english phd cost

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]

English PhD Stipends in the United States: Statistical Report

By Eric Weiskott

This report presents the results of research into stipends for PhD candidates in English conducted between summer 2021 and spring 2022. The report surveys the top 135 universities in the U.S. News and World Report 2022 “Best National University Ranking,” plus the Graduate Center, City University of New York. Of these universities, 80 offer a PhD in English and guarantee full funding for five or more years. Graduate administrators at three universities declined to grant permission to have current or historical stipend amounts published, citing legal concerns (appendix A). The remaining 77 institutions form the data set. Stipend amounts are expressed in absolute dollars (table 1), in cost-of-living-adjusted dollars (table 2), relative to endowment size for universities with institutional endowments of $3.5 billion or less (figure 1), and broken down by type of university (public or private) (tables 3a–3b) and by region (tables 4a–4d).

The stipend data were gathered by consulting program websites and, if no URL is cited, by canvassing departmental faculty and staff members responsible for administering English PhD programs, often holding the title “Director of Graduate Studies” (DGS). 1 In some cases, the standard stipend must be expressed as a dollar range rather than a fixed amount, for reasons specified in the notes.

All figures given in this report are gross pay, reflecting neither tax withholding schemes nor any mandatory student fees. All figures are rounded to the nearest dollar. All figures reflect the base or standard stipend offer, not including supplemental funding offered on a competitive basis at the department, college, or university level. All figures represent twelve-month pay, regardless of whether the program distinguishes between academic-year stipend and any summer stipend, provided both are guaranteed. While every effort was made to procure academic year 2021–22 or 2022–23 figures, in a few cases this was not possible. A limitation of the data therefore is that they mix current and recent stipend amounts. For some programs, the standard stipend increases or decreases during the course of the degree. Where the changes in pay occur in specific years, they are accordingly factored into the numbers given in the report, which represent a five-year average in these instances. However, where the changes depend on the unpredictable completion of program requirements, or reflect differential pay based on past degrees earned or not earned at the time of matriculation, I express the standard stipend as a range. Because programs with a stipend range are ranked and averaged according to the average of the low and high ends of the range, the report may slightly overstate or understate the total value of the stipend over the length of the degree depending how candidates tend to move through those programs, or depending on the academic background of the candidates who matriculate into them.

Cost-of-living comparisons were made using Nerdwallet ’s cost-of-living calculator (“Cost”), checked against the standardized cost-of-living rating on BestPlaces (“2022 Cost”).  Nerdwallet ’s calculator has the advantage of splitting up geography into medium-sized benchmark areas, often roughly corresponding to a commutable radius around a town or city, as opposed to the jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction comparisons of BestPlaces and other cost-of-living calculators, which would be more pertinent to real estate purchases. However, use of the Nerdwallet tool entails limitations, occasionally acute. Some university campuses are located closer to available Nerdwallet benchmarks than others. Certain rural and suburban campuses are located in jurisdictions with somewhat higher or lower cost of living than the closest available Nerdwallet benchmark, often a city. These limitations were corrected for in the more severe cases and to the extent possible by averaging multiple benchmarks selected for geographic proximity and comparable cost of living (as given on BestPlaces ) to the location of the campus, as noted in each case in table 2. The possibility of PhD candidates’ commuting to campus from a distance greater than the radius of a Nerdwallet benchmark, not to mention the possibility of their living farther afield when teaching remotely in the COVID-19 pandemic or dissertating, further complicates a direct benchmark-to-benchmark cost-of-living conversion.

It was particularly difficult to determine the cost of living for one campus, Rutgers University, New Brunswick. This is because Rutgers is within commuting distance of New York, the highest cost-of-living metropolitan area in the United States, coupled with the fact that the Nerdwallet benchmark to which the city of New Brunswick belongs, “Middlesex-Monmouth,” covers two New Jersey counties that include many towns as distant from New Brunswick to the south and west as Brooklyn and Manhattan are to the north and east. That is, New Brunswick is inadvantageously situated in its Nerdwallet benchmark for the purposes of stating an average cost of living that captures patterns of commuting to and from campus. Commutes from south and west of campus are included, while commutes from north and east are excluded. In the Midwest and West, where Nerdwallet tends to have fewer benchmark areas, suburban and smaller urban campuses within commuting distance of a large city often are benchmarked to that city—for example, the University of Colorado, Boulder, to the Denver benchmark and the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, to the Detroit benchmark. It would therefore seem to be inconsistent to omit to factor New York into the cost-of-living-adjusted value of a stipend paid by Rutgers University, New Brunswick, particularly as the difference between the cost of living in New York and New Brunswick is so much greater than the difference between the cost of living in Detroit and Ann Arbor, or between Denver and Boulder. My solution, to average the average of the Nerdwallet results for Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens together with the results for Middlesex-Monmouth, is an admittedly provisional one that risks overstating the cost of living of pursuing a PhD in English at Rutgers, which, after all, is not located in Brooklyn, Manhattan, or Queens. In a private communication, the DGS reports that a little over one quarter of current Rutgers English graduate candidates reside in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, or adjacent Jersey City, NJ. I consider this proportion large enough to confirm my initial expectation that the very high cost of living in New York should factor into an estimate of the cost of living associated with a Rutgers English PhD in some way. I have not systematically polled DGSs about where candidates live. If nothing else, I hope the difficult case of Rutgers illuminates the limitations of representing cost of living with a single standardized number in an age of urban agglomeration, rapid transport, and a prevailing tolerance for work commutes of up to one hour or so.

Endowment figures (figure 1) were drawn from the fiscal year 2020 statistical report on North American university endowments published by the National Association of College and University Business Officers ( U.S. and Canadian Institutions ).

This stipend report is not a substitute for a holistic assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of an individual PhD program and is not intended to guide prospective PhD applicants toward or away from any given program. The report does not take account of such significant variables as relative strength of the program in the applicant’s area of specialty; any competitive fellowships and stipends available; exam requirements burden; teaching and service expectations; cultural life and nearby off-campus intellectual institutions; the number of years of full funding guaranteed past five, if any; or record of placing graduates into full-time academic employment. The report isolates the stipend as one important factor among several shaping the experience, opportunity cost, and financial, intellectual, and professional benefit of pursuing graduate study in English. Graduate candidates are workers as well as students, and the stipend is their salary. It is hoped that by understanding these data, program administrators, graduate administrators, department chairs, current PhDs, and prospective PhD applicants can form an evidence-based impression of what the English PhD pays around the country and in divergent institutional and regional settings.

For completeness, appendixes list the universities among the 135 that either offer the PhD in English but do not guarantee full funding for five or more years (appendix B) or do not offer the PhD in English (appendix C). Note

1 I thank Anna Chang for assistance gathering updated stipend amounts at a late stage of the project.

Works Cited

“Best National University Rankings.” U.S. News and World Report , 2022, www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities .

“Cost of Living Calculator.” Nerdwallet , 2022, www.nerdwallet.com/cost-of-living-calculator .

“2022 Cost of Living Calculator.” BestPlaces , 2022, www.bestplaces.net/cost-of-living/ .

U.S. and Canadian Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Endowment Market Value and Change in Endowment Market Value from FY19 to FY20 . National Association of College and University Business Officers , 2021, www.nacubo.org/-/media/Documents/Research/2020-NTSE-Public-Tables–Endowment-Market-Values–FINAL-FEBRUARY-19-2021.ashx.

Table 1. English PhD Standard Stipend Nationwide Comparison

Table 1 Average: $25,006

Table 1 Median: $25,000   

Table 1 Notes

1 The figure reflects a stipend of $30,800 for the first year and $36,570 thereafter, averaged over five years.

2 gfs.stanford.edu/salary/salary22/tal_all.pdf . I obtained this figure by tripling the standard arts and sciences per-quarter rate to reflect Stanford University’s three-quarter, nine-month academic year.

3 The figure reflects an academic-year stipend of $27,605 ($3,067 per month), plus a summer stipend that is the average of the 2020–21 summer stipend of $5,300 ($1,767 per month) and three months of the 2021–22 academic-year rate—namely, $7,251 ($2,417 per month). Brown University is phasing in a summer stipend to match the academic-year stipend over the next year.

4 www.tgs.northwestern.edu/funding/index.html .

5 gsas.yale.edu/resources-students/finances-fellowships/stipend-payments#:~:text=students%20receive%20a%20semi%2Dmonthly,2022%20academic%20year%20is%20%2433%2C600 .

6 The figure reflects an academic-year stipend of $28,654, plus a summer stipend of $6,037 for the first four years, averaged over five years.

7 today.duke.edu/2019/04/duke-makes-12-month-funding-commitment-phd-students#:~:text=students%20in%20their%20guaranteed%20funding,54%20programs%20across%20the%20university .

8 english.rutgers.edu/images/5_10_2021_-_Fall_2022_grad_website_updated_des_of_funding_for_prospectives.pdf . The figure reflects an academic-year stipend of $25,000 for the first year and $29,426 thereafter, plus a summer stipend of $5,000 the first summer and $2,500 each of the next two summers, averaged over five years.

9 The figure is anticipated for 2022–23 following an admissions pause in 2021–22.

10 The low figure is a teaching assistant offer; the high figure is a university fellowship. While funding in excess of the rate for teaching assistants is competitive, it is also de facto guaranteed: for 2021–22, all eight offers of admission exceeded the rate for teaching assistants.

11 policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-1238 . The figure reflects a stipend of $25,000 with $1,000 in summer funding in year 3 and $4,500 in summer funding in years 4-5, averaged over five years.

12 The figures reflect a stipend range of $18,240–$25,000 for the first year and $23,835 thereafter, averaged over five years.

13 The figure reflects a stipend of $25,166 for the first year, $24,166 for the second through fourth years, and $19,000 for the fifth year, averaged over five years.

14 grad.ucdavis.edu/sites/default/files/upload/files/facstaff/salary_21-22_october_2021.pdf . I obtained this figure by halving the standard teaching assistant annual rate to reflect the rule that PhD candidates at the University of California, Davis, may work no more than half time.

15 Lehigh University guarantees full funding for five years for candidates classified as full-time. This includes all candidates except a few who are nontraditional students and bring an outside salary or other outside funding to the degree.

16 miamioh.edu/cas/academics/departments/english/admission/graduate-admission/graduate-funding/teaching-positions/index.html .

17 The figures reflect an academic-year stipend of $17,100, plus a summer stipend range of $2,500–$5,000.

18 The figures reflect a stipend of $23,688 for the first year and a range of $19,480–$20,250 thereafter, averaged over five years.

19 hr.uic.edu/hr-staff-managers/compensation/minima-for-graduate-appointments/ .

20 The University of Utah guarantees full funding for five years for those entering with a BA but four years for those entering with an MA.

21 Among the doctoral degrees offered by the English department at Purdue University, West Lafayette, the one in question is the PhD in literature, theory, and cultural studies.

22 The University of Florida guarantees full funding for six years for those entering with a BA but four years for those entering with an MA.

23 These figures reflect the range between FTE .40 at level I (BA holder, precandidacy) and FTE .49 at level II (MA holder, advanced to candidacy). See https://graduatestudies.uoregon.edu/funding/ge/salary-benefits for a schedule of salaries.

Table 2. English PhD Standard Stipend Nationwide Comparison, Adjusted for Cost of Living (Expressed in Boston-Area Dollars)

Table 2 Average: $33,060

Table 2 Median: $31,718

Table 2 Notes

1 I used the benchmark for Philadelphia, which, although geographically distant from State College / University Park, has a more comparable cost of living than other benchmarks for Pennsylvania.

2 For programs located in New York City—in this listing, Columbia University; New York University; Graduate Center, City University of New York; and Fordham University—I averaged the results for Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens.

3 I averaged the results for Austin and Houston.

4 I averaged the New York City triborough average with the results for Middlesex-Monmouth, NJ. This reflects Rutgers’s liminal geographic location: it is much closer to New York City, without being in the city, than any other campus on this list, and a substantial minority of Rutgers PhD candidates commute to campus from the city.

5 I averaged the results for San Francisco and Oakland.

6 I averaged the results for Bakersfield and San Diego. While Los Angeles is closer geographically, it has a much higher cost of living than Riverside and is just outside of convenient commuting range.

