English, Ph.D.

About the English Doctoral Program

The doctoral program requires both greater breadth of study than the M.A. program and greater concentration in an area selected for specialization. To fulfill these requirements the student must demonstrate a reasonably comprehensive knowledge of literature and the ability to engage in original research.

Doctoral students in English may specialize in any area of English or American literature, comparative literature, creative writing, or linguistics. They may minor outside the department or create a secondary concentration within the department in one of the above areas or in technical communication.

Coursework for the Ph.D. generally amounts to 60 hours beyond the B.A. degree, including at least 45 hours of coursework in English. All students are reviewed annually for satisfactory progress. In addition, the student must pass a qualifying examination and prepare and defend a dissertation. Reading knowledge of two foreign languages or high competence in one language is required.