English Doctorates

Doctoral-level English students are already well versed in English and American literature and culture. They choose doctoral-level study of English in order to concentrate in the study of a particular period or genre, such as medieval, early modern, Victorian, American, or 20^th-century literature. Other doctoral students focus on critical theory, or embark on interdisciplinary studies that combine coursework under the aegis of two or more departments. Doctoral-level students of English who become professors (and most do) find an interdisciplinary education could be especially helpful when they are required to teach a broad range of courses, instead of focusing on one specialized area.

The doctoral-level study of English requires that you speak at least one foreign language, and can read at an advanced level in that language. Every graduate school wants to know you are a serious, committed student with the ability to learn. They also want evidence that you can develop, complete, and defend a significant scholarly project: your dissertation.

Studies are progressive: During the first two years, online doctoral-level students generally take courses in how to approach the advanced study of literature, along with required literature courses and a number of English electives, including independent reading and research, to deepen their background in literary studies. These studies help the doctoral-level student of English to hone in on a dissertation topic.

Part of a student's professional development is learning how to teach others. Many doctoral-level students gain experience as teaching assistants during their second and third year of study. As the third year begins, a student submits a thesis topic for approval, and once it is approved, begins work on the thesis. Once the thesis is completed and approved, the student is awarded their Ph.D. in English.

A graduate with a Ph.D. degree in English could contribute to society in any number of ways. Many graduates of Ph.D. English programs enter academia and become tenured professors. Others are employed in academic administration, become writers and editors, attain executive positions in business and finance, or are involved in corporate research and development, communications, or the legal field.