7 I averaged the results for Boston and Pittsfield.

8 I averaged the results for Queens and Albany, a better approximation of the cost of living on eastern Long Island than averaging the cost of living in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens.

9 I averaged the results for Los Angeles and San Francisco.

10 I averaged the results for Washington, DC, and Bethesda-Gaithersburg-Frederick, MD.

Table 3a. English PhD Standard Stipend Nationwide Comparison: Private Universities

Table 3a Average: $28,653

Table 3a Median: $28,967

Table 3b. English PhD Standard Stipend Nationwide Comparison: Public Universities

Table 3b Average: $22,230

Table 3b Median: $21,500

Table 4a. English PhD Standard Stipend Comparison: West and Southwest

Table 4a Average: $25,661

Table 4a Median: $25,500

Table 4b. English PhD Standard Stipend Comparison: Midwest

Table 4b Average: $23,234

Table 4b Median: $21,966

Table 4c. English PhD Standard Stipend Comparison: Northeast

Table 4c Average: $26,741

Table 4c Median: $26,235

Table 4d. English PhD Standard Stipend Comparison: South

Table 4d Average: $22,438

Table 4d Median: $20,881

Appendix A. English PhD Programs Declining to Have Stipend Data Published

Appendix b. english phd programs not guaranteeing full funding for five or more years.

Appendix B Notes

1 The department will “attempt to fully fund all students admitted to the PhD program for five years” ( english.columbian.gwu.edu/graduate-admissions-aid#phd ).

2 Guarantees full funding for four years.

3 “All admitted students receive a multi-year funding package” ( www.humanities.uci.edu/english/graduate/index.php ).

4 Guarantees full funding for four years.

Appendix C. Universities Not Offering the PhD in English

Appendix C Notes

* Offers a terminal MA in English.

1 Offers a terminal MA in literature, culture, and technology.

2 Offers a terminal MA in English literature and publishing.

3 Offers a PhD in rhetoric and professional communication.

4 Offers a PhD in communication, rhetoric, and digital media.

5 Offers a PhD in communication and rhetoric.

6 Offers a PhD in literature. The University of California, Davis, and the University of Kansas also offer a PhD in literature, yet, unlike the University of California, San Diego, or the University of California, Santa Cruz, the Davis and Kansas degrees are housed in English departments and retain an explicitly anglophone focus.

7 Offers a PhD in rhetoric and writing.

*Campus-specific endowment information is not available in the National Association of College and University Business Officers report.

Eric Weiskott is professor of English at Boston College, where he directs the English PhD program. His most recent book is  Meter and Modernity in English Verse, 1350–1650  (U of Pennsylvania P, 2021).

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Ph.D. Admissions

Thank you for your interest in our Ph.D. program, which offers an unparalleled combination of intellectual rigor and graduate support.  We are dedicated to training the next generation of scholars, and to confronting the opportunities offered by a changing job market. We look for various qualities in our applicants, including a proven capacity for advanced critical thinking and independent research.

The Department of English recognizes that the Supreme Court issued a ruling in June 2023 about the consideration of certain types of demographic information as part of an admission review. All applications submitted during upcoming application cycles will be reviewed in conformance with that decision. 

Note: Stanford does not offer a terminal Master of Arts in English.  

Autumn 2024 Admission

The deadline for the submission of graduate application forms to the Department of English for matriculation in Autumn 2024 will be  December 1, 2023 at 11:59pm PST .

Read all instructions at the  University Graduate Admissions website  before starting the application process.

Application Requirements/Checklist:

• Application form: Completed online through the  University Graduate Admissions website
• Non-refundable fee of $125.  For information on eligibility for fee waivers, please refer to  Graduate Application Fee Waiver
• Statement of Purpose (ideally 500-600 words, maximum 1000, double spaced, submitted as part of the application): reasons for applying, preparation, specific study and research interests (e.g., 18th century, American lyric poetry, Middle English, etc.), future career plans, and any other information to elucidate background and potential as a scholar/teacher.
• Letters of Recommendation:  Three letters of recommendation are required from faculty members or others who are qualified to evaluate academic work and teaching potential.  Recommenders submit their letters through the online system by the application deadline.
• Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts from all universities and colleges you have attended for one year or more must be uploaded to the online application.  We only require admitted applicants who accept the offer of admission to submit official transcripts that show degree conferral. Please do not send any official transcripts to us at this time.
• Writing sample: a critical paper of approximately 12-25 pages, ideally in your stated field of interest. The writing sample is also submitted with the online application.
• Official TOEFL and/or TSE: required for all international applicants (whose primary language is not English) sent via ETS.  To see if you need to provide this information, please check the  Exam Requirements for International Applicants . Stanford does not accept IELTS scores.

Note to Stanford Undergraduates (both current and former):  

As a department we are gratified when some of our undergraduate majors decide to pursue advanced degrees in English.  To foster breadth in the students’ educational experience and also to expose our department to diverse ideas, our philosophy is that students who receive their undergraduate degrees from our department should generally look elsewhere to pursue their doctorates.

Inquiries about the Ph.D. in English should be directed to  englishadmissions [at] lists.stanford.edu (englishadmissions[at]lists[dot]stanford[dot]edu) .

Knight-Hennessy Scholars 

Join dozens of  Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences students  who gain valuable leadership skills in a multidisciplinary, multicultural community as  Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS). KHS admits up to 100 select applicants each year from across Stanford’s seven graduate schools, and delivers engaging experiences that prepare them to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders ready to address complex global challenges. As a scholar, you join a distinguished cohort, participate in up to three years of leadership programming, and receive full funding for up to three years of your PhD studies at Stanford. Candidates of any country may apply. KHS applicants must have earned their first undergraduate degree within the last seven years, and must apply to both a Stanford graduate program and to KHS. Stanford PhD students may also apply to KHS during their first year of PhD enrollment. If you aspire to be a leader in your field, we invite you to apply. The KHS application deadline is October 11, 2023. Learn more about  KHS admission .

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PhD Program

The English Department will begin reviewing completed MA applications on January 1, 2024 and will continue to accept them until the March 15, 2024 deadline

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Requirements for the PhD

In the PhD Program, students move toward specialization in a particular area of study. The requirements include:

• Sixteen graduate-level courses, including a required eight courses taken in the first year.
• A successful review by the Graduate Committee upon completion of the first year.
• Demonstration of a reading knowledge of one foreign language at an advanced level or two foreign languages at an intermediate level – including one language completed as part of the first year.
• Completion of a Qualifying Oral Examination
• Submission and approval of a Dissertation Prospectus
• Completion and defense of a Ph.D. dissertation

Please note that successful completion of requirements in the first year earns each Ph.D. student an M.A. degree as a matter of course.

Satisfactory Academic Progress for PhD Students

The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and the Department of English guarantee five full years (12 months each) of financial support for PhD students who maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress . This support will be in the form of Teaching Fellowships or Graduate Fellowships. All requirements for the doctorate, including dissertation, must be completed within seven years (exceptions require a petition to GRS). A leave of absence of up to two semesters is permitted for appropriate cause.

Given these time constraints, students should work closely with their advisers and dissertation readers to devise an efficient schedule for meeting all benchmarks. Faculty and students share responsibility for adhering closely to this schedule.

The following achievements are required to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress:

Students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, have no more than 2 failing grades (lower than B- or an incomplete grade older than 12 months), and pass qualifying exams and other milestones on the following recommended schedule:

Year 1:      Eight graduate courses – for the M.A. degree / first foreign language requirement.

Year 2:      Continue course work and study toward the completion of the language requirement.

Year 3:     Complete course work and language requirements. In the fall of the third year, students take the pro-seminar (EN794 A1), in which they develop their Qualifying Oral Examination rationale and reading list, and form an oral exam committee.

Year 4:      Fall: Students should take the Qualifying Exam early in the Fall semester.

Spring: Prospectus submitted and dissertation writing begins.

Years 5+ : Dissertation.

Additional departmental details regarding all stages of the degree can be found in the graduate handbook

For GRS college policies and general information please see the Graduate Bulletin

Robert Chodat, Director of Graduate Studies

Texas A&M University Catalogs

Doctor of philosophy in english.

The PhD program in English prepares students to become leading scholars, excellent teachers, and active members of the academic community by fostering critical engagement with the discipline of English Studies and its interdisciplinary practices. Our students develop a knowledge base in a range of literatures and theories in their coursework, and go on to specialize by taking an oral field examination and a written take-home examination that prepares them to write a dissertation. Students gain expertise in articulating a research plan and carrying it out; developing original arguments that contribute to ongoing debates within the field; mastering research techniques and the ability to evaluate resources, including digital resources; and communicating their ideas to varied audiences, both orally and in writing. 

Students are encouraged to enter the profession by presenting their work at conferences and by publishing in scholarly venues, and are supported in their efforts to do so; they also participate in the governance of the department and, thus, learn the importance of departmental citizenship. Our students are trained to be teachers of writing, rhetoric, and literature; they receive sustained pedagogical training and enjoy the opportunity to teach courses in their areas of expertise. 

PhD graduates are qualified for teaching positions at the college and university level; but the program also aids students who plan to pursue careers outside of academia, where they can put the research, writing, and teaching skills they have developed to good use.

Steps to Fulfill a Doctoral Program

Program Requirements

• Student's Advisory Committee

Degree Plan

Transfer of credit, research proposal.

• Preliminary Examination

Preliminary Examination Format

Preliminary examination scheduling, report of preliminary examination, failure of the preliminary examination, retake of failed preliminary examination.

• Final Examination

Report of Final Examination

Dissertation, student’s advisory committee.

After receiving admission to graduate studies and enrolling, the student will consult with the head of his or her major or administrative department (or chair of the intercollegiate faculty) concerning appointment of the chair of the advisory committee. The student’s advisory committee will consist of  no fewer than four members of the graduate faculty  representative of the student’s several fields of study and research, where the chair or co-chair must be from the student’s department (or intercollegiate faculty, if applicable), and  at least one or more of the members must have an appointment to a department other than the student’s major department . The outside member for a student in an interdisciplinary degree program must be from a department different from the chair of the student’s committee.

The chair, in consultation with the student, will select the remainder of the advisory committee. Only graduate faculty members located on Texas A&M University campuses may serve as chair of a student’s advisory committee. Other Texas A&M University graduate faculty members located off-campus may serve as a member or co-chair (but not chair), with a member as the chair.

If the chair of a student’s advisory committee voluntarily leaves the University and the student is near completion of the degree and wants the chair to continue to serve in this role, the student is responsible for securing a current member of the University Graduate Faculty, from the student’s academic program and located near the Texas A&M University campus site, to serve as the co-chair of the committee. The Department Head or Chair of Intercollegiate faculty may request in writing to the Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate and Professional School that a faculty member who is on an approved leave of absence or has voluntarily separated from the university, be allowed to continue to serve in the role of chair of a student’s advisory committee without a co-chair for up to one year. The students should be near completion of the degree. Extensions beyond the one year period can be granted with additional approval of the Dean.

The committee members’ signatures on the degree plan indicate their willingness to accept the responsibility for guiding and directing the entire academic program of the student and for initiating all academic actions concerning the student. Although individual committee members may be replaced by petition for valid reasons, a committee cannot resign  en masse . The chair of the committee, who usually has immediate supervision of the student’s research and dissertation or record of study, has the responsibility for calling all meetings of the committee. The duties of the committee include responsibility for the proposed degree plan, the research proposal, the preliminary examination, the dissertation or record of study and the final examination. In addition, the committee, as a group and as individual members, is responsible for counseling the student on academic matters, and, in the case of academic deficiency, initiating recommendations to the Graduate and Professional School.

The student’s advisory committee will evaluate the student’s previous education and degree objectives. The committee, in consultation with the student, will develop a proposed degree plan and outline a research problem which, when completed, as indicated by the dissertation (or its equivalent for the degree of Doctor of Education or the degree of Doctor of Engineering), will constitute the basic requirements for the degree. The degree plan must be filed with the Graduate and Professional School prior to the deadline imposed by the student’s college and no later than 90 days prior to the preliminary examination.

