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| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2027-05-18 | - |
Program Overview
English Doctoral Program Online
The English Doctoral Program Online at Old Dominion University is a PhD program that integrates writing, rhetoric, discourse, technology, and textual studies. The program is designed for individuals pursuing an academic career as well as professionals with careers outside the classroom.
Program Overview
The program requires a minimum of 48 credit hours and includes two Summer Doctoral Institutes at ODU's main campus, each two weeks long and held in July. Students can participate in live, regularly scheduled online class meetings and access course materials online from any location.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the English PhD program, applicants should have:
- A master's degree (or equivalent) in English or a related field from a regionally accredited institution
- A minimum 3.5 GPA (4.0 scale) overall in the master's degree
If an applicant does not have a significant background in an English-related field, the department encourages them to take master's level coursework in English before applying.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the English PhD program are prepared to work in various fields, including:
- Writing/Editing
- Education
- Publishing
- Advertising
- Public Relations
- Business/Industry
- Law
- Digital Design
- New Media
Cost and Aid
The cost of the program is $486 per credit hour for in-state Virginia residents and $649 per credit hour for out-of-state students. Rates are effective Fall 2025 and are subject to change. The university offers various scholarships to support online students in achieving their academic and career goals.
Related Programs
Related programs offered by the university include:
- MA English - Technical Writing
- MA Lifespan and Digital Communication
- PhD Instructional Design & Technology
Research Areas
The program focuses on texts and media in terms of form, purpose, technology, audience, cultural location, and communities. Students can choose from four emphasis areas:
- Literary and cultural studies
- Writing, rhetoric, and discourse studies
- Technology and media studies
- A student-designed emphasis
Upon graduation, students will earn a Doctor of Philosophy degree in English.