.D. students are expected to demonstrate their commitment to the program through full-time enrollment, the on-target accomplishment of milestones, and contributions to the body of knowledge through their dissertations.

There are no traditional designations for first-year students to seniors, particularly because Jefferson believed in lifelong learning. Instead, students are designated based on their years spent in the university, thus, the first, second, third, and fourth years for undergraduates. Nowadays, students can’t shoot their hands off the bulletproof clock, unlike their predecessors. 

Northwestern University

Evanston, Illinois 

Ph.D. in English Literature 

Northwestern’s reputation as among the world’s best educational institutions is the result of a passionate commitment to academic excellence since its founding 170 years ago. Of course, its substantial financial resources – $15 billion in endowment and a $2 billion annual budget, among the largest in the world – are also instrumental in its success. Students in its Ph.D. in English Literature program can also rely on generous financial support during their stay at Northwestern. 

• The program emphasizes advanced study and research into English literature, including its history, theory and criticism, and influence on societies. Students may engage in interdisciplinary study, too, with other departments. 
• The coursework covers major periods, authors, and genres in English literature, including diverse theoretical and methodological approaches. 
• There are mandatory 20 graduate-level courses that students must complete within their first three years. All students must choose one course from seven categories, including literature and culture up to the 1500s, from 1800-1900, and since 1989. There’s also a course on the theories, topics, and genres in the longue durée. 
• All students have full funding guaranteed that covers their tuition, stipend, and health insurance for a set period. 
• The minimum number of years to program completion is five years, but most earn the degree in six to seven years. While the program allows for a nine-year stay, students are encouraged to finish the program by the end of their sixth year. 
• The foreign language requirement can be satisfied by passing an exam, taking a relevant graduate-level course, or completing a summer language intensive. It needs to be completed by the end of the first year in residence.  
• Graduate assistantships are typically in the form of teaching assistantships for at least an academic quarter. 

Aside from the dissertation, the students’ advanced knowledge and skills are enhanced by workshops, lectures, and seminars conducted by experts, visiting scholars, and Northwestern professors. Dissertation groups, colloquia, and reading groups are also avenues for professional development. 

Dance and music are an integral part of Northwestern’s culture! The Northwestern University Dance Marathon (NUDM) lasts for 30 hours, with everybody dancing to the beat. The Dolphin Club stages the largest student-run musical in the US, where Warren Beatty started. Check out the Happiness Club, too, which supports well-being among students. 

University of South Florida 

Tampa, Florida

Ph.D. in English 

USF has come a long way from being an all-white school in 1956! Today, its diverse student body comes from all ethnicities, states and territories, and foreign countries, and it’s among the largest public universities in the US today. Said contemporary diversity is reflected in the student body of its Ph.D. in English program, too. 

• The total minimum credit hours for completion is 42 hours for students with a relevant master’s degree. These credits include the foreign language requirement and the doctoral dissertation. 
• Students must meet the coursework requirements first, submit a portfolio, and complete the foreign language requirement before being considered for formal admission into candidacy. 
• Students must pass the dissertation requirements, including an oral defense and examination, before earning the degree. 
• Coursework includes core and concentration courses in literature and rhetoric as well as electives. The dissertation component is equivalent to 10 credits, at least. 
• There are two concentrations offered – the Literature Concentration and the Rhetoric and Composition Concentration. Each has its specific courses, such as Studies in Criticism and Theory I and II for the Literature Concentration. Studies in the History of Rhetoric and Studies in Composition Research are examples of the Rhetoric and Composition Concentration. 
• The qualifying requirement differs between concentrations, too. For students in the Literature Concentration, a portfolio and its successful oral defense will suffice. Students in the Rhetoric and Composition Concentration must pass a standardized qualifying exam. 

Students engage in immersive and comprehensive studies of English literature in the British and American contexts. Their chosen concentration also influences their specific program of study. Students become adept at teaching college-level English, too, through coursework and practicum experiences. 

Students at the Tampa campus have access to the largest library in the USF System with over 2 million items. Plus, there are writing and tutoring services, group study rooms, and a career resource center. No wonder that USF alumni, students, faculty, and non-teaching staff hold more than 2,400 patents and counting! 

University of Maryland 

College Park, Maryland 

UMD’s research projects are among the most prestigious in the country, thanks to partnerships with several federal government agencies, including NIH, NASA, and FDA. The Public Ivy is also known for its world-class quality of instruction that attracts the cream of the crop! The international student body of its Ph.D. in English program is just one proof of it. 

• The expected completion time is between five and six years, with students required to demonstrate satisfactory progress in the program’s milestones. Students who aren’t eligible based on the criteria may be required to transfer to the master’s degree program instead. 
• Teaching assistantships are mandatory aspects of the Ph.D. training. UMD takes pride in the high placement record of its Ph.D. holders in teaching and leadership positions. 
• While students have a certain degree of academic flexibility, they must also comply with the degree requirements. These include 36 credits or 12 graduate-level courses with at least a 3.6 cumulative GPA for students without a master’s degree in English, from three to six credits in Pre-candidacy Research, and reading proficiency in a foreign language. 
• Students must also pass the qualifying exam, submit an approved dissertation prospectus, and pass the dissertation defense. The dissertation must also be worthy of publication. 
• Students with a master’s in English degree must complete at least 27 credits or nine courses within the program. 
• Two faculty members are assigned to students in their first year in the program. Teaching assistantships are conducted in the fall and spring for each of these academic advisers.