This proposed degree plan should be submitted through the online Document Processing Submission System located on the website  http://ogsdpss.tamu.edu . A minimum of 64 hours is required on the degree plan for the Doctor of Philosophy for a student who has completed a master’s degree. A student who has completed a DDS/DMD, DVM or a MD at a U.S. institution is also required to complete a minimum of 64 hours. A student who has completed a baccalaureate degree but not a master’s degree will be required to complete a 96-hour degree plan. Completion of a DDS/DMD, DVM or MD degree at a foreign institution requires completion of a minimum of 96 hours for the Doctor of Philosophy. A field of study may be primarily in one department or in a combination of departments. A degree plan must carry a reasonable amount of 691 (research). A maximum of 9 hours of 400-level undergraduate courses may be used toward meeting credit-hour requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy.

Additional coursework may be added by petition to the approved degree plan by the student’s advisory committee if it is deemed necessary to correct deficiencies in the student’s academic preparation. No changes can be made to the degree plan once the student’s Request for Final Examination is approved by the Graduate and Professional School.

Approval to enroll in any professional course (900-level) should be obtained from the head of the department (or Chair of the intercollegiate faculty, if applicable) in which the course will be offered before including such a course on a degree plan.

No credit may be obtained by correspondence study, by extension or for any course of fewer than three weeks duration.

For non-distance degree programs, no more than four courses may be taken by distance education without approval of the Graduate and Professional School and no more than 50 percent of the non-research credit hours required for the program may be completed through distance education courses.

To receive a graduate degree from Texas A&M University, students must earn one-third or more of the credits through the institution’s own direct instruction. This limitation also applies to joint degree programs. 

Courses for which transfer credits are sought must have been completed with a grade of B or greater and must be approved by the student’s advisory committee and the Graduate and Professional School. These courses must not have been used previously for another degree. Except for officially approved cooperative doctoral programs, credit for thesis or dissertation research or the equivalent is not transferable. Credit for “internship” coursework in any form is not transferable. Courses taken in residence at an accredited U.S. institution or approved international institution with a final grade of B or greater will be considered for transfer credit if, at the time the courses were completed, the courses would be accepted for credit toward a similar degree for a student in degree-seeking status at the host institution. Credit for coursework taken by extension is not transferable. Coursework  in which no formal grades are given or in which grades other than letter grades (A or B) are earned (for example, CR, P, S, U, H, etc.) is not accepted for transfer credit . Credit for coursework submitted for transfer from any college or university must be shown in semester credit hours, or equated to semester credit hours.

Courses used toward a degree at another institution may not be applied for graduate credit. If the course to be transferred was taken prior to the conferral of a degree at the transfer institution, a letter from the registrar at that institution stating that the course was not applied for credit toward the degree must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School.

Grades for courses completed at other institutions are not included in computing the GPA. An official transcript from the university at which transfer courses are taken must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions.

The general field of research to be used for the dissertation should be agreed on by the student and the advisory committee at their first meeting, as a basis for selecting the proper courses to support the proposed research.

As soon thereafter as the research project can be outlined in reasonable detail, the dissertation research proposal should be completed. The research proposal should be approved at a meeting of the student’s advisory committee, at which time the feasibility of the proposed research and the adequacy of available facilities should be reviewed. The approved proposal, signed by all members of the student’s advisory committee, the head of the student’s major department (or chair of the intercollegiate faculty, if applicable), must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School at least 20 working days prior to the submission of the Request for the Final Examination.

Compliance issues must be addressed if a graduate student is performing research involving human subjects, animals, infectious biohazards and recombinant DNA. A student involved in these types of research should check with the Office of Research Compliance and Biosafety at (979) 458-1467 to address questions about all research compliance responsibilities. Additional information can also be obtained on the website  http:// rcb.tamu.edu .

Examinations

Preliminary examination for doctoral students.

The student’s major department (or chair of the interdisciplinary degree program faculty, if applicable) and his or her advisory committee may require qualifying, cumulative or other types of examinations at any time deemed desirable. These examinations are entirely at the discretion of the department and the student’s advisory committee.

The preliminary examination is required. The preliminary examination for a doctoral student shall be given no earlier than a date at which the student is within 6 credit hours of completion of the formal coursework on the degree plan (i.e., all coursework on the degree plan except 681, 684, 690, 691, 692, 693, 695, 697, 791, or other graduate courses specifically designated as S/U in the course catalog). The student should complete the Preliminary Examination no later than the end of the semester following the completion of the formal coursework on the degree plan.

The objective of preliminary examination is to evaluate whether the student has demonstrated the following qualifications:

a.     a mastery of the subject matter of all fields in the program;

b.     an adequate knowledge of the literature in these fields and an ability to carry out bibliographical research;

c.     an understanding of the research problem and the appropriate methodological approaches.

The format of the preliminary examination shall be determined by the student’s department (or interdisciplinary degree program, if applicable) and advisory committee, and communicated to the student in advance of the examination. The exam may consist of a written component, oral component, or combination of written and oral components.

The preliminary exam may be administered by the advisory committee or a departmental committee; herein referred to as the examination committee.

Regardless of exam format, a student will receive an overall preliminary exam result of pass or fail. The department (or interdisciplinary degree program, if applicable) will determine how the overall pass or fail result is determined based on the exam structure and internal department procedures. If the exam is administered by the advisory committee, each advisory committee member will provide a pass or fail evaluation decision.

Only one advisory committee substitution is allowed to provide an evaluation decision for a student’s preliminary exam, and it cannot be the committee chair.

If a student is required to take, as a part of the preliminary examination, a written component administered by a department or interdisciplinary degree program, the department or interdisciplinary degree program faculty must:

a.     offer the examination at least once every six months. The departmental or interdisciplinary degree program examination should be announced at least 30 days prior to the scheduled examination date.

b.     assume the responsibility for marking the examination satisfactory or unsatisfactory, or otherwise graded, and in the case of unsatisfactory, stating specifically the reasons for such a mark.

c.     forward the marked examination to the chair of the student’s advisory committee within one week after the examination.

Prior to commencing any component of the preliminary examination, a departmental representative or the advisory committee chair will review the eligibility criteria with the student, using the Preliminary Examination Checklist to ensure the student is eligible for the preliminary examination. The following list of eligibility requirements applies.

Student is registered at Texas A&M University for a minimum of one semester credit hour in the long semester or summer term during which any component of the preliminary examination is held. If the entire examination is held between semesters, then the student must be registered for the term immediately preceding the examination.

An approved degree plan is on file with the Graduate and Professional School prior to commencing the first component of the examination.

Student’s cumulative GPA is at least 3.000.

Student’s degree plan GPA is at least 3.000.

At the end of the semester in which at least the first component of the exam is given, there are no more than 6 hours of coursework remaining on the degree plan (except 681, 684, 690, 691, 692, 693, 695, 697, 791, or other graduate courses specifically designated as S/U in the course catalog). The head of the student’s department (or Chair of the Interdisciplinary Degree Program, if applicable) has the authority to approve a waiver of this criterion.

Credit for the preliminary examination is not transferable in cases where a student changes degree programs after passing a preliminary exam.

If a written component precedes an oral component of the preliminary exam, the chair of the student’s examination committee is responsible for making all written examinations available to all members of the committee. A positive evaluation of the preliminary exam by all members of a student’s examination committee with at most one dissension is required to pass a student on his or her preliminary exam.

The student’s department will promptly report the results of the Preliminary Examination to the Graduate and Professional School via the Report of Doctoral Preliminary Examination form. The Preliminary Examination checklist form must also be submitted. These forms should be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School within 10 working days of completion of the preliminary examination.

The Report of the Preliminary Examination form must be submitted with original signatures of the approved examination committee members. If an approved examination committee member substitution (one only) has been made, that signature must also be included, in place of the committee member, on the form submitted to the Graduate and Professional School. The original signature of the department head is also required on the form.

After passing the required preliminary oral and written examinations for a doctoral degree, the student must complete the final examination within four years of the semester in which the preliminary exam is taken. Exams taken in between terms will expire at the end of the term that ended prior to the exam. For example, a preliminary exam taken and passed during the fall 2019 semester will expire at the end of the fall 2023 semester. A preliminary exam taken in the time between the summer and fall 2019 semesters will expire at the end of the summer 2023 semester.

First Failure

Upon approval of a student’s examination committee (with no more than one member dissenting), and approval of the Department and Graduate and Professional School, a student who has failed a preliminary examination may be given one re-examination. In accordance with Student Rule 12.5, the student’s department head or designee, intercollegiate faculty, or graduate advisory committee should make a recommendation to the student regarding their scholastic deficiency.

Second Failure

Upon failing the preliminary exam twice in a doctoral program, a student is no longer eligible to continue to pursue the PhD in that program/major. In accordance with Student Rule 12.5.3 and/or 12.5.4, the student will be notified of the action being taken by the department as a result of the second failure of the preliminary examination.

Adequate time must be given to permit a student to address inadequacies emerging from the first preliminary examination. The examination committee must agree upon and communicate to the student, in writing, an adequate time-frame from the first examination (normally six months) to retest, as well as a detailed explanation of the inadequacies emerging from the examination. The student and committee should jointly negotiate a mutually acceptable date for this retest.  When providing feedback on inadequacies, the committee should clearly document expected improvements that the student must be able to exhibit in order to retake the exam.  The examination committee will document and communicate the time-frame and feedback within 10 working days of the exam that was not passed.

Final Examination for Doctoral Students

The candidate for the doctoral degree must pass a final examination by deadline dates announced in the “Graduate and Professional School Calendar” each semester. The doctoral student is allowed only one opportunity to take the final examination.

No unabsolved grades of D, F, or U for any course can be listed on the degree plan. The student must be registered for any remaining hours of 681, 684, 690, 691, 692, 791 or other graduate courses specifically designated as S/U in the course catalog during the semester of the final exam. No student may be given a final examination until they have been admitted to candidacy and their current official cumulative and degree plan GPAs are 3.00 or better.

To be admitted to candidacy for a doctoral degree, a student must have:

1.       completed all formal coursework on the degree plan with the exception of any remaining 681, 684, 690 and 691, 692 (Professional Study), or 791 hours,

2.       a 3.0 Graduate GPA and a Degree Plan GPA of at least 3.0 with no grade lower than C in any course on the degree plan,

3.       passed the preliminary examination,

4.       submitted an approved dissertation proposal,

5.       met the residence requirements.

The request to hold and announce the final examination must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School a minimum of 10 working days in advance of the scheduled date. Any changes to the degree plan must be approved by the Graduate and Professional School prior to the submission of the request for final examination.

 The student’s advisory committee will conduct this examination. The final examination is not to be administered until the dissertation or record of study is available in substantially final form to the student’s advisory committee, and all concerned have had adequate time to review the document.  Whereas the final examination may cover the broad field of the candidate’s training, it is presumed that the major portion of the time will be devoted to the dissertation and closely allied topics. Persons other than members of the graduate faculty may, with mutual consent of the candidate and the chair of the advisory committee, be invited to attend a final examination for an advanced degree. A positive vote by all members of the graduate committee with at most one dissension is required to pass a student on his or her exam. A department can have a stricter requirement provided there is consistency within all degree programs within a department. Upon completion of the questioning of the candidate, all visitors must excuse themselves from the proceedings.

The student’s department will promptly report the results of the Final Examination to the Graduate and Professional School via the Report of Doctoral Final Examination form. These forms should be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School within 10 working days of completion of the final examination. The Graduate and Professional School must be notified in writing of any cancellations.

A positive evaluation of the final exam by all members of a student’s advisory committee with at most one dissension is required to pass a student on his or her final exam. The Report of the Final Examination Form must be submitted with original signatures of only the committee members approved by the Graduate and Professional School. If necessary, multiple copies of the form may be submitted with different committee member original signatures. If an approved committee member substitution (1 only) has been made, his/her signature must be included on the form submitted to the Graduate and Professional School.

The ability to perform independent research must be demonstrated by the dissertation,  which must be the original work of the candidate . Whereas acceptance of the dissertation is based primarily on its scholarly merit, it must also exhibit creditable literary workmanship. The format of the dissertation must be acceptable to the Graduate and Professional School. Guidelines for the preparation of the dissertation are available in the  Thesis Manual , which is available online at  https://grad.tamu.edu .

