Doctorate degree · English and language
Doctor of Philosophy in English
The Ph.D. in English prepares scholars for advanced research, teaching, and leadership in literary and cultural studies. Students undertake advanced coursework in theory, research methods, and pedagogy, culminating in an original dissertation contributing new scholarship to the field.
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy in English
- Delivery
- 100% online
- Credit hours
- 60 semester credits
- Typical length
- 3 years, or self-paced for working professionals
What you will be able to do
- Design and conduct original scholarly research in literary and cultural studies.
- Apply advanced literary theory and criticism to complex, original analysis.
- Critically evaluate scholarship across literary periods, genres, and traditions.
- Apply qualitative research methods to humanities-based inquiry.
- Design and deliver college-level instruction in English and writing studies.
- Complete and defend a doctoral dissertation making an original contribution to English studies.
Where it leads
Graduates pursue entry- and mid-level roles including:
- University Faculty / Professor of English
- Department Chair (Humanities)
- Senior Editor or Publishing Director
- Director of Writing / Composition Programs
- Independent Scholar / Researcher
- Curriculum & Accreditation Director
The curriculum
Programme core
60 creditsIncludes a culminating doctoral dissertation representing an original contribution to the field, completed under faculty supervision and defended before a doctoral committee.
| Code | Course | Cr. |
|---|---|---|
| PHE701 | Advanced Literary Theory & Criticism | 3 |
| PHE702 | Research Methods in Literary & Cultural Studies | 3 |
| PHE703 | Advanced Studies in British Literature | 3 |
| PHE704 | Advanced Studies in American Literature | 3 |
| PHE705 | World & Comparative Literature | 3 |
| PHE706 | Advanced Sociolinguistics | 3 |
| PHE707 | Digital Humanities Research | 3 |
| PHE708 | Rhetoric & Composition Theory | 3 |
| PHE709 | Advanced Pedagogy in English & TESL | 3 |
| PHE710 | Qualitative Research Methods in the Humanities | 3 |
| PHE711 | Publishing, Editing & Scholarly Writing | 3 |
| PHE712 | Teaching Practicum in Higher Education | 3 |
| PHE713 | Doctoral Seminar in English Studies | 3 |
| PHE714 | Dissertation Proposal Development | 3 |
| PHE715 | Advanced Seminar in Postcolonial & Global Literatures | 3 |
| PHE716 | Media, Film & Visual Culture Studies | 3 |
| PHE717 | Grant Writing & Academic Publishing | 3 |
| PHE718 | Comprehensive Examination Seminar | 3 |
| PHE799 | Doctoral Dissertation | 6 |
A teacher, editor or writer who wants to research and publish at the highest level.
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