Students with plans to teach English in higher education institutions must engage in specialized language and literary studies training. Individualized programs of study are encouraged, but these should be within the program’s parameters. Every student accepted into the highly selective program receives a guaranteed five-year funding package. 

UMD has six on-campus libraries, so there’s always a research source waiting to be discovered. Students can unwind at UMD’s golf course and farm and stroll and shop at its McKeldin Mall. 

State University of New York at Buffalo 

Buffalo, New York

Ph.D. In English

SUNY Buffalo, the largest public university in the Empire State, is known for its comprehensive range of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. With its reputation for exceptional academic instruction and research support, its Ph.D. in English program attracts many best minds. The program’s primary strengths are in poetics, contemporary theory, and interdisciplinary studies connecting the likes of poetics and psychoanalysis. 

• Students must complete 72 credit hours to earn the degree. Most of these credits are fulfilled through participation in 10 graduate-level seminars. 
• Choosing a minor is encouraged, and it can be in areas of study other than the English language and literature. The primary requirement is a reasonable relationship between the minor and the title/topic of the student’s dissertation. 
• The oral examination is mostly each student’s design, and its contents are in three fields. One is related to the dissertation proposal. The Director must approve the list of questions of Graduate Studies with the concurrence of concerned faculty members. 
• The dissertation must be original in its topic and scholarship and book-length in style and approved by a committee after an oral defense. 

Students can sit in on department meetings and choose their student representatives’ voting rights in departmental committees. Such a system of parity ensures that students have an active voice in the direction of the department. The English Graduate Student Association (EGSA) elects student representatives as well as help in the creation of the curriculum and conduct of professional development programs. 

Students in their third year attend workshops designed to develop their educator and scholar skills, too. 

Every year, the Bulls compete in a series of collegiate mud volleyball games known as the Oozfest. But the Bulls also know how to get serious with their studies, and there are nine libraries across their three campuses in the North, South, and Downtown. 

University of Missouri 

Columbia, Missouri 

Mizzou, the University of Missouri System’s flagship and largest university, has numerous accomplishments in research across diverse areas. Among these are in the English language and literature through research projects conducted by students in its Ph.D. in English program. 

• The program allows completion between five and six years, depending on the highest academic level the student brings into it. For students with a master’s degree, it’s a five-year program with a 30-credit hours of coursework. Students with a bachelor’s degree but no master’s degree add one more year of studies; the minimum required coursework is 72 credit hours. 
• Students with only a bachelor’s degree will only be admitted if they have extremely strong academic records, demonstrate maturity for a doctorate-level program, and with a good idea of their research specialization. 
• For the 30-credit hours’ coursework, the mandatory program of study is at least 18 hours of 8000-level English courses. 
• All students must take Introduction to Graduate Studies, Theory and Practice of Composition, and literary criticism. There are specialized courses, too, for students planning on a teaching career, such as the Theory and Practice of Teaching in English course. 
• Students may be provided with a stipend for five or six years under certain conditions, including teaching assistantships. 
• Comprehensive exams, a dissertation prospectus, and a dissertation defense are all integral components but are conducted at various times. 

Standout Features:

Students choose their advisory committee from the roster of faculty members and work closely with them during their stay. The didactic coursework and dissertation are designed to expand students’ advanced knowledge about their respective areas of specialization. 

The Tiger Walk is a welcome ceremony for new students and an opportunity for them to check out the school organizations and make connections. The Tiger Prowl is the graduation ceremony that also involves the tiger stripe ice cream. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the typical curriculum in a Doctor of English Language and Literature program? 

The curriculum depends on the focus – either English language or literature, as previously mentioned. However, there are similarities in Ph.D. programs’ curricula, such as the research project and teaching assistantships. Most, if not all, programs may be completed in 5-8 years, with the culminating project being an approved dissertation. 

Students complete academic coursework that covers the specific emphasis and elective courses intended to diversify their knowledge during their first two years. The third and fourth years are for advanced research courses and their chosen research project, usually with the approval of academic advisers. Students are encouraged to choose an original subject, dive deeper into a controversial topic, or expand on existing knowledge. 

The typical topics covered in Ph.D. in English language programs include: 

• Studies in grammar, sentence construction, and context 
• Rhetorics, including its theory and criticism 
• American English and its history, evolution, and varieties 
• Linguistics 

The typical curriculum for Ph.D. in English literature programs covers topics on: 

• Literature across historical periods 
• Shakespearean studies 
• Women authors through the centuries 
• Literature from different cultures, including American, British, and Native American work
• Advanced literary criticism and interpretation 

What are the teaching assistantships and research requirements? 

Teaching assistants are usually required to assist professors in their classroom duties and conduct classes for at least one undergraduate class. The duration depends on the program, but one to two semesters is a typical requirement. 

Research is at the core of Ph.D. programs, and it’s true for Ph.D. in English Language and Literature programs. Students must submit an approved dissertation, which requires numerous revisions until final approval, as part of their studies. 

