English (Literature), PHD
Program Description
Degree Awarded: PHD English (Literature)
The Doctor of Philosophy program in English with a concentration in literature trains students in various methodologies, pedagogies and areas of inquiry that constitute literary and cultural studies. With a diverse and distinguished faculty, the program offers opportunities for specialization in literary criticism, cultural analysis, theory and various fields of interdisciplinary study. Students graduate with a range of highly sought-after skills and competencies: research and analysis of complex material, communication in written and oral modes, collaboration, independence and self-motivation, creativity and adaptability.
Degree Requirements
Curriculum Plan Options
- 84 credit hours, a foreign language exam, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
Required Core (3 credit hours)
ENG 501 Approaches to Research (3)
Concentration (12 credit hours)
ENG 588 Writing for Publication (3)
ENG 601 Job Market Workshop: Designing Your Future (3)
ENG 605 Advanced Contemporary Approaches to Literary and Cultural Studies (3)
ENG 790 Reading and Conference (3)
Pedagogies and Practices (3 credit hours)
ENG 555 Literary and Cultural Pedagogies (3)
ENG 580 Practicum (3)
ENG 604 Interdisciplinary Cultural Studies (3)
ENG 784 Internship (3)
Language and Linguistics (3 credit hours)
ENG 530 Old English (3)
ENG 532 Middle English Dialects (3)
ENG 550 Translation (3)
LIN 517 History of the English Language (3)
a 400-Level course in an approved language (3)
an approved 500-level LIN course (3)
an approved graduate-level SILC course (3)
Restricted Electives (12 credit hours)
Four classes chosen from an approved list of literary and cultural studies (may be substituted with advisor approval).
Electives and Research (39 credit hours)
Culminating Experience (12 credit hours)
ENG 799 Dissertation (12)
Additional Curriculum Information
When approved by the student's supervisory committee and the Graduate College, this program allows 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree to be used for this degree. Students who do not hold a master's degree are required to take additional elective and research credit hours to reach the 84 credit hours required for this program.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- statement of purpose
- resume or curriculum vitae
- three letters of recommendation
- academic writing sample relevant to the field
- statement of teaching philosophy (teaching assistantship only)
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English and has not graduated from an institution of higher learning in the United States must provide proof of English proficiency, regardless of current residency. Applicants can find more information about English proficiency requirements on the school website. Please note that official scores must be sent to ASU in order for the application to be processed.
The well-considered, one- to two-page, single-spaced statement of purpose should explain the applicant's scholarly background and training, career goals, proposed research specialization, any secondary field of interest and why the applicant wishes to pursue a PhD in English with a concentration in literature at Arizona State University. Applicants applying for funding must also submit a statement of teaching philosophy.
Next Steps to attend ASU
Learn about our programs
Apply to a program
Visit our campus
Application Deadlines
Fall
Learning Outcomes
- Identify and evaluate various disciplinary arguments, trends, traditions and debates within the knowledge community of literary and cultural studies scholars.
- Demonstrate the ability to produce written work of publishable quality.
- Demonstrate research skills necessary to bring a project of literary or cultural analysis to fruition, including the ability to evaluate disciplinary debates and developments; and the ability to produce research on historical and cultural meanings of texts and related cultural productions.
Career Opportunities
Graduates are prepared for careers in higher education and other fields that value this expertise. Sectors employing high numbers of arts and humanities graduates include information and communication, financial and insurance, public administration and defense, arts and entertainment, and education.
Career examples include:
- archivist
- art director
- copywriter
- criminal investigator or special agent
- editor
- educator
- intelligence analyst
- librarian
- market research analyst
- museum curator, educator or exhibit designer
- political analyst
- public relations specialist or manager
- technical writer
Global Opportunities
Global Experience
With over 250 programs in more than 65 countries (ranging from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students wishing to gain global skills and knowledge in preparation for a 21st-century career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
- enggrad@asu.edu
- 480/965-3168