Department of EnglishPhD in English

Our PhD in English is a funded and onsite degree that allows you to learn alongside major scholars in the field while strengthening your research abilities. We welcome applicants from a wide array of fields—including Creative Writing (poetry, fiction, and nonfiction), Linguistics, Comparative and Global Literatures and Translation, Film and Media Studies, American Literature, and British Literature—and we support a range of research methodologies, including literary theory, social-justice-based work, pop culture studies, and manuscript studies. Whatever your interest, you'll have the opportunity to work closely with your professors and to learn from them the writing, researching, and teaching skills crucial to our profession.

Professional development is a key component of our PhD, and every student in the program receives training in publishing (academic journal articles or creative works), editing, conferences, networking, alt-academic careers, and careers in higher education. Whether you pursue a job as a college professor, high school teacher, editor, freelance writer, or any number of other positions available to you, our faculty will work with you to help prepare you for a successful career.

Extensive teaching experience is another highlight of our program, and during your time here, you'll have the opportunity both to teach courses in your area of specialization and in college composition. The former might include such courses as creative writing workshop, introduction to fiction or poetry, global literature surveys, introduction to film studies, or British literature surveys—all depending on your area of specialization. You'll leave our program with an accomplished teaching resume that speaks to your expertise in college education and your ability to master a variety of subjects and courses.

Recent graduates of the PhD program have secured tenure-track jobs at Virginia Wesleyan University, Bethany College, San Jose State University, the International University of Kuwait, Jarvis Christian University, Miami University, Wayland Baptist University, and the State University of New York, among other institutions.