After successful defense and approval by the student’s advisory committee and the head of the student’s major department (or chair of the intercollegiate faculty, if applicable), a student must submit his/her dissertation in electronic format as a single PDF file. The PDF file must be uploaded to the website,  https://grad.tamu.edu . Additionally, a signed paper approval form with original signatures must be received by the Graduate and Professional School. Both the PDF file and the signed approval form are required by the deadline.

Deadline dates for submitting are announced each semester or summer term in the Graduate and Professional School Calendar (see Time Limit statement). These dates also can be accessed via the website  https://grad.tamu.edu .

Each student who submits a document for review is assessed a one-time thesis/dissertation processing fee through Student Business Services. This processing fee is for the thesis/dissertation services provided. After commencement, dissertations are digitally stored and made available through the Texas A&M Libraries.

A dissertation that is deemed unacceptable by the Graduate and Professional School because of excessive corrections will be returned to the student’s department head or chair of the intercollegiate faculty . The manuscript must be resubmitted as a new document, and the entire review process must begin anew. All original submittal deadlines must be met during the resubmittal process in order to graduate.

Additional Requirements

Continuous registration, admission to candidacy.

• 99-Hour Cap on Doctoral Degree

Application for Degree

A student who enters the doctoral degree program with a baccalaureate degree must spend one academic year plus one semester in resident study at Texas A&M University. A student who holds master’s degree when he/she enters doctoral degree program must spend one academic year in resident study. One academic year may include two adjacent regular semesters or one regular semester and one adjacent 10-week summer semester. The third semester is not required to be adjacent to the one year. Enrollment for each semester must be a minimum of 9 credit hours each to satisfy the residence requirement. A minimum of 1 credit hour must be in a non-distance education delivery mode. Semesters in which the student is enrolled in all distance education coursework will not count toward fulfillment of the residence requirement.

To satisfy the residence requirement, the student must complete a minimum of 9 credit hours per semester or 10-week summer semester in resident study at Texas A&M University for the required period. A student who enters a doctoral degree program with a baccalaureate degree may fulfill residence requirements in excess of one academic year (18 credit hours) by registration during summer sessions or by completion of a less-than-full course load (in this context a full course load is considered 9 credit hours per semester).

Students who are employed full-time while completing their degree may fulfill total residence requirements by completion of less-than-full time course loads each semester. In order to be considered for this, the student is required to submit a Petition for Waivers and Exceptions along with verification of his/her employment to the Graduate and Professional School. An employee should submit verification of his/her employment at the time he/she submits the degree plan. See  Registration.

See  Residence Requirements .

All requirements for doctoral degrees must be completed within a period of ten consecutive calendar years for the degree to be granted. A course will be considered valid until 10 years after the end of the semester in which it is taken. Graduate credit for coursework more than ten calendar years old at the time of the final oral examination may not be used to satisfy degree requirements.

A final corrected version of the dissertation or record of study in electronic format as a single PDF file must be cleared by the Graduate and Professional School within one year of the semester in which the final exam is taken. Exams taken in between terms will expire at the end of the term that ended prior to the exam. For example, a final exam taken and passed during the fall 2022 semester will expire at the end of the fall 2023 semester. A final exam taken in the time between the summer and fall 2022 semesters will expire at the end of the summer 2023 semester. Failure to do so will result in the degree not being awarded.

A student in a program leading to a Doctor of Philosophy who has completed all coursework on his/her degree plan other than 691 (research) are required to be in continuous registration until all requirements for the degree have been completed. See  Continuous Registration Requirements .

• completed all formal coursework on the degree plan with the exception of any remaining 681, 684, 690 and 691, or 791.
• a 3.0 Graduate GPA and a Degree Plan GPA of at least 3.0 with no grade lower than C in any course on the degree plan,
• passed the preliminary examination (written and oral portions),
• submitted an approved dissertation proposal,
• met the residence requirements. The final examination will not be authorized for any doctoral student who has not been admitted to candidacy.

PhD students must demonstrate competency in a minimum of one language.   They can do so by

• completing the Old English/Beowulf sequence in  ENGL 610/LING 610 ;
• passing a translation examination; 
• earning an A in a graduate reading course; or
• earning a B or better in 12 hours of undergraduate language coursework completed no more than four years prior to entering the program.

99-Hour Cap on Doctoral Degrees

In Texas, public colleges and universities are funded by the state according to the number of students enrolled. In accordance with legislation passed by the Texas Legislature, the number of hours for which state universities may receive subvention funding at the doctoral rate for any individual is limited to 99 hours. Texas A&M and other universities will not receive subvention for hours in excess of the limit.

Institutions of higher education are allowed to charge the equivalent of non-resident tuition to a resident doctoral student who has enrolled in 100 or more semester credit hours of doctoral coursework.

Doctoral students at Texas A&M have seven years to complete their degree before being charged out-of-state tuition. A doctoral student who, after seven years of study, has accumulated 100 or more doctoral hours will be charged tuition at a rate equivalent to out-of-state tuition. Please note that the tuition increases will apply to Texas residents as well as students from other states and countries who are currently charged tuition at the resident rate. This includes those doctoral students who hold GAT, GANT, and GAR appointments or recipients of competitive fellowships who receive more than $1,000 per semester. Doctoral students who have not accumulated 100 hours after seven years of study are eligible to pay in-state tuition if otherwise eligible.

Doctoral students who exceed the credit limit will receive notification from the Graduate and Professional School during the semester in which they are enrolled and exceeding the limit in their current degree program. The notification will explain that the State of Texas does not provide funding for any additional hours in which a student is enrolled in excess of 99 hours. Texas A&M University will recover the lost funds by requiring students in excess of 99 hours to pay tuition at the non-funded, non-resident rate. This non-funded, non-resident tuition rate status will be updated for the following semester and in all subsequent semesters until receipt of a doctoral degree. Please see the  Tuition Calculator  at the non-resident rate for an example of potential charges.

The following majors are exempt from the 99-Hour Cap on Doctoral Degrees and have a limit of 130 doctoral hours:

• Biochemistry
• Biomedical Sciences
• Clinical Psychology
• Counseling Psychology
• Genetics and Genomics
• Health Services Research
• Medical Sciences
• Microbiology
• Neurosciences (School of Medicine)
• Oral and Craniofacial Biomedical Sciences
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Public Health Sciences
• School Psychology

For information on applying for your degree, please visit the  Graduation  section.

English Ph.D. Cost

How much does it cost to earn a Ph.D. in English at UND?

UND's School of Graduate Studies is one of the best values in the nation, offering lower tuition and fees than similar Midwest four-year doctoral universities. For an affordable tuition price, our students are learning from top experts and leading research.

The work you do at UND will be worth it — in more ways than one. Depending on your field, your paycheck could jump by $1,000/month with a master's degree or more than $2,490/month with a doctoral degree. Graduate degrees can also open new career opportunities and provide personal growth.

On-Campus Tuition Costs

Cost of Attendance Details

Calculate Your Cost to Attend UND

Several factors can adjust your cost to attend college. Use these two calculators to help determine costs.

The cost to attend UND varies. Input your program, start term, military affiliation and current residence to quickly estimate tuition and fees.

The best way to figure out what UND will cost is to calculate your cost with financial aid. The price you actually pay is usually far less once your custom financial aid package is considered.

Graduate Assistant Funding

Many departments offer graduate research or teaching assistantship employment positions. Contact the academic department for program-specific details.

Can I get help paying for college?

Every year, UND awards more than $105 million in financial aid to help students pay for college. There are several types of financial aid that can help bring down your college costs, including:

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Tuition and Fees

Estimated tuition (california residents, non-residents, international).

*Based on 2023-2024 tuition rates.

Student Fees (per Semester)

For estimates of room & board, books, etc., please download CGU’s Cost of Attendance 2022-2023 .

Funding Opportunities

• Merit-based fellowships are awarded to students based on the recommendation of each academic department.
• Offered based on enrollment in 12 units each semester. If enrollment changes, fellowships are adjusted.
• CGU is committed to honoring the awarded level of fellowship support throughout a student’s time in required coursework as long as Satisfactory Academic Progress is maintained.
• Fellowships provide support for new students who demonstrate both need and merit upon nomination from staff, faculty, and administrators.
• Fellowships provide support for high-ability applicants who demonstrate both need and merit upon completion of a competitive application process.
• Offered based on enrollment in 8 or more units. If enrolled less than full time, fellowships are adjusted.
• Renewable up to three years.

The School of Arts & Humanities awards merit-based fellowships funding up to the full cost of tuition for entering students. The Dean’s Award Fellowships are a select number of full-tuition fellowships given in the Fall annually to the most competitive applicants across the School of Arts & Humanities. In addition to the Dean’s Award, partial-tuition fellowships are also awarded to over 90% of our applicants. Each department also has a select number of Research Assistantship (RA) positions that allow students to collaborate with faculty and receive a departmental stipend each semester.

Military Fellowship

All schools at Claremont Graduate University participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

The Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program (Yellow Ribbon Program) is a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. The program allows institutions of higher learning (degree granting institutions) in the United States to voluntarily enter into an agreement with the VA to fund tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate. The institution can contribute up to 50% of those expenses and the VA will match the same amount as the institution.

You may be eligible if:

• You served an aggregate period of active duty after September 10, 2001, of at least 36 months
• You were honorably discharged from active duty for a service connected disability and you served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001
• You are a dependent eligible for Transfer of Entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill® based on a veteran’s service under the eligibility criteria listed above.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill® pays up to the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition and fees. You may have tuition and fees that exceed that amount if you are attending a private institution, graduate school or attending in an out-of-state status. If you are enrolled at a Yellow Ribbon participating institution and the tuition and fees exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition or fees, additional funds may be available for your education program without an additional charge to your entitlement.

Institutions that voluntarily enter into a Yellow Ribbon Agreement with the VA choose the amount of tuition and fees that will be contributed. The VA will match that amount and issue payment directly to the institution.

Contact Rosie Ruiz ( [email protected] ) for more information on how to apply.

“GI Bill®” is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill .

Federal Programs

To be eligible for federal programs, you must complete the FAFSA . CGU’s FAFSA code is G01169 .

Federal funds for students with high need that will provide part-time employment.

• Every domestic student is eligible for a federal loan.
• Low-interest loans with payments deferred until graduation.

Grant funding for students who plan to teach at a primary or secondary school defined as being in a low-income area/school and in a high-need field.

Post-Coursework Fees

Claremont Graduate University is mindful of the evolving financial concerns of students over the course of pursuing a graduate degree. Therefore, during stages like qualifying exams, thesis research and composition, and dissertation defense, we ask that students pay a flat, per-semester fee—rather than full tuition cost per unit—in order to maintain enrollment. Conversely, this fee is not incurred when students are enrolled in courses.

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How Much Does a PhD Cost?

Cece Gilmore is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cece earned her undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University. While at ASU, she was the education editor as well as a published staff reporter at Downtown Devil. Cece was also the co-host of her own radio show on Blaze Radio ASU.

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Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

Obtaining a PhD is a great way to open up your career options and fulfill personal goals. If you’re deciding whether to go back to your school for a doctorate degree, make sure to get a picture of what it will cost you beforehand so you can make an educated financial choice. In this article, we take a deep dive into how much a PhD costs, including non-tuition expenses and hidden costs. We also list the pros and cons of earning a PhD, as well as ways to fund your degree if it is the right choice for you. Let’s get started! 

What is a PhD? 

“PhD” is the abbreviated title for “Doctor of Philosophy.”  A PhD is an academic degree that qualifies the degree holder to teach at the university level or work in specialized positions in certain fields. PhDs generally focus on STEM research and teaching fields. 

Keep reading : Everything you need to know about a doctorate degree

How much does a PhD cost? 

It usually takes around eight years to earn a PhD at an average tuition cost of 81,000 . 

The true cost of a PhD is very dependent on the following factors: 

• Choice of school
• Field of study
• Type of PhD 
• Location of school
• Dollar amount of student loans

Also see: What is the average amount of graduate school debt?

Other costs associated with receiving a PhD

Living expenses .

In addition to the cost of tuition involved in earning a PhD, there are numerous outside factors that add to the total spent. These predominantly include living expenses such as housing, food, insurance, and transportation. The cost of these necessities will vary depending on the state, city of residence, and number of years it takes to earn a PhD. Therefore, it is important to consider all these factors when planning to earn a PhD. 