What are the crucial abilities for success in the Doctor of English Language and Literature program? 

Remember that Ph.D. programs are advanced studies on specific subjects and, thus, spoon-feeding in any way is discouraged, if not absent. Students must develop their understanding of the assigned reading materials, develop their own key texts, and express them professionally. Group discussions, workshops, and seminars allow students to test their ideas, share their knowledge, and engage in productive debates. 

The crucial abilities that students must possess even before getting into a Ph.D. program include: 

• Effective critical thinking and analytical skills 
• Superb communication skills—both written and oral—particularly in communicating theories, ideas, and opinions 
• Willingness to lead and participate in group discussions 
• Ability to work in a team but also to work independently and motivate yourself 
• Creativity in writing a wide range of materials, including essays, critiques, and research studies 
• Time management skills 

What are the typical admission requirements?  

Programs have varying admission requirements, particularly in the minimum GPA and GRE scores, but the common ones are: 

• Either a bachelor’s or a master’s degree but with the condition that prerequisite courses must first be completed, when applicable. The degree must be in a writing-intensive field of study, such as English language or literature, even in communications.  
• Official transcripts with minimum GPA for either the bachelor’s or master’s degree 
• Added documentation like letters of recommendation, personal statement of purpose, and a writing sample 

Fluency in two foreign languages aside from English is also a typical requirement. Students who don’t possess said ability will likely be given until their second year to acquire it. 

What are the career opportunities after graduation? 

The wide variety of career opportunities holders of a Ph.D. in English Language and Literature degree can pursue is the best reason to pursue it! These well-paid occupations also bring personal and professional satisfaction, social and cultural influence, and satisfactory career advancement. 

• Broadcast news personalities, including correspondents, reporters, and anchors 
• Editors in publishing companies, newspapers, and other media outfits 
• Fundraising and public relations practitioners and managers 
• Technical writers 
• Academic consultants 
• Researchers 
• Publishers 
• Literary agents 
• Authors of literary works, articles, and columns 
• Post-secondary teachers of English language and literature, including in EFL and ESL settings 
• Literary critics 

Truly, it’s a versatile terminal degree that will pay for itself, so to speak, in financial and non-financial ways! While it has its costs and challenges, as is the case for every Ph.D. degree, its rewards are well worth it.

How long will a Doctor of English Language and Literature degree program take to complete?

The length of a Doctor of English Language and Literature degree program depends on the university and courses chosen. Typically, most universities require students to complete approximately 60 semester units to earn a doctoral degree. This process usually takes four to six years to complete, depending on whether students are enrolled full-time or part-time.

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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.

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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 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.

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 (Literature), PHD

On this page:.

At a Glance: program details

• Location: Tempe campus
• Second Language Requirement: No

Program Description

Degree Awarded: PHD English (Literature)

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

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

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

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

Lee Bebout ,  Director  

Sheila Luna , Program Manager

Faculty in Literature

Doctoral Examinations

Doctoral Procedures and Timeline

Teaching Assistantships

Degree Requirements

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

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

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

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

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

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

Admission Requirements

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

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

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

All applicants must submit:

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

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

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

Courses and Electives

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

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

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

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

Other Requirements

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

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

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

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

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

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

Doctoral Supervisory Committee

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

Important Notice to Current International Students

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

Next Steps to attend ASU

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

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

Career Opportunities

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

Career examples include:

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

Global Opportunities

Global experience.

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

Program Contact Information

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

• [email protected]
• 480/965-3194

Literature Graduate Programs in America

1-19 of 19 results

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences - New York University

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Master's Student: I am enrolled specifically in the Magazine concentration. My professors have all been helpful with helping me succeed and are willing to stay back to go over something I don't understand. There are multiple points of resources at this program. A director is your main academic advisor. Aside from that, there is a pitch specialist to assist with freelancing and two wonderful career advisors. They help with setting up mingle sessions, job fairs, and internship talks. As of now, I haven't had bad experiences, however, I will say that the program is expensive and is an awkward three semesters. Those two things aren't ideal, however, its not too much of a dealbreaker. ... Read 10 reviews

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10 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I am enrolled specifically in the Magazine concentration. My professors have all been helpful with helping me succeed and are willing to stay back to go over something I don't understand. There are... .

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University of Washington College of Arts & Sciences

Seattle, WA •

University of Washington •

University of Washington ,

SEATTLE, WA ,

College of Arts and Humanities - University of Maryland

College Park, MD •

University of Maryland - College Park •

University of Maryland - College Park ,

COLLEGE PARK, MD ,

UC San Diego Division of Arts and Humanities

La Jolla, CA •

University of California - San Diego •

University of California - San Diego ,

LA JOLLA, CA ,

College of Arts and Sciences - American University

Washington, DC •

American University •

Blue checkmark.

