English Ph.D.

English is an evolving field of study with long-standing traditions. Our program aims to cultivate deep and broad knowledge of the field's core methods, archives, and questions, and to equip students with an ability to lead the field's future re-imaginings. Program goals include mastering skills for constructing innovative and informed literary interpretations and effectively communicating these interpretations to diverse audiences within the academy—researchers and undergraduate students within specific English subfields as well as in other subfields and disciplines, undergraduate students in literature classrooms, and the general public who may seek expert humanistic knowledge. Course requirements for the PhD program are broadly defined, allowing the student to shape a personal program of study. The English program encourages and supports interdisciplinary work.