Program Overview
Program Overview
The English program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) is designed to provide students with a diverse skill set and explore literary interests to prepare for roles in academia, writing, communications, public administration, and research. During the program, students will work with a faculty advisor to develop a course of study tailored to their interests and professional goals.
Program Details
- Program Type: Doctorate
- Academic Unit: School of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Degree Type: Doctor of Philosophy
- Standard credit hours: 36
- Delivery Mode: In-person, Hybrid
- Typical Program Length: 5 years
- Typical Course Load: 2 per semester
- Estimated Program Cost: $19,368
- All rates or costs are for illustrative purposes only. Estimated cost is calculated by multiplying the appropriate 2025/2026 UMKC academic year resident rate by standard credit hours. Fees are NOT included in the calculation. Your hours and total costs may differ, depending on transfer hours, course choices, academic progress, program- and university-specific fees, and your qualified tuition rate.
Program Benefits
- Receive individualized support from experienced faculty who are committed to helping you achieve your goals.
- Tailor your course of study to your interests and professional ambitions.
- Acquire skills that are transferable to multiple, high-level professional roles in a variety of fields.
Career Opportunities
A Ph.D. in English prepares you for careers in teaching, communications, writing, editing, and publishing. Our graduates go on to pursue careers as university professors, writers, and high-level administrators with public and private institutions in a diverse range of fields.
- English and literature teacher, postsecondary
- Writer or author
- Editor
- Median salary/year: $83,891
Potential Courses
Graduate Study in English
An introduction to methods of research and scholarship related to English studies. Students use a wide spectrum of print and digital materials, library facilities (including archives and special collections), and other resources to develop their research skills.
Theory and Criticism in English Studies
This course surveys major schools and methods of literary theory and criticism. Instructors determine the texts to be studied.
Histories of Writing, Reading and Publishing
Students study selected topics related to the material practices of writing, reading, and publishing within specific cultural and historical contexts. Authorship, education, information technologies, literacy, and the book trade are among the topics that may be covered.
Related Programs and Pathways
- English (Master's)
- English — B.A./M.A. (Major, Master's)
Application Process
- Gather your materials
- Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- Statement of purpose that explains your academic and professional goals along with an intended research topic that is compatible with the department's faculty expertise
- Three letters of recommendation from individuals who are academically or professionally qualified to assess your ability to pursue doctoral work
- Sample of written work relevant to your primary discipline and/or stated research focus
- Complete the UMKC online application
- $45 for domestic graduate students or $75 for international graduate students
- Check admissions requirements
- This program has special admission requirements.
Application Dates
- To Start Classes in Fall: Apply by Jan. 15
Estimated Tuition Per Semester
- Resident Rate: $4,842
- Midwest Student Exchange Program: $7,263
- Nonresident Rate: $12,155
- All rates or costs are for illustrative purposes only. Estimated cost is calculated by multiplying the appropriate 2025/2026 UMKC academic year resident rate by standard credit hours. Fees are NOT included in the calculation. Your hours and total costs may differ, depending on transfer hours, course choices, academic progress, program- and university-specific fees, and your qualified tuition rate. Learn more about tuition and financial aid. This rate calculation is based on a course load of 9 credit hours per semester.
Financial Aid
- An amazing education shouldn’t break the bank, which is why we offer a number of automatic and competitive scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities — plus financial guidance from our expert advisors.
- 80% of first-year students seeking a master's degree or graduate certificate received financial aid.
- 92% of first-year students seeking a doctoral degree received financial aid.
- 77% of all degree- and certificate-seeking graduate students received financial aid.