American University ,

WASHINGTON, DC ,

College of Humanities and Social Sciences - George Mason University

Arlington, VA •

George Mason University •

George Mason University ,

ARLINGTON, VA ,

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Benjamin T. Rome School of Music, Drama, and Art

The Catholic University of America •

The Catholic University of America ,

University of North Dakota College of Arts & Sciences

Grand Forks, ND •

University of North Dakota •

University of North Dakota ,

GRAND FORKS, ND ,

Gwen Ifill College of Media, Arts, and Humanities

Boston, MA •

Simmons University •

Simmons University ,

BOSTON, MA ,

College of Social Sciences, Policy, and Practice - Simmons University

• • Rating 4.36 out of 5   14 reviews

Current Doctoral student: I like to choose this school because advanced online program in field of clinical social work and experienced scholars. ... Read 14 reviews

14 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.

Featured Review: Current Doctoral student says I like to choose this school because advanced online program in field of clinical social work and experienced scholars. .

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Hofstra University's School of Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts

Hempstead, NY •

Hofstra University •

Hofstra University ,

HEMPSTEAD, NY ,

College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences - Gannon University

Gannon University •

Gannon University ,

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Mills College at Northeastern University Graduate Programs

Oakland, CA •

Mills College at Northeastern University •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   2 reviews

Alum: I did a Post Baccalaureate in Pre-Medicine and the instructors and advisors were top-notch. I learned a lot and did very well. Highly recommend although they have been taken over by another school Northwestern they are still a great school and campus! ... Read 2 reviews

Mills College at Northeastern University ,

OAKLAND, CA ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says I did a Post Baccalaureate in Pre-Medicine and the instructors and advisors were top-notch. I learned a lot and did very well. Highly recommend although they have been taken over by another school... .

Read 2 reviews.

School of Arts and Sciences - CUNY Hunter College

CUNY Hunter College •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   5 reviews

Master's Student: The teachers are highly engaged with student development but are working filmmakers themselves which is not only inspiring but so helpful for the quality of our education. ... Read 5 reviews

CUNY Hunter College ,

5 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The teachers are highly engaged with student development but are working filmmakers themselves which is not only inspiring but so helpful for the quality of our education. .

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College of Liberal Arts - University of Central Oklahoma

Edmond, OK •

University of Central Oklahoma •

University of Central Oklahoma ,

EDMOND, OK ,

Clarks Summit University

Clarks Summit, PA •

Niche User: The academics at this school are amazing! I feel so prepared to enter into the field of counseling because of how this school has equipped me through their academics. The academics were engaging and challenging. I will be a better counselor because of it. ... Read 2 reviews

CLARKS SUMMIT, PA ,

Featured Review: Niche User says The academics at this school are amazing! I feel so prepared to enter into the field of counseling because of how this school has equipped me through their academics. The academics were engaging and... .

College of Arts and Sciences - Eastern Michigan University

Ypsilanti, MI •

Eastern Michigan University •

Eastern Michigan University ,

YPSILANTI, MI ,

College of Arts and Humanities - Central Washington University

Ellensburg, WA •

Central Washington University •

Central Washington University ,

ELLENSBURG, WA ,

Center for Advanced Studies On Puerto Rico & the Caribbean

San Juan, PR •

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The 6 Best Types of PhD Programs for English Majors

If you’re reading this, you’re probably exploring your options for advancing your undergraduate degree. Could a PhD be the ticket to realizing your academic goals and dreams? The decision to return to graduate school for a PhD is a significant one. However, a PhD is worthwhile — essential, even — if you want to conduct original research or if you desire a career in academia or another specialized field. Some know exactly the subject in which they’ll earn their doctorate. For others, the decision is more ambiguous. The question then becomes: how can you create the most synergy between your bachelor’s in English and your PhD? It starts with narrowing your field of focus. So, go ahead and rule out those graduate programs in biochemistry and start exploring a PhD in the humanities .

What do we mean by “the humanities?”

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Best phd programs for english majors.

If your undergraduate degree is in English, pursuing a PhD in the same discipline is an obvious path — but it’s not the only one. Depending on the kinds of classes you took and your interests within the field of humanities, you may be qualified to pursue a PhD in other disciplines. However, you should keep in mind that if you choose to pursue a new field of study, you may need to take additional prerequisite courses in addition to the courses you took to earn your bachelor’s degree.

1. PhD in Religious Studies

As an English major, you’ve most likely read a few religious texts, and you understand their significance regardless of your affiliation (if any). Truthfully, a PhD in Religious Studies doesn’t require you to be religious. Studying religion is studying ethics, beliefs, communities, and people. A PhD in Religious Studies will foster a greater understanding of the role of religion in the contemporary world and throughout history. You’ll examine the world’s religious traditions as social, cultural, and historical phenomena.

2. PhD in Linguistics*

Have you ever marveled at the perfect word choice in your favorite play? Or, while reading a line of dialogue in a piece of literary fiction, heard the dialect clear as a bell? There is no literature without language. The study of language is called linguistics, and it encompasses every aspect of language and the methods of studying and modeling them. Linguistics has traditional areas of analysis like phonetics, morphology, and syntax, the latter of which studies the rules and constraints that govern how speakers of a language can organize words into sentences. There are also linguistic sub-disciplines like historical linguistics, which is the study of language change, particularly in relation to a specific language or group of languages. For lovers of the written word, loving words themselves and the science behind them is the next logical step.

3. PhD in History

History, of course, is the study of the past. At the same, history helps us understand change and how the society we currently live in came to be.

