The Ph.D. Program
The doctoral program in English builds on the foundations of the M.A. to allow students to focus on the cultural and literary heritage of Britain, America, and other English-speaking lands. The Ph.D. degree has four primary goals: to develop fluency in the critical discourses of the profession; to develop the research, writing, and analytical skills necessary for professional success; to gain an in-depth knowledge in three areas of research related to the dissertation; and to provide professional training and mentoring to prepare graduates to teach writing and literature at the college level.
The Department offers a variety of courses in American and British literature, critical and cultural theory, women’s studies, cultural studies, and linguistics. During the first semester of study, students enroll in the Proseminar, and, during the second semester choose a mentor from the graduate faculty to help shape a course of study and prepare for the Candidacy Exams. After completing course work, students sit for these written exams in three areas of specialization of their own choosing. Students select their own exam and dissertation directors and their own committees. The dissertation is designed to contribute to the critical and/or theoretical discussion in its field and to prepare the doctoral candidate for research and publication as a professional scholar and teacher.
Financial Information:
Most Ph.D. teaching assistants teach four sections of freshman composition (two each semester) for a stipend normally totaling $12,637 plus tuition and fee waivers. In addition, during their first year in the program, doctoral students will receive an additional $1,000, for a stipend of $13, 637 for the first year only. If a Ph.D. student is making progress towards the degree, the assistantship is normally renewable for five years.
The Department offers three full-year dissertation fellowships. In the past, most applicants have received one of these fellowships, and it is the department’s expectation that most, if not all, of our Ph.D. students will receive fellowship support to write their dissertations. In addition to these fellowships, research assistantships (one course release time each semester) are available for Victorian Poetry and the Center for Literary Computing. Students in their second, third, and fourth years of study may apply for these positions.
Applications:
Applicants to the Ph.D. program are admitted on the basis of their academic record, three recommendations from former teachers, a statement of purpose outlining their academic and professional goals, a sample of their academic writing, and the GRE Advanced Test scores. Non-native English-speaking applicants must also present their TOEFL scores. Candidates with master’s degrees from other institutions may be admitted directly into the Ph.D. program. Application information is here.