The Ph.D. in English requires a minimum of 90 hours, including any credited from prior graduate work. Students must fulfill the requirements for one of the three concentrations (Creative Writing, Literary History, or Rhetoric and Composition). The Director of Graduate Studies will determine which specific courses may fulfill each requirement category.
The program’s small seminars, which consist of both M.A. and Ph.D. students, provide a friendly and supportive atmosphere, with students receiving ample personal attention. Doctoral students take a minimum of four seminars in Rhetoric and Composition with additional course options in literary history, creative writing, online writing pedagogy, and teaching apprenticeships.
Many students also earn certificates in Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies or in TESOL.
Culminating Experience
All students complete a dissertation, a book-length manuscript typically at least 200 pages in length, and defend their work to a committee of faculty members both within and outside of the department. A minimum of 6 dissertation hours (ENG 8950) is required and a maximum of 45 dissertation hours (ENG 8950) may count toward degree requirements.
Professional Development
The program offers teaching associates a variety of teaching and related professional development opportunities. Advanced TAs have the opportunity to develop their administrative abilities as Assistant Director of Composition. Writing tutoring positions also may be available.
The department brings in nationally recognized scholars in the field, such as Peter Elbow, Lester Faigley, Keith Gilyard, Richard Lanham, Kate Ronald, Victor Villanueva, Jonathan Alexander, Heidi McKee, Cynthia Selfe, Richard Selfe, Ann Francis Wysocki, Doug Downs, and Nancy Sommers.