History and English are inextricably intertwined. After all, many of the novels, poems, and essays you read as an English major made history in their own right. Both history and English make use of a very similar set of skills. Do you enjoy studying literary theories and analyzing texts through a specific critical lens? History has a comparable approach. It’s much more than reciting the names of influential people and the dates of important events; historians must understand it all within the context of the time.

Part of being a student of history is gaining the skill to sort through diverse, often conflicting interpretations. Your undergraduate degree in English will have set you up for success.

4. PhD in Media Studies*

Like all forms of art, the creations of writers give us direct access to what it means to be human in all its complexity and mystery. If you found that your favorite part about being an English major was the art you encountered and the stories you were exposed to, you might want to consider a PhD in something like Media Studies. Media Studies will allow you to study story, culture, and contextual theory across various technical modes of production and reproduction, including print, photography, cinema, video, television, radio, etc.

5. PhD in Political Science*

At first, Political Science and English may seem like strange bedfellows. But you’ve already built a strong foundation in critical reading and thinking, approaching literary analysis through multiple lenses and finding the influences of culture, politics, and social issues peppered throughout a work during your undergraduate study. Political and economic factors — and the relations between them — figure into many great works. Studying political science allows you to understand the origins and underpinnings of political values from a historical and philosophical perspective. Think about it this way: if you find your favorite written works tend to have larger political meaning this might be the right route for you.

6. PhD in English

Unsurprisingly, a major in English prepares you incredibly well for a PhD in English. From the first flowerings of poetry in Old English to the most recent creative work being published, a PhD in English gives students the comprehensive knowledge of literary criticism they need to join faculties across the world. Depending on your specialization, you’ll study anything from medieval literature to African-American literature to literature in the age of revolutions. Your bachelor’s degree in English gave you a broad overview, whereas your PhD will help you identify a specialty and drill down to become a subject matter expert.

Explore the Humanities at Southern Methodist University

It’s not just what you study, but where. SMU’s Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences can offer you a world-class education in the heart of Dallas, Texas.

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“ Reanalyzing Our World: Humanities PhDs at SMU ” to learn more about the faculty, research, and opportunities available to you here.

*Graduate programs in these fields are not offered at SMU.

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English, PhD

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.

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.

View the Graduate Handbook:  http://www.english.upenn.edu/graduate/handbook .

For more information: http://www.english.upenn.edu/

View the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs .

Sample Plan of Study

The total course units required for graduation is 20.

Each student must take courses that fulfill  six  distribution requirements:

• One course  pre-1700
• One course  1700-1900
• One course  post-1900
• One course on literature of the  Americas
• One course on literature  outside the Americas
• One course in  Minority  literature (racial, ethnic, gender, sexuality) 

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2023 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.

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2024 Best Online English PhD Programs

Writen by: CollegeRanker Team

Reviewed by: David Krug , Editor-in-Chief

Updated on: September 5, 2023

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

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

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

Methodology

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

Accreditation

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

Program Reputation

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

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

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

Student Support

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

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

University of Florida

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

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

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

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

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

Arizona State University

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

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

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

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

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

University Of Central Florida

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

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

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

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

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

Pennsylvania State University

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

University of Denver

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

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

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

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

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

Indiana University

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

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

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

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

University of North Carolina

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

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

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

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

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

University Of Nebraska

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

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

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

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

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

University of Memphis

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

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

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

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

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

Liberty University

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

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

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

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

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DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH

• Graduate Admissions
• PhD application

The Doctoral Program in English Literature

Applying to the doctoral program.

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

Application information FOR

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

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

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

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

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

Supplemental Application Materials

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

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

• Best Online Doctorate in Nursing (D.N.P.) Programs

Best Online Doctorate In Nursing (D.N.P.) Programs Of 2024

Updated: May 10, 2024, 11:58am

Ready to take the next step in your nursing career ? It might be time to consider a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

Whether you hope to become a leader in clinical practice, education or administration—or if you simply want to improve your healthcare delivery and patient outcomes—earning a D.N.P. can arm you with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a change agent in your field.

And with access to high-quality, accredited online programs across the country, busy nurses can pursue their doctoral degrees while balancing work and other commitments. Keep reading to discover the best online doctorate in nursing programs of 2024.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

• 6,290 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
• 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
• All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
• Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
• Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

Our Methodology

We ranked 99 accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online nursing doctoral programs in the U.S. using 14 data points in the categories of student experience, credibility, student outcomes and affordability. We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites.

Data is accurate as of February 2024. Note that because online doctorates are relatively uncommon, fewer schools meet our ranking standards at the doctoral level.