Hidden costs of a PhD

Besides just the monetary cost of a PhD, receiving this degree has some hidden costs that can affect whether a PhD is truly worth it. Let’s look at some of the most important hidden costs.

Receiving a PhD takes a long time! If you want to earn a PhD, it will take up to eight years to do so. 

Delayed opportunities

Because receiving a PhD takes time, this means there may be work and life opportunities and experiences you miss out on or have to delay.

Lost income

While focusing on earning a PhD, you will need to focus on your education rather than maintaining a steady flow of income from a job. You will most likely not be able to hold down a full-time job while completing your PhD schooling. 

The chance of not finishing

Unfortunately, it is quite common to start but not earn a PhD. There are a lot of factors that hinder students from receiving their PhD, including the following: 

• Realization they do not want a PhD
• Lack of ability to pay for a PhD
• Inability to maintain a school work balance

Ways to fund your PhD 

Luckily, prospective PhD candidates have numerous options to help them fund their education. Typically, PhD students turn to a variety of funding sources, including scholarships, grants, studentships, loans, and employer sponsorships. 

PhD Scholarships

There are a variety of scholarships out there intended for PhD students to help them on their academic journey. These funds can typically be used for tuition, books, and other educational expenses. Try checking out our very own Gutsy Graduate Scholarship to get started!

Grants are very similar to scholarships. They provide money for students for tuition and other academic expenses.

Studentships

A “studentship” is a name that is most often used for PhD scholarships. Studentships are an opportunity for PhD students to receive funding in order to ease financial pressures. Traditionally, studentships are awarded based on merit and achievement. 

Loans are a common way of funding PhD students. The US Department of Education offers Direct PLUS loans as well as Direct Unsubsidized Loans to graduate and professional students. 

Assistantships

Graduate assistantships are opportunities to earn money while taking on a position that allows you to make connections and obtain skills in your field. There are various types of assistantships such as teaching and research assistants. Depending on your institution and professor, your role may vary widely depending on what your professor is working on. So, it is important to do your research before accepting an assistantship to determine if it is the right role for you. An assistantship typically functions as a job where you serve a certain number of hours and will be paid for your labor. 

Fellowships

Fellowships can vary widely depending on the institution; however it is essentially funding granted to students to help lower the cost of education. A fellowship is typically a merit-based scholarship for advanced study of an academic subject and is granted to the top candidates in their class. Graduate fellowships typically will cover the cost of tuition as well as a stipend to be used to cover the cost of living which makes graduate studies affordable for academically-driven students. 

Further reading : Assistantships vs. fellowships: What’s the difference? 

Employer sponsorships

In some cases, you may be eligible to receive employer sponsored funding to earn a PhD. In order to do this, you will usually need to demonstrate to your employer that receiving a PhD will also benefit the company as a whole. 

Also see: Top graduate school scholarships

Is a PhD worth it? 

The answer depends on the individual student’s goals and financial situation. There are many pros and cons associated with receiving a PhD. We include a few of the most common reasons below. 

• Access to more prestigious and high-paying jobs
• Development of skills
• Networking opportunities 
• Can make significant contributions to your field of study 
• Financial costs/debt
• Isolating and lonely experience for some
• Stress associated with academic rigor
• Limited job openings after graduation 
• Loss of valuable job experience and opportunities
• Length of time to earn a PhD

Some questions to ask yourself before pursuing a PhD

• Why do I want a PhD? 
• Am I financially prepared to fund a PhD?
• What jobs will be available to me after receiving a PhD?
• Do I have the prerequisites and experience to move forward to a PhD program? 

Related: What is a research university?

Overall cost of PhD

In total, earning a PhD involves a considerable investment of time and money. It can also put you in touch with incredible peer support, mentors, and resources, and be incredibly rewarding and help you start down the path towards your dream career. Be sure you are confident in your decision before starting your PhD journey, and best of luck to you! 

Also see: Grad school financing options

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Do PhD Students Pay Tuition? Unpacking the Cost of a PhD

Choosing to pursue a PhD is a major milestone, but it comes with a host of concerns and questions. As a prospective doctoral student, you might wonder if you pay tuition for a PhD and how much that will cost.

In many cases, the answer is no, PhD students do not pay tuition. Instead, universities often provide their doctoral students with tuition waivers and funding packages to carry them through their years of study. 

However, it's important to bear in mind that this isn't always the case and the specifics can vary greatly. Navigating PhD funding can seem daunting at first, but understanding how tuition, stipends and other sources affect the out-of-pocket cost of a PhD can help you feel more confident in your decision.

How Much Does a PhD Cost?

Contrary to popular belief, the costs of a PhD program aren't set in stone. Factors like the institution, geographic location, field of study and funding support all play a role in how much you’ll actually pay for a doctoral program. Depending on your field, some PhD programs pay you . 

To give you a clearer picture, let's break down expenses and potential support.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees are typically the most substantial expense. How much you pay depends on the institution offering the program and the field of study you choose. According to the Education Data Initiative , the average cost of a PhD specifically is $106,860, while the average cost of a doctorate degree in general is higher at $150,835.

You can expect a lower cost at public institutions ($93,670 on average) compared to private universities ($129,395 on average). Considering the time to complete a doctorate degree ranges from approximately 4 to 8 years, the duration of your studies can influence the total price.

While figures like this seem substantial, it's important to remember that scholarships, grants, fellowships and assistantships significantly reduce the out-of-pocket expenses for most PhD students. For instance, the average grant aid for a doctoral degree is $16,502 annually, and 21.4% of PhD students surveyed by the Education Data Initiative offset their costs with teaching assistantships. 

As a result, actual paid expenses are often much lower than the listed tuition and fees.

Books and Materials

The cost of study materials, including textbooks and research supplies, varies depending on the specific requirements of your field of study.

For example, PhD students in Earth Sciences or Chemistry might need to invest in lab equipment and materials, while students in Humanities may require numerous books and subscriptions to academic journals.

However, it's essential to note that many programs provide funding resources that help offset or eliminate these costs. Universities often offer subsidies or funds for research materials, and there are numerous grants and scholarships specific to different fields of study. Libraries and interlibrary loan systems can also be a valuable resource for accessing required books and academic journals.

Healthcare and Living 

Cost of living and healthcare can vary greatly depending on your circumstances and location. Major cities, for example, tend to have higher living costs than smaller towns or rural areas. 

The higher expenses in cities often correlate with increased access to resources, research opportunities and a wide variety of entertainment and lifestyle choices. On the other hand, smaller towns or rural areas might offer lower cost of living and fewer distractions but may limit access to extensive resources or opportunities.

Luckily, many universities offer annual stipends as part of their financial aid packages for PhD students. These stipends are designed to help you manage your living and healthcare expenses, allowing you to concentrate on your studies and research. Some universities may also provide budget-friendly on-campus housing options to help mitigate overall costs. 

Navigating the Financial Landscape of a PhD

The path to earning a PhD isn't just an academic journey, but a financial one too. While it's true that in many cases, PhD students don't pay tuition, it's crucial to understand that it’s ultimately variable depending on where and what you choose to study. Financial aid packages and stipends can be a substantial help, providing relief to both domestic and international students.

At the Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies, we pride ourselves in providing an environment that fosters academic excellence, research innovation and professional development. With the generous support of the Moody Foundation, we have expanded our funding opportunities, enabling a diverse range of talented students to become part of our community.

Our suite of financial resources, including fellowships, assistantships, and travel grants, aim to facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations and reduce financial barriers. By helping our students focus on their academic and research pursuits, we build a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive environment that sets the stage for future leaders to thrive.

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Top 10 Most Affordable English PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2024

We rank the most affordable online PhD doctorate programs in English. It is possible to find a highly reputable program that is also affordable.

Key Takeaways

• Students in English doctoral programs become proficient in literary analysis, cultural understanding, and research techniques.
• Students may enroll in a PhD in English degree program to pursue literary education, teaching, or research-focused careers.
• To make online English PhD programs even more affordable, schools offer generous financial aid packages, grants, scholarships, and assistantships.

Featured Programs

What is an online phd in english.

The greatest degree a person with a master’s degree in English Language and Literature can receive is a doctorate of philosophy or simply a PhD in English. It’s a broad-based doctoral degree that gives students the tools they need to conduct in-depth research.

An English doctoral degree not only helps professionals get familiar with the subtleties of different writing styles but also gives them a thorough understanding of how literature and language affect how people react to the outside world.

An online PhD in English doctorate degree program provides a solid grounding in literary works and regional cultures. Because it emphasizes expertise in one of the world’s most commonly spoken language, a PhD is an impressive credential.

What To Expect from an Online Doctorate Degree in English

Admission requirements for online phd in english degree programs.

Prospective doctoral students will typically be required to submit the following in order to qualify for admission into an online doctoral program in English:

• A completed online application
• Official undergraduate college transcripts
• A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal interviews
• Personal statement or essay
• Plan of study

Key Point: In most cases, prospective doctoral students will be required to have earned a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English or a related field as well. Be sure you’ve completed all required undergraduate and graduate coursework before applying to your doctoral degree program.

Duration of an Online Doctoral Program in English

Online PhD in English degree programs can be pursued either full- or part-time. A part-time course takes 4-5 years to finish, whereas a full-time program typically lasts three years. Online English PhD programs include a thesis of between 60,000 and 100,000 words that must be submitted during the last year of study to be awarded the degree.

Doctoral Student Dissertations

In most cases, the central component of your online PhD program will be the completion of your dissertation. After being accepted as an online PhD candidate, most doctorate students will develop an original research question.

This research question forms the basis of the dissertation—an ongoing project designed to address this research question through applied research. A doctoral student will work closely with an advisor or mentor, although much of the dissertation will be rooted in independent research. This is especially true for students pursuing an online PhD.

Oral Defense

Upon completion of the written portion of the dissertation the student will be expected to defend their findings. This “oral defense” will typically be conducted by a commission of professors and experts in the field of English. PhD candidates in some online degree programs may be able to conduct this defense via teleconferencing.

Teaching Requirements

Some PhD online degree programs will also include a teaching component, which will require the student to work as an adjunct professor or teacher’s assistant in an undergraduate or graduate school. It may be possible for students in the online doctoral degree program to also serve teaching requirements by instructing online students.

Bottom Line: The main component of affordable online doctorate degrees in English is the dissertation. It will be a central part of your online doctoral degree program.

Areas of Study and Research in Online Doctor of English Programs

Literature and culture.

Students pursuing English PhD online degrees focusing on international literature or the confluence of literature and history will develop critical theory skills by analyzing works of topics such as feminism or post-colonialism. Additionally, they will use these approaches to analyze broad media and literary works.

Rhetoric and Communication

All doctoral candidates will learn to do critical research, effectively organize arguments and facts, and communicate both orally and in writing.

Common courses in rhetoric and communication include:

• The administration of writing programs
• The history and philosophy of rhetoric
• The impact of language and rhetoric on individuals, society, culture, and politics

Technology Resources

Students in these programs learn to study the importance of technology and media related to the scholarship. Online PhD programs in English use technology to teach and do research. Students get practical knowledge for roles in academia and business where they may apply the research and strategic skills they obtained while pursuing their doctorates in English.

Are there affordable online PhD in English degree programs?

Yes, finding an accredited and affordable quality online PhD in English degree program is possible.

Luckily there are many affordable online doctoral programs to choose from, especially in English.

A growing number of highly reputable universities have hybrid or fully online doctoral programs in English. These programs are perfect for busy graduate students trying to manage their time and balancing coursework, career, and family demands. This makes an affordable online PhD program especially attractive.

Take a look at our affordable degree guide for even more tips on making a doctorate degree as affordable as possible.

Here are some ways to ensure that an online doctoral programs in English are as affordable as possible.

In-state Tuition

The cost of online doctorate degree programs in English vary based on several factors. Most colleges and universities charge more for out-of-state students. However, there are some schools that offer flat-rate tuition, which means that in-state and out-of-state students pay the same per credit cost.

Other Expenses

Earning an online PhD in English degree as opposed to a traditional on-campus doctorate degree makes it possible to save money on expenses like housing, transportation, and certain campus fees.

