Program Overview

English - Ph.D.

About This Program

The Ph.D. degree in English offers advanced study in literature, rhetoric, composition and writing studies, with a unique focus on narrative as a powerful tool for change. Students learn to analyze and create stories that influence perception, guide action and drive innovation. Graduates are equipped for impactful careers in academia and beyond—from law and education to information science—ready to lead in a world shaped by stories.

Contact Information

• Mark Bracher, Ph.D. | |
• Bee Viton | |

Program Delivery

• Delivery: In person
• Location: Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries

• English language and literature teachers, postsecondary
  • 2.1% slower than the average
  • 81,300 number of jobs
  • $69,000 potential earnings
• Proofreaders and copy markers
  • -2.7% decline
  • 10,300 number of jobs
  • $41,140 potential earnings
• Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education
  • 3.8% about as fast as the average
  • 1,050,800 number of jobs
  • $62,870 potential earnings
• Additional careers
  • Authors and writers

Admission Requirements

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 2.750 GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Goal statement
• Writing sample (8-15 pages) relevant to the field of study
• Three letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:
  • Minimum 94 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
  • Minimum 65 PTE score
  • Minimum 120 DET score

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Funding deadline: January 15
• Spring Semester
  • Rolling admissions

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

• Course List Code | Title | Credit Hours
  • Major Requirements
    • ENG 76705 | NARRATIVE FUNCTIONS AND CONSEQUENCES | 3
    • ENG 76706 | UNDERSTANDING RESEARCH METHODS AND DESIGN IN LITERATURE AND WRITING STUDIES | 3
    • ENG 76707 | PRACTICING NARRATIVE RESEARCH METHODS AND DESIGN | 3
    • Advisor-Approved Electives | 21
    • Culminating Requirement
      • ENG 89199 | DISSERTATION I | 30
  • Minimum Total Credit Hours: 60

Graduation Requirements

• Graduation Requirements Summary
  • Minimum Major GPA | Minimum Overall GPA
    • • | 3.000

Candidacy for the Degree

• Doctoral students must pass two written examinations in two distinct areas of English studies before being admitted to candidacy. They must also defend a dissertation prospectus.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Graduates of this program will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate effective teaching skills and knowledge of appropriate teaching theories.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to read and interpret research in their field.
  3. Write coherently and clearly about research topics and other topics.
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of how disciplines are interconnected.
  5. Demonstrate the ability to think critically and creatively about topics both inside and outside academia.
  6. Apply appropriate research methods to objects of study.

Full Description

The Ph.D. degree in English offers students extensive learning in the areas of literature, rhetoric and composition, writing studies and beyond, with a distinctive focus on narrative. The program provides a deep and nuanced understanding of the ways narratives not only represent the world but also make it and change it, for both good and ill.

Narrative is defined very broadly as a fundamental and ubiquitous mode of thought that guides perception, constructs feelings and directs actions, operating at varying scales, in all domains and through multiple media and modes of perception. Students acquire advanced skills in critiquing, revising and creating narratives in the service of more effective and socially responsible problem solving, decision making, innovation and action planning. These skills are useful in a range of professions both in and outside the university, including law, teaching and library and information science. Graduates are well prepared to engage with a changing world.