We scored schools based on the following metrics:

Student Experience:

• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Socioeconomic diversity
• Availability of online coursework
• Total number of graduate assistants
• Portion of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility:

• Fully accredited
• Programmatic accreditation status
• Nonprofit status

Student Outcomes:

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability:

• In-state graduate student tuition and fees
• Alternative tuition plans offered
• Median federal student loan debt
• Student loan default rate

We chose the 10 best schools to display based on those receiving a curved final score of 98% or higher.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

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Degree Finder

Best doctorate in nursing programs, should you earn a doctorate in nursing online, accreditation for online doctoral degrees in nursing, how to find the right online doctorate in nursing for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online doctorates in nursing, university of central florida, clemson university, mount carmel college of nursing, university of st francis, messiah university, university of massachusetts-amherst, west chester university of pennsylvania, university of cincinnati-main campus, maryville university of saint louis, concordia university-wisconsin, featured online schools.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial credit and much more by clicking 'Visit Site'

Program Tuition Rate

$327/credit (in-state)

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

The University of Central Florida ’s online D.N.P. program prepares learners to enter clinical leadership roles after graduation. The curriculum covers topics including clinical management, practice model design and healthcare technologies. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Students are required to complete a six-credit doctoral project that demonstrates knowledge of advanced clinical practice applications. The project may encompass topics such as policy review, design and evaluation of new care models, quality improvement and program review. UCF also offers an executive D.N.P. for aspiring nurse administrators.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
• School Type: Public
• Application Fee: $31
• Degree Credit Requirements: 42 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Nursing environment management, epidemiology principles in advanced practice nursing
• Concentrations Available: Adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner
• In-Person Requirements: No

$800/credit (in-state)

Clemson University —located in Clemson, South Carolina—offers a fully asynchronous online post-master’s D.N.P. and a hybrid post-baccalaureate D.N.P. program. The D.N.P. programs are accredited by CCNE.

Both programs prepare students to become change agents in the healthcare system and create new strategies for patient treatment, disease prevention and overall health promotion. Before graduation, students must complete a D.N.P. project that demonstrates their ability to apply evidence and attend a handful of immersion experiences on campus.

• Application Fee: Free
• Degree Credit Requirements: 35 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Part-time, full-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Clinical epidemiology and biostatistics; genomics, ethics and health policy
• Concentrations Available: Family NP, adult-gerontology NP, pediatric NP, health systems leadership
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for an in-person immersion

$955/credit (in-state)

Mount Carmel College of Nursing is a private college in Columbus, Ohio. Its nursing D.N.P. program is fully online, but students are required to attend two on-campus immersion experiences during their first and second semesters of study. Each immersion is between four and five days. Keep in mind that online students must pay a $200 technology fee per semester.

Mount Carmel College of Nursing is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and the D.N.P. program is CCNE-accredited.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
• School Type: Private
• Application Fee: $30
• Degree Credit Requirements: 37 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Ethical practices and policies in global population health; health care economics, finance and fund development
• Concentrations Available: Clinical practice leadership, executive healthcare leadership, executive academic leadership
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for in-person immersions

$799/credit (in-state)

The University of St. Francis ’ online D.N.P. curriculum focuses on managing the collective health of vulnerable patients, including elderly and low-income patients. Courses are delivered online, but the program includes practicum and translational research opportunities.

Throughout the program, students learn to manage populations experiencing health disparities, influence healthcare policy, and provide direct care to individuals and families.

The University of St. Francis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

• Degree Credit Requirements: 40 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Healthcare finance and practice management, translational research
• Concentrations Available: N/A
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for residency

$940/credit (in-state)

Messiah University is a private school located in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. The online D.N.P. program is accredited by CCNE. There are no additional fees outside of tuition.

While most classes are delivered online, two three-day, on-campus summer sessions are required for graduation. Students have the option to learn full time, part time or on an accelerated schedule.

The program includes a final D.N.P. project that evaluates students’ abilities to apply their skills to real-world nursing scenarios, including emotional intelligence, data collection and strengths-based leadership.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 86 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full-time, part-time, accelerated
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Health informatics, advanced writing for healthcare professions
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for on-campus summer sessions

$825/credit (in-state)

Other than clinical internship requirements, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst ’s D.N.P. courses are offered completely online. Depending on their prior education, students can pursue either a post-master’s D.N.P. or a post-baccalaureate D.N.P. with a concentration in family care, gerontology, mental health or public health. The D.N.P. program is accredited by CCNE.

A final D.N.P. project is required for graduation. Students apply their research findings to in-clinic practice settings.

• Our Flexibility Rating: N/A
• Application Fee: $85
• Program Enrollment Options: Full-time, part-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Leadership of public health systems, healthcare quality
• Concentrations Available: Family nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, public health nurse leader
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for clinical internships

$9,288/semester (in-state)

West Chester University ’s CCNE-accredited D.N.P. program is delivered almost entirely online; students are only required to attend their first class for one day on campus. In-state distance learners are charged a $522 technology fee per semester.

The curriculum covers three core components over eight semesters: the science of nursing, practice and leadership. This program is available only to nurses who hold an M.S.N. and RN certification.

• Application Fee: $50
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Transition to doctoral study, healthcare economics for the advanced practitioner
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for one hybrid class

$836/credit part time (in-state)

The University of Cincinnati ’s online D.N.P. program includes a variety of concentration options, almost all of which are offered entirely online. The nurse anesthesia concentration is on-campus only, and the adult-gerontology acute care concentration has just one in-person class requirement. Remote students are charged an online learning fee of $56.30 per credit.

A final D.N.P. project is required for graduation; common topics explored include policy analysis, quality improvement initiatives and database design.The University of Cincinnati’s D.N.P. program is accredited by CCNE.