Continue Working

Online learning also makes it possible to continue working in your field, which means you can complete your doctorate program while still earning a living. This can ultimately reduce your dependence on student loan debt.

Doctoral programs in English are a great option for busy professionals who want to continue their education while juggling work and family life.

Financial Aid, Scholarships, Grants, and Loans

If affordability is a particular concern, and it is making you reluctant to pursue a PhD in English online doctorate degree, you may be able to take advantage of financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and loans.

For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website. It is especially important that you only consider online programs that are accredited in order to qualify.

Assistantships

Many schools offering PhD in English online programs also have assistantship opportunities for their graduate students. Assistantships may give teaching opportunities in exchange for tuition waivers and a stipend. Each school is different, so check into the online program in English doctorate degree that you are interested in.

Bottom Line: Affordable online PhD in English programs are possible when you factor in things like in-state tuition, financial aid, grants, and assistantships.

The Most Affordable Online PhD in English Doctorates

Texas a&m university.

• #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Texas 2024
• #2 Best Colleges in Texas 2024
• #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
• #13 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
• #24 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
• #1 Top 5 Best Online English PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Texas 2024
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
• #3 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024
• #4 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #8 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2024
• #9 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice
• #11 Best RN to BSN Online
• #13 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #14 Best Online Master's in Management

Tuition + fees

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Career Outlook for English degree at Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Engineering
• Earth Sciences
• Computer Science
• Criminal Justice
• Mathematics

Most Influential Alumni

• C. Wright Mills
• Frank Malina
• Gilbert Shelton
• Henry Cisneros
• Richard Steadman
• Kenneth Womack
• Elaine Ingham
• Forrest Mims
• Adrian Smith
• H. W. Brands
• Lihong V. Wang

Texas A&M University is the first public institution in Texas. The university is now considered a research-intensive flagship university committed to graduating leaders of several sectors who are ready to face future challenges and change the world. TAMU is also a world leader in online education and affordable degree programs.

One of TAMU’s affordable degrees is the PhD in English , designed for academic professionals seeking expertise and a specialized post-secondary position teaching English and literacy.

The program costs $758 per credit hour . Students can further customize their English online doctorate by choosing one of the program’s concentrations: linguistics, composition and rhetoric, and American, British, and children’s literature.

• Required Credits: 60
• Completion time: 4-5 years
• Format: Online

What we love about Texas A&M University

The traditions. Everyone looking for a top-notch education and a connected network after graduation should consider attending this school because it strongly emphasizes traditions and school spirit.

Texas A&M University is great for students who:

Value knowledge, heritage, and community. TAMU is strong in creating campus events that develop students’ sense of community.

Texas A&M University might not be the best fit for students who:

Prefer to have less diversity in the classroom.

Old Dominion University

• #8 Best Colleges in Virginia 2024
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Virginia
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in the District Of Columbia
• #2 Best Online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education Degree Programs for 2024
• #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity
• #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Virginia
• #3 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2024
• #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Accounting Programs
• #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Degree Programs
• #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration
• #3 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #3 Best Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs for 2024
• #4 Best Online Master's Programs in Virginia 2024
• #4 Top 5 Best Online English PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Electrical and Computer Engineering Degree Programs for 2024
• #6 11 Fastest Accelerated Online Master’s of Computer Science
• #6 Best Online Bachelor’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs for 2024
• #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #6 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
• #7 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity
• #7 Best Online Master's in English
• #8 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
• #8 Best Online Bachelor’s of Health Science Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #9 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of English Programs
• #9 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs
• #10 15 Most Affordable Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs)
• #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting
• #10 Best Online Master's in Sports Management
• #11 Best Online Bachelor's in Public Health Degree Programs for Students
• #13 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
• #18 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students
• #19 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
• #23 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
• #24 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs
• #25 Best Online Master's in Special Education

Career Outlook for English degree at Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Political Science
• Justin Verlander
• Nancy Lieberman
• Serkan Golge
• Ticha Penicheiro
• Linda B. Hayden
• Richard C. McCarty
• Kent Bazemore
• Bonita V. Saunders
• Sarah McCoy
• Jack T. Kirby
• Philip C. Kendall

Old Dominion University is a forward-focused public doctoral research university that offers rigorous academics, a vibrant residential community, and projects that boost Virginia’s economy by $2.6 billion annually. Through ODUGlobal, Old Dominion University offers more than 120 online programs to help working professionals fit their studies into busy work and life schedules.

The online PhD in English at ODU is one of the most affordable online doctorates, with in-state and out-of-state tuition of $571 and $595 per credit hour. It combines textual studies, rhetoric, discourse, and writing designed for academic and non-academic professionals. This online program offers Literary and Cultural studies; Writing, Rhetoric, and Discourse Studies; and Technology and Media Studies as concentrations. Students can also design their emphasis based on their future goals.

• Required Credits: 48
• Completion time: 3 years

What we love about Old Dominion University

The diversity and medium-sized classes are two of ODU’s strongest features. Students here interact with professors and peers worldwide, much as in the real world.

Old Dominion University is great for students who:

Seek engagement with other cultural and ethnic groupings.

Old Dominion University might not be the best fit for students who:

Lack of self-confidence and is unable to work independently.

Murray State University

• #1 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Kentucky
• #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Kentucky 2024
• #3 Best Online Bachelor’s in Agribusiness and Agriculture Degree Programs
• #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Kentucky
• #5 Top 5 Best Online English PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #6 Best Online Master's Programs in Kentucky 2024
• #6 Best Online Colleges in Kentucky 2024
• #6 Best Online MBA in Healthcare Management Ranked for Students in 2024
• #7 Best Online Bachelor's in Network Administration Degree Programs for 2024
• #11 Best Online Master's in English
• #12 Top 20 Most Affordable Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Programs
• #12 Best Online Master's in Economics
• #13 Best Online Bachelor’s of Human Services Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #14 Best Online Associate in General Studies
• #18 Best Online Associate in Business Administration
• #18 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
• #23 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration

Career Outlook for English degree at Murray State University

Murray State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Jeff Easley
• David L. Armstrong
• Popeye Jones
• Chris Thile
• Terry Yates
• W. Earl Brown
• Kirk Rueter
• Bill Cunningham

Murray State University offers a top-notch education that includes experiential learning, academic and personal growth, and the chance to secure a lifetime of success. MSU has been dedicated to fostering leaders in the community, the nation, and the world since 1922. Murray State University has expanded its online offerings to keep up with the current demand for flexible learning.

Murray State University’s online Doctor of Arts in English Pedagogy caters to secondary and post-secondary teachers looking to specialize in English.

The program offers affordable online tuition of $559.50 per credit hour. The program is linked to the aspects of work that teachers and other professionals do, and it encourages students to use their professional environments as sites of reflection and imaginative inquiry.

Students can specialize in writing, language, literacy, or literature.

• Completion time: 4 years

What we love about Murray State University

The rigorous academics, faculty support, the combination of large-university educational opportunities and the small student-to-faculty ratio of small universities.

Murray State University is great for students who:

Are academically driven, goal-oriented, and accepting of variety and different civilizations.

Murray State University might not be the best fit for students who:

Are unwilling to study or participate on campus and dislike the small-town atmosphere of the college.

Anaheim University

Anaheim University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Communications

Anaheim University is a leader in higher learning. The university offers students the chance to interact with the most famous specialists in their fields in a user-friendly and interactive environment through its cutting-edge online, face-to-face learning environment. This allows students to develop both their knowledge and professional abilities. One of the school’s strengths is its English majors.

Anaheim offers one of the most affordable online doctoral programs for students interested in gaining the technical and professional knowledge and the research skills necessary to hold leadership positions in the TESOL industry.

The online Doctor of Education in TESOL prepares online students to work as directors of programs where English is taught as a second or foreign language and contributes to programs that prepare English language teachers. Students will also learn how to research language teaching and testing and create language curricula and teaching resources, among other careers.

With an affordable tuition fee of $500 per credit hour, this online doctoral degree is vastly considered by working professionals.

• Required Credits: 76

What we love about Anaheim University

The school’s commitment to its students. Anaheim gives students worldwide a chance to further their careers while receiving a top-notch education without taking any loans or incurring any debt.

Anaheim University is great for students who:

Thrive in a tight-knit community.

Anaheim University might not be the best fit for students who:

Prefer to learn in a diverse environment and want to have vast options of degree majors.

Indiana University Bloomington

• #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2024
• #2 Best Colleges in Indiana 2024
• #2 Best Research Universities in Indiana 2024
• #2 Best Grad Schools in Indiana 2024
• #1 15 Most Affordable Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs)
• #1 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of English Programs
• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Indiana
• #2 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs)
• #2 Best Online Degree Completion Programs for Returning Students
• #3 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2024
• #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Indiana 2024
• #6 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2024
• #6 Top 8 Best Online Public Health PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #13 Best Schools in the World for Earning an MBA Degree Ranked for 2024
• #18 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
• #18 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for English degree at Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University Bloomington’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Anthropology
• Social Work
• James Watson
• René Girard
• David Chalmers
• David Starr Jordan
• Alice Dreger
• Stephen F. Cohen
• Robert M. French
• Isiah Thomas
• Marcia Baron
• Will Shortz

Indiana University Bloomington is one of the university’s eight campuses spread around the state. IU Bloomington makes top-tier contributions to science and the arts, distinguished by their originality, innovation, and commitment to academic freedom. Concerning economic, social, and cultural development and providing leadership in innovative answers to problems unique to the twenty-first century, IU aims to forge vibrant connections with the nation’s capital and local communities.

The affordable online EdD in Literacy, Culture and Language Education at IU Bloomington offers a high caliber of education that advances the knowledge of literacy and language education of students.

This program provides comprehensive coursework that equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to comprehend and manage the problems and challenges of the twenty-first century. Students enrolled will study in a cohort model that encourages collaboration.

In-state and out-of-state per credit hour are an affordable $519.93 and $615.45, respectively.

What we love about Indiana University Bloomington

The school’s engaging and colorful traditions and spirit create a sense of belonging for all students.

Indiana University Bloomington is great for students who:

Don’t mind being around people of many backgrounds who want to further their education in a sizable but welcoming community.

Indiana University Bloomington might not be the best fit for students who:

Have trouble making new acquaintances and feel awkward participating in extracurricular activities.

Northcentral University

• #19 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2024
• #16 20 Fastest Accelerated Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Northcentral University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Northcentral University is one of the cheapest Christian-based universities in the nation and a pioneer in online education. Northcentral provides more than 60 majors and minors, allowing students to explore their interests and work toward their objectives while getting ready to serve God in many capacities.

Northcentral University’s EdD in English Language Learning online is a specialization that works beyond the master’s degree of students, focuses on English language acquisition, and features an optional track for completing a dissertation.

Students can enroll in specialty courses like Second Language, Curriculum Development for ESL Students, and Evaluation of Diverse Students. Those who want further hands-on learning can participate in optional practicum assignments.

The degree is not a guarantee of ELL/ESL certification. Students must research their particular state requirements.

• Completion time: 33 months

What we love about Northcentral University

Northcentral University offers some of the best mentors and advisors that help students carefully select their majors, maximize their college experience, and find internship opportunities.

Northcentral University is great for students who:

Have a close relationship with God and are looking for a place where they can develop spiritually and academically.

Northcentral University might not be the best fit for students who:

Do not practice religion. All students must minor in the Bible because this school is an assembly of God institution.