• Application Fee: $65
• Degree Credit Requirements: 37-38 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Principles of population health, quality improvement and patient safety
• Concentrations Available: Adult-gerontology acute care NP, adult-gerontology primary care NP, family NP, nurse anesthesia, occupational health nursing, pediatric acute care NP, psychiatric-mental health NP, public health nursing, systems leadership, post-MSN D.N.P.
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, in-person thesis defense expected for local students

$947/credit (in-state)

The D.N.P. program at Maryville University of Saint Louis allows students to earn their degrees fully online—no campus visits required. Students attend in-person clinical experiences in their local communities. Distance learners are charged a $725 technology fee per semester.

This program can be completed in as little as 20 months and is CCNE-accredited. Students also have the option to enroll in NP specializations while working towards their D.N.P.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 33 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Principles of epidemiology and biostatistics, ethics for advanced nursing practice
• Concentrations Available: Adult-gerontology acute care NP, adult-gerontology primary care NP, pediatric NP, psychiatric-mental health NP, pediatric/family NP

$840/credit (in-state)

Concordia University-Wisconsin ’s CCNE-accredited D.N.P. is an accelerated degree for working advanced practice registered nurses. It can be completed in two years. The only on-campus requirement is an introductory course. The rest of the program can be completed online and does not incur extra technology fees. Students can complete residencies in locations of their choice.

Concordia University-Wisconsin’s campus is located in Mequon, Wisconsin.

• Application Fee: N/A
• Degree Credit Requirements: 30 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Business management for the doctor of nursing practice, healthcare informatics
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for on-campus meeting

Online college is known for its flexibility and relative affordability compared to traditional degree programs. Still, earning a degree online may not be for everybody . Here’s what to consider before enrolling in an online nursing doctoral program.

• Your budget. Online degree programs tend to cost less than in-person degrees, and many online programs charge students the same tuition rate regardless of whether they live in or out of state. Moreover, distance learning often eliminates expenses associated with housing and transportation.
• Your learning style. If you feel comfortable setting your own study schedule and learning independently, you could do well in an online program. However, an online program probably wouldn’t suit students who learn best with in-person teaching and real-time support.
• Your schedule. Distance learning often affords students the flexibility to work while earning their degrees. If you plan to continue working during your studies, an online program could provide you with the flexibility you need. Keep in mind that most nursing D.N.P. programs require a few days of on-campus immersions, internships or practicals, so ensure your schedule will allow for this.

To demonstrate their adherence to high quality standards, many colleges and universities pursue institutional accreditation. The college accreditation process involves an evaluation from an independent agency approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education (ED).

Individual programs within a school or university may earn subject-specific accreditation as well. This is called programmatic accreditation and validates that a program meets industry standards for education.

Accreditation ensures the validity of the school or program you attend. It demonstrates that your degree comes from an institution that meets peer-reviewed, expert-developed criteria. You can only qualify for federal student aid if you’re enrolled in an accredited institution. Plus, many employers and other higher learning institutions only recognized degrees from accredited schools.

Most colleges advertise their accreditation status on their websites. You can check a school’s FAQ page if this information isn’t readily available on its website. You can also browse ED’s searchable database for accredited institutions.

In general, most nursing programs are usually accredited by one of two programmatic accreditors: CCNE or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). CCNE is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of State and ensures the quality and integrity of undergraduate, graduate and residency programs. ACEN is recognized by ED and CHEA as an accrediting body for programs of all levels.

There’s no shortage of reputable D.N.P programs on the market. How do you know which school is right for you? Think about the following factors when weighing your options.

Consider Your Future Goals

A D.N.P. is a terminal degree that prepares graduates for the highest level of nursing practice. It equips graduates with the skills to bring evidence-based practice, quality improvement and leadership into clinical settings. As a result, the D.N.P. enables you to enter a variety of medical specializations and career paths, including as a nurse practitioner , a midwife or a nurse anesthetist .

Unlike a Ph.D., the D.N.P. is not research-intensive and instead prepares graduates to work in clinical settings. If you’re interested in working in a lab—or potentially for a research or government organization—the D.N.P. might not be the best fit. Instead a Ph.D. could be the right option.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

The cost of earning a D.N.P. depends on the individual program and your status as an in-state or out-of-state student. Tuition for the programs ranked on this page ranges between $327 and $955 per credit. Total tuition among the top 10 online D.N.P. programs averages $44,510.

Some schools also charge distance learners technology fees per semester.

Achieving your D.N.P. shouldn’t break the bank. Here are a few common financial aid options available.

• Scholarships: Students may be awarded scholarships from individuals or organizations to fund their education. These are usually based on need or merit and don’t need to be repaid.
• Loans: Student loans are provided through private or public lenders, including the U.S. government. They accrue interest over time and need to be paid back.
• Assistantships: Nursing students may have part or all of their tuition waived in exchange for work. This usually comes in the form of teaching or research.
• Grants: Students with demonstrated financial need may apply for grants from local and state governments. These don’t need to be repaid.

To ensure you qualify for federal student aid, make sure to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid ® (FAFSA). Individual universities and other aid providers may also use FAFSA data to determine their awards.

Can a D.N.P. be called a doctor?