University of Central Florida

• #3 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2024
• #4 Best Grad Schools in Florida 2024
• #4 Best Colleges in Florida 2024
• #4 Best Research Universities in Florida 2024
• #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
• #12 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
• #1 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs
• #3 11 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Speech Pathology
• #3 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #3 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2024
• #4 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
• #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Religious Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #4 Best Online Master's Programs in Florida 2024
• #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs for 2024
• #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
• #5 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of English Programs
• #5 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs
• #5 Best Online Master's in English
• #6 Top 20 Easiest Online Degrees from Accredited Schools in 2024
• #6 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics
• #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Anthropology
• #6 Best Online Master's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs
• #6 Best Online Master's in Nursing MSN
• #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #7 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #7 Best Online Master's in Art Education and Art Administration
• #8 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #9 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
• #9 Best Online Master's in Public Administration Degree Programs
• #10 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice
• #11 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students
• #11 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice PhDs (Doctorates)
• #16 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024
• #16 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #17 Best Online Bachelor’s of Communications Degree Programs for 2024
• #18 Best Online Master’s in Education
• #20 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
• #21 Best Online Master’s in Communications
• #23 Best Online Master’s in Engineering

Career Outlook for English degree at University of Central Florida

University of Central Florida’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Lisa Anthony
• Glenn Hubbard
• Mihaela Cardei
• Mark O'Mara
• Richard L. Daft
• Colleen M. Fitzpatrick
• Sajal K. Das
• Kenneth Stanley
• Asante Samuel
• Matt Prater
• Isabel Escobar
• Tabetha S. Boyajian

The University of Central Florida is a public urban research university with multiple campuses committed to serving the diverse and growing people of its surrounding towns and its technological corridors and international partners. The university provides excellent undergraduate and graduate education, student development, continuing education, research, creative activities, and services that support the metropolitan area’s intellectual, cultural, environmental, and economic development. It also includes addressing important national and international issues and establishing UCF as a significant global presence.

UCF’s online Curriculum and Instruction, EdD , offers an English Language Arts specialization designed for students who want to study literacy, literature, and diversity. This specialization comprises reading, writing, listening, speaking, seeing, and producing texts. These texts cover a range of narrative, informative, and literary genres and visual content that can be accessed digitally and on paper.

In-state students pay an astoundingly affordable $327.32 per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay $1,151.72 per credit hour.

• Required Credits: 54-57

What we love about the University of Central Florida

The endless opportunities are UCF’s strongest point. Every major at UCF is extremely challenging but also incredibly rewarding. This school offers countless internship possibilities that can be obtained at any stage of education.

The University of Central Florida is great for students who:

Are ambitious and can learn independently.

The University of Central Florida might not be the best fit for students who:

Prefer to have individualized attention from their advisors.

Kennesaw State University

• #13 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity
• #14 Best Online MBA Programs in Georgia
• #19 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs
• #23 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2024

Kennesaw State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Ali Shilatifard
• Larry Nelson
• Dar'shun Kendrick
• Daniel Haugh

Kennesaw State University is the third-largest university in Georgia. It is dedicated to developing into a top-tier academic institution that can broaden its educational and research missions and increase its local, regional, and national scope.

Kennesaw State was designated a comprehensive university by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. Today, Kennesaw State has fully adapted online degree programs to give non-traditional students further access to affordable and accessible higher learning education.

The online EdD in Secondary Education English at Kennesaw State University caters to Master of Education graduates or a related field. This online English doctorate equips students with the necessary knowledge, abilities, and attitudes to function as learner-centered experts engaged in scholarly investigation and research. Students pay an affordable per credit hour of $383 .

• Required Credits: 66

What we love about Kennesaw State University

The world-class faculty and academic support from the school’s in-the-know advisors.

Kennesaw State University is great for students who:

Want to have the experience of a small school.

Kennesaw State University might not be the best fit for students who:

Dislike interacting with others from diverse origins and points of view.

Columbia University

• #6 Best Universities in the World 2024
• #7 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges
• #8 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024
• #8 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
• #8 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
• #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities in New York 2024
• #1 Best Colleges in New York 2024
• #1 Best Grad Schools in New York 2024
• #1 Best Private Colleges in New York 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
• #2 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #2 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
• #2 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
• #2 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
• #2 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
• #3 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #4 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
• #4 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
• #4 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
• #5 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
• #5 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
• #5 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
• #6 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #6 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
• #7 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
• #7 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #7 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #1 11 Fastest Accelerated Online Master’s of Computer Science
• #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
• #1 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2024
• #1 Online Colleges That Start Anytime and the Benefits of a Self-Paced Education
• #5 Guide to Free Online Courses for MBA Students in 2024
• #1 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
• #4 Best Schools in the World for Earning an MBA Degree Ranked for 2024
• #4 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #13 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Columbia University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Milton Friedman
• Herbert Marcuse
• Murray Rothbard
• Stephen Jay Gould
• Carl Rogers
• Kenneth Arrow
• B. R. Ambedkar
• Isaac Asimov
• Robert Nozick
• Margaret Mead
• Thomas Sowell
• Jerry Fodor

Columbia University , an Ivy League institution, is one of the most renowned colleges and universities worldwide. The school uses its setting to offer students various resources and educational opportunities. The Columbia core curriculum, which includes literature, writing, art, and science courses, benefits students aiming for a comprehensive liberal arts education. Each year, Columbia invests around $1 billion in research.

Columbia’s Teachers College offers an affordable, Ivy League EdD in English program. While the $1,913 per credit hour may seem heavy on some students, this is one of the cheapest degrees from a private Ivy League institution.

This online EdD in English degree program emphasizes educational practice and allows students to choose courses that support their academic and career objectives. This English language learning degree also includes a dissertation tackling a more practical research topic.

• Required Credits: 90
• Completion time: 5 years

What we love about Columbia University

The ground-breaking research and strong undergraduate programs. The school is also known for providing a core curriculum that exposes students to a wide range of subjects to broaden their academic horizons.

Columbia University is great for students who:

Are self-sufficient, independent, and academically driven but also eager to experience city life and participate in various social activities.

Columbia University might not be the best fit for students who:

Want to have a party atmosphere because Columbia University is not a party school.

St. John's University

• #11 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees

St. John's University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• John Esposito
• Edmund Pellegrino
• Charles J. Hynes
• Leszek Balcerowicz
• P. Kevin Castel
• George Deukmejian
• Martin Ritt
• Mario Cuomo
• Frank Macchiarola
• Mark Jackson

St. John’s University is one of the oldest and top Catholic universities in the United States. The university is renowned for its exceptional academic offerings, which include over 100 majors leading to certification, bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees. St. John’s is also a top choice for Catholic students earning their degrees online at a more affordable tuition rate.

St. John’s University offers an affordable $1,265 per credit hour online PhD in Literacy: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) . The International TESOL Association has designated the courses of this specialization to satisfy the highest professional TESOL requirements.

The program allows students to learn from a comprehensive English language curriculum that offers authentic, collaborative learning opportunities and undertakes in-depth linguistic and cultural disparities analyses. Graduates can work in non-teaching fields, such as curriculum and materials creation, program management, and teacher training.

• Required Credits: 42
• Completion time: 3-4 years

What we love about St. John’s University

The school’s endless activities. There is never “nothing to do” at St. John’s because there are over 180 student clubs and organizations on campus. St John’s hosts an Activities Fair every year to teach students about the many opportunities for involvement in academics, sports, the arts, social life, and the community.

St. John’s University is great for students who:

Enjoy a small campus and like intimate classroom settings.

St. John’s University might not be the best fit for students who:

Are shy and afraid to voice out. St. John’s is always looking for students who want to speak up and make a difference.

Career Outlook for Students with English Degree

English language and literature, degree level: doctorate.

• Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
• Avg. Starting Salary*: $54,937
• Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $61,994
• * denotes ‘annually’

Career Salaries

Average career salaries, promising job markets, top industries.

Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

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You are here Postgraduate > Ph.D. and Research degrees

Ph.D. and M.Litt.

Apply Please do not apply for PhD or M.Litt. study until you have followed the instructions detailed below under the heading, 'Admissions Information'. 

The School of English welcomes applications for two research degrees: the M.Litt. and the Ph.D. Both involve a student working closely with one or more supervisors to undertake an original independent research project, resulting in a dissertation thesis. The M.Litt. normally takes two years and the dissertation is up to 60,000 words. The Ph.D. takes up to four years and the dissertation is up 100,000 words. As well as the more conventional research dissertation, we offer the Doctor in Philosophy, Literary Practice, which comprises of an original piece of creative writing and a critical essay. We also have a Distance Ph.D. programme, to enable students to pursue a research degree remotely.

The diversity of our Faculty’s research interests means we are well-placed to supervise research in a very wide variety of areas of anglophone literary studies. The print and archival holdings of Trinity’s remarkable library underpins many of our research students’ projects. While here you will receive access to training that will develop your skills and knowledge as a researcher.  You will also join a supportive and dynamic community of students, scholars, and writers in a world-leading English department right at the heart of one of the world’s great literary cities. Current Research Students

As I approach the end of my Ph.D., I’m so grateful for the encouragement and support that I’ve found within the School of English, and for the opportunities it has given me.

The time I spent doing my Ph.D. in the School of English was the most fulfilling and intellectually stimulating experience for which I could ever have hoped. Having the time and space to work on my research while being supported by an excellent mentor was an immense privilege, but it also prepared me for life beyond the Ph.D.

Structured Ph.D.

The School of English provides doctoral training through a structured programme of research and study. Alongside pursing their original research project, Ph.D. students participate in other modules, seminars and workshops. These broaden the knowledge and skills of students in ways that are complementary to their research. They also support their wider professional development, including in aiding their entry into the academic and non-academic job markets. During the programme, Ph.D. students undergo various review processes, offering important evaluation and feedback on their progress.

Doctor in Philosophy, Literary Practice

How Do I Apply/Make an Initial Inquiry? 

The Doctor in Philosophy, Literary Practice is aimed at those interested in undertaking a combination of creative and critical writing at doctoral level. The main body of the thesis dissertation is an extended piece of creative writing, normally between 60,000 and 80,000 words in length. This may take the form of a novel, a collection of short stories or poetry, or a work of non-fiction, such as a memoir or piece of travel writing, or another form of output as agreed with the project’s supervisors. This is accompanied by a critical essay that intersects with the creative project. This might take the form of a scholarly investigation or commentary of some kind, or offer a reflection on the student’s own aesthetic practice. Again, its exact nature and scope will be decided by the student in consultation with their supervisors. The Doctor in Philosophy, Literary Practice is normally supervised by two members of the School of English, one a specialist in creative writing and the other a researcher with expertise in an area connected to the critical portion of the project.

Applying for the Doctor in Philosophy, Literary Practice  

The Doctor in Philosophy, Literary Practice generates a high volume of queries. To deal with these queries more effectively, we have initiated a separate initial inquiry protocol for this strand. 

IMPORTANT: You must not apply online for a Doctor in Philosophy, Literary Practice unless you have been pre-approved to do so by the School – all unauthorised applications will be rejected. 

If you are interested in applying for the programme:

• Please download the Doctor in Philosophy, Literary Practice inquiry template found here fill it in, and send it to the Director of Postgraduate Teaching and Learning, Prof. Aileen Douglas ([email protected]) no later than  November 1st, 2023  if you wish to be considered for March 2024 entry and no later than  December 1st, 2023 if you wish to be considered for September 2024 entry.  Use the subject line 'Doctor in Philosophy, Literary Practice Inquiry'. Further correspondence with the DPTL re: your prospective application will generally not be entered into at this time.
• Prof. Douglas will forward these details on to colleagues who work in Creative Writing after the December deadline.  At that stage, if a member of staff is interested in following up with you re: your proposed project, they will generally be in touch within 1-2 weeks. If a colleague is willing to consider taking you on as a PhD student, after discussion with the DPTL, you will be given the go-ahead to formally apply to the Doctor in Philosophy, Literary Practice. The instructions further down this page under the heading ‘Developing Your PhD Proposal’ also apply to LP applicants: however, please note that applicants for the Doctor in Philosophy, Literary Practice need to submit  two  writing samples: one piece of creative work (5000 words) and one critical essay (3000 words). 
• Please remember that being given permission to apply is not a guarantee of ultimate acceptance. We have limited supervision capacity in this subject area and unfortunately, we often turn down qualified applicants for this and for other reasons. We therefore advise you to consider applying to other institutions in addition to making inquiries at TCD. 
• If you have been given the go-ahead to apply for the Doctor in Philosophy, Literary Practice, you should upload all materials related to your application by the date listed on this website in due course. Full details on the materials which we need for a PhD application are listed on this page under 'Admissions Information'. Please follow these instructions in full. All materials, references and supplementary information must be provided before your application can be formally assessed. We reserve the right to reject incomplete applications after this date. You should use the ‘Doctor in Philosophy, English’ application link.
• Applications will then be considered by your prospective 'Doctor in Philosophy, Literary Practice' supervisors and by the School's admissions committee, who will read all applications in this area and the make the final recommendation as to whether a place can be offered to an applicant. This decision will generally be passed on to the applicant by the DPTL before the end of April.  

Non-Resident/Distance Ph.D. Programme

The Non-Resident PhD programme allows students who wish to undertake a structured Ph.D. within the School of English remotely from anywhere in the world. As part of this programme you will be a fully registered student of the School of English, Trinity College Dublin with access to our libraries and services whether you are on- or off-campus. A programme of online seminars and discussion groups will be made available to enable connection with fellow Trinity researchers within and across disciplines. The programme is four years full-time and six years part-time. The School is committed to providing the same quality of supervision for distance students as for those present on campus in person and will strive to ensure they feel part of the academic community. Students undertaking the Distance PhD will need to conform to the same regulations, expectations and procedures as our general PhD students. Distance PhD applicants will also need to confirm that they have access to a suitable workspace and to the equipment (i.e. laptop or PC) and internet access which is needed to successfully engage in this mode of study. They are also be expected to keep in regular touch with their supervisor via email and online-videoconferencing platforms such as Zoom, Skype and Microsoft Teams. They will also be expected to meet once a term with their thesis committee via one of these platforms. Students will also be expected to engage with webinars and online conferences within the School and in the College more widely. Please note that that students are normally expected to be on-campus in Dublin for their Confirmation hearing approximately half-way through their studies and for their Viva Voce examination at the end of their studies. Distance PhD students in the School (as within the College in general) will follow a structured PhD model which requires them to attain 20 ECTS of taught credits in their first 18th months of study.

Click here for further information about Trinty's Non-Resident/Distance Ph.D. Programme Applying for Non-Resident Study Prospective applicants can only proceed to a formal application for the Non-Resident Programme if they have been vetted and approved of by the Director of Postgraduate Teaching and Learning (Dr Carroll) and by a prospective supervisor beforehand. There is a form which both the applicant and the prospective supervisor need to fill in and sign, and an application link which needs to be sent on by the DPTL. The Non-Resident PhD programme cannot be applied for on the usual College online applications site. By undertaking a Non-resident Ph.D., students are ineligible for university funding schemes and may be ineligible for funding from other bodies. Students will be responsible for arrangements and bear all personal costs associated with their programme of study, including travel and technology-related costs.

Admissions Information

How Do I Make an Initial M.Litt. or PhD Inquiry? The School receives many postgraduate research admissions and supervision inquiries every year. To make the processing of initial expressions of interest more efficient for prospective applicants and for staff, we now require prospective PhD or M.Litt. applicants to fill in this  inquiry template  before their supervision/admissions query can be considered. Once you have completed this template you may forward it to the staff member who you feel would be a suitable PhD supervisor, or send it to the Director of Postgraduate Teaching and Learning (Dr Jane Carroll, [email protected] ) for circulation if no suitable supervisor seems immediately apparent.  The list of staff research interests and supervision interests can be found here:  staff research interests  . You should consult it before filling in the inquiry template .  Do not contact MORE THAN ONE staff member with your initial query. It causes confusion and delays when a prospective applicant emails several staff members with the same query at once. 

Developing Your PhD Proposal/Application Materials:

It is  strongly advised  that you develop your proposal in consultation with a relevant staff member, rather than applying online without contacting the School beforehand. If a staff member is interested in your initial project outline (as contained within the template) and has supervision capacity, they may ask you for further information and they may subsequently agree to work as you develop your proposal. Please note that an initial expression of interest from an academic member of staff is not in itself a guarantee of acceptance. All PhD applications are assessed by the prospective supervisor and by the School’s PhD admissions committee.  Your Ph.D. proposal should be around 2,000-3,000 words. This normally includes: an overview indicating the contribution to scholarship the proposed project will make in relation to the existing critical literature; a chapter-by-chapter outline of the proposed dissertation; a statement on methodology; and a short preliminary bibliography (listing 30-50 items of primary and secondary literature).  In addition to the research proposal, as part of your application you will need to submit: transcripts; degree certificates; a CV; proof of English competency, if English is not your native language; two academic references; and a writing sample (approximately 5,000 words).  Applications will not be considered until all documents are submitted, including both references. It is the responsibility of the applicant to make sure that all the necessary documents are uploaded as soon as possible after an initial application is opened online, and to check with referees to make sure that they have uploaded their references.   Acceptance depends on several criteria: your undergraduate degree (normally at least an upper-second class standard or GPA of 3.3 is required), the viability and originality of your research proposal, and the strength of your supporting academic references .  Applicants should also note that that the demand for research places in the School of English at Trinity College Dublin is high, and that sometimes excellent candidates are turned down because of the unavailability of staff to supervise in that area.

Doctor in Philosophy, Literary Practice Application Materials: Applicants for the Doctor in Philosophy, Literary Practice need to submit two writing samples: one piece of creative work (5000 words) and one critical essay (3000 words). 

IMPORTANT: A full revision of College internal PhD award schemes is currently being undertaken to ensure an equitable level of stipend for students in receipt of internal awards. Further information will be posted here in the Autumn.

Prospective applicants should very carefully consider how they intend to fund their studies in light of the scarcity of funding and the high costs of living and renting here in Dublin.  Various external bodies do offer funding.  The Irish Research Council  runs an annual scheme for doctoral candidates, advertised early in the autumn of each year. These awards are the most substantial funding available to our Ph.D. candidates. Prospective students may also be eligible for a grant via  Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) . Further advice and information on funding is also available on from the  Higher Education Authority .

Postgraduate Student Handbook 2023-24

Trinity College Postgraduate Research Student Handbook

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• How Much Does a PhD Cost in the UK?
• Funding a PhD

Choosing to dedicate the next few years of your life towards a PhD is no light decision. Not only will it require you to dedicate an extensive amount of your personal time, but you’ll also need to consider how you’ll fund it. This raises the question, how much does a PhD cost in the UK?

The cost of a PhD can be divided into three key areas; tuition fees, living expenses and research expenditures. The combined cost of these are approximately  £20,000 per year  for UK students and can increase to over  £40,000 per year  for international students. A more in-depth breakdown of these costs can be found below. We’ve also compared these costs to other countries and outlined the various methods available to you to fund your PhD studies.

Tuition Fees

For UK ‘home’ students, the tuition fee for a PhD varies between £3,000 to £6,000 per academic year. For 2023/24 programmes, most universities opt for £4,712 per year within this range. Although this number may seem a little odd, it’s commonly adopted due to being the indicative rate set by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) for UK universities.

International Fees

Unlike for UK applicants, the rates for international students don’t align with the indicative level set by UKRI. Following the implementation of Brexit, EU students now follow the same fee rates as other international students. International students will find that their tuition fees are higher than those of home students. For example, at the time of writing, the average annual PhD tuition charge at the University of Dundee is £4,825 for home students undertaking an Engineering PhD. This same average is £25,305 for international students.

International applicants will also find that the fee for PhDs in STEM subjects are greater than those in non-STEM subjects. For example, at the University of Bristol, a doctorate degree in Mechanical Engineering costs £25,300 per year whilst a doctorate in Medieval Studies costs £20,100 per year.

To summarise, international students can expect a tuition fee of between £16,000 to £25,000 per year, with an average of around £19,600 per academic year. Non-STEM subjects will generally be at the lower end of the range, whilst STEM subjects will be at the higher end of the range.

Part-time Fees

The above fees are based on full-time postgraduate study. If you’re doing a part-time PhD, you can expect the fee to be half of these amounts. Although this may appear to be a cheaper option, keep in mind that the average duration of part-time PhDs are twice that of full-time PhDs. Therefore, the total tuition cost will amount to the same value and the end of both courses.

Other Degree-related Costs

Research support fees.

If your research project requires a high use of consumables, equipment or other resources, you may have to support the cost of these through an additional annual fee. This additional annual fee, often referred to as either a ‘research support’ or ‘bench’ fee, often apply to laboratory-based STEM research projects. Bench fees vary between different projects, even those within the same field. Therefore, it is best to speak to the admissions team on a project-by-project basis to receive anything useful.

Another cost you will need to account for is travelling. As part of your degree, many supervisors will expect you to attend conferences, training workshops, or other collaboration opportunities. As a result, you will often need to travel to various destinations which aren’t always limited to the UK. Although some programmes will cover these costs, it’s not unheard of that some positions will expect you to fund this yourself. It’s impossible to put a value on this, as the extent of travel depends on each project. Therefore, it would be wise to speak with the admissions team and current PhD students. They can provide you with an accurate estimate and let you know whether the university will cover the expenses.

Overtime Period Fee

When you’re enrolled into a PhD programme, you will be given a period to complete your PhD within. This period is known as your ‘registration period’ and is usually 3-4 years for a full-time PhD and 6-7 years for a part-time PhD. If you’re given an extension due to not completing your PhD study within this time, you will need to pay an overtime registration fee. Although the amount depends on each university, the University of Leeds sets theirs as £290 for 2023/24.

Living Costs

From a 2022 survey of over 2,300 university students , the average living cost, covering expenditures such as rent, bills, food and recreation, was £924 per month. This equates to £11,088 per year.

Although this is an average cost, your true cost of living will depend on your location. Living in major cities such as London will draw significantly higher rent and travel costs than living in more rural locations. Although your living situation will in large be driven by the university you undertake your PhD with, you should factor it in when deciding which universities to apply to.

To put this into perspective, the survey average of £11,088 per year uses a rent average of £418 per month. In London, this average increases to £650 a month and can surpass £1,000 if staying in university halls or private student accommodation. This is supported by University College London (UCL) who state you should expect an average rent of £1,028 per month if living in private accommodation around their university.

Tip  – You can use this handy calculator for an estimated average cost of living for any UK university. All you need to do is select the university, and the calculator does all the rest.

If you’re an international student, you should factor in return flights back home. Although this may seem like a small expenditure compared to tuition fees and rent, they can add up quickly depending on the frequency and distance of your trip.

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How to Fund Your PhD

Studentships.

A studentship is a form of scholarship for doctoral students. They can either be partially funded, which cover tuition fees only, or fully funded, which also covers living costs through a ‘stipend’.

Studentships can be found in various places. Research Councils (RCUK) and European Social Fund (ESF) make funding available to university departments, who in turn make the funding available to doctoral students. Therefore, you will find that there are many postgraduate funding opportunities available to you, with the best places to look being the RCUK and ESF websites and the university departments themselves. External institutions which focus on research and development such as research trusts and charities would also be a useful place to look for a funded PhD.

Doctoral Loans

If you’re a UK student, you may qualify for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan from Student Finance England. This form of financial aid is available for nearly all postgraduate research degrees undertaken in a higher education setting. They will allow you to borrow up to a total of £28,673 for 2023/24 courses .

Graduate Teaching Assistantships

Graduate Teaching Assistantships are a form of studentships which allow you to teach undergraduates as part of your research degree. This not only helps improve your academic skills, but it also enables you to receive a salary whilst you’re studying. As well as teaching assistantships, some departments also provide opportunities for demonstrations, marking papers, and tutorial support. The amount you can earn through these schemes will depend on how many hours you work and what agreements you make with your supervisor or course leader.

Working Whilst You Study – Part-time PhDs

A research student may opt for a part-time PhD as opposed to a full-time one. Although this would double the duration of their studies, it allows them to take on a part-time job to improve their financial situation. For students going down this route, it would be highly beneficial to pick up a part-time role in a position related to your industry. This will help refine your skills and increase your employability within this career role should you choose to pursue it after your degree.

If you’re an international student, keep in mind that you’ll likely be on a study visa. Therefore, there’ll be certain restrictions on what you can and can’t do alongside your study.

How Does This Compare to the Fees in Other Countries?

When considering the tuition fee of PhDs across different countries, the United Kingdom is generally considered as being in the ‘middle-ground‘ region.

A handful of countries offer PhD programmes for free. These include, but are not limited to, Denmark, Greece, Iceland, Norway and Poland.

The middle-ground region comprises countries such as Austria, Spain, Russia and New Zealand where postgraduate fees range from £1,400 to £4,000 per academic year.

The upper-end region comprises countries such as Hong Kong and the United States, where postgraduate tuition fees for a PhD student can go up to £33,000 per year.

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