No, not in clinical settings. Though a D.N.P. is a nursing doctorate, nurses who hold this degree are not licensed physicians.

Which is better, a Ph.D. or a D.N.P.?

It ultimately depends on your education and career goals. Both Ph.D. and D.N.P.s are terminal degrees, but earning a Ph.D. can be a faster route given that the curriculum doesn’t require clinical hours. Nurses with D.N.P.s generally work in clinical settings, often in leadership positions; nurses with Ph.D.s hired as leaders in laboratories and research facilities.

How many years is a doctoral degree in nursing?

Most D.N.P. programs take around one to two years to complete, though some part-time programs can take longer. It also depends on how long it takes you to complete your required clinical hours.

Why would a nurse get a doctorate?

Earning a nursing doctorate can open the door to higher-paying jobs and leadership opportunities. Through leadership, nurses can become change agents within their organizations.

Cecilia is a freelance writer, content marketing strategist and author covering education, technology and energy. She is a current contributor to the Forbes Advisor education vertical and holds a summa cum laude journalism degree from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

Zombie colleges roam the internet, here's how to spot a legitimate, living university

A USA TODAY investigation has exposed websites set up for closed universities posing as viable colleges.

Whoever is behind the copycat sites has been collecting application fees and personal student identity information. Once USA TODAY reached out to them for comment, some of the sites and their application links came down.

The investigation also found a network of fictitious colleges claiming to be accredited, generally the gold standard of legitimate universities in the U.S., however, those accreditors appear to be fabricated as well.  (Do you know more about these colleges, tell us. )

Investigation: Zombie colleges? These universities are living another life online, and no one can say why

So how can prospective students know which schools actually offer an education and which may be fronts for something else?  Luckily, there are telltale signs.  But it may take some sleuthing. 

Is it accredited?  

If a university wants to offer federal student aid, it has to be:

◾ Approved by a college accreditor.

◾ Approved by the state it resides in.

◾ Certified by the U.S. Department of Education, based, in part, on the first two.

Oversight of a school’s academic offerings falls to the accreditor, who is expected to review curriculums regularly. These accrediting agencies also visit schools in person.  

Prospective students can see if a school is truly accredited by looking it up on the federal government’s consumer guide to schools, the College Scorecard . Universities also often list their accreditors on their websites, which students can check against the accreditors’ own lists. Many states maintain a list of schools they have authorized as well. 

Check the web address 

It can be as simple as just checking the end of the university’s web address. 

Generally, only accredited colleges can use a .edu domain in their URL. Domains ending in .college, .education, or .university aren’t restricted to educational institutions, though. The website backed by former staffers at Marymount California University is marymountcalifornia.edu whereas the imposter website is at marymountcalifornia.education.  

Or pick up your phone and try to reach someone in college admissions. Legitimate colleges have entire staffs eager to talk to prospective students. It’s their job.

Some of the questions to ask: 

◾ When is the next application deadline?

◾ What do you need for the application? An essay? Test scores? Do you accept the Common Application , a form used by hundreds of colleges?

◾ How much does your program cost? Do you offer federal financial aid?

How do I tell if a college accreditor is real?  

Some of the imposter websites appeared to have created their own accreditors. Skeptical applicants can verify an accreditor's legitimacy by checking the Education Department’s list of approved agencies .

Note: Some accreditors are set up to approve only specific academic programs. Look instead for institutional accreditation, i.e., approval of all of the schools’ operations.  

Pay close attention to accreditors’ names too. Some counterfeit schools claimed accreditation by the “United States Higher Learning Commission.” That is close to the actual accrediting organization known as “The Higher Learning Commission.”   

Does the school have an address? Google it 

Some of the counterfeit universities claim strange addresses. The original Stratford University, for example, was in Virginia, but the imposter says the university is in Kentucky. In that case, a Google Street View search of the Kentucky address reveals no signage for a university.  

Many of the fictitious universities on the website of the Ministry of Higher Education Commission, one of the made-up accreditors, list unusual physical addresses too. The address for “Dakota Hill University,” for example, is actually home to Black Hills State University, a school that is accredited. USA TODAY found other schools with addresses that showed up on Google as nondescript office buildings, even parking garages. 

Be aware of the university’s size too. Some legitimate and smaller schools focused on career skills can be in office parks. But such a location would be unusual for large state or private colleges.  

Has anyone else attended this college? Who teaches there?  

Try to find past students. With LinkedIn, it’s easy to locate graduates of any college. Some schools also have alumni associations where prospective students may be able to learn more about the institution.  

Be wary of student testimonials that live solely on a college’s website because those could be fabricated by the operators of the university. Apply the same skepticism to sites that gather anonymous reviews such as Yelp – or even the reviews you might find on Google or Facebook.   

University professors should also have a web presence. Legitimate colleges often have individual web pages for their faculty members. Some college websites also feature past course catalogs. The new Stratford website, in contrast, listed only broad descriptions of its degree offerings and did not indicate who would be teaching those courses. That also was true of other zombie sites.  

Chris Quintana is a reporter on the USA TODAY investigations team with a background in higher education and student loans. Contact him at  [email protected] , @CquintanaDC on Instagram and X, or by Signal at 202-308-9021.