PhD in English - Literature in Urbana United States | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The English Department provides graduate programs culminating in Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. We encourage accomplished students to advance their knowledge of English, American, and Anglophone language, literature, and film beyond undergraduate studies. Our Ph.D. program primarily prepares scholar-educators for academic careers nationwide. The M.A. program serves as the foundation for doctoral studies, with the expectation that admitted students will progress to earn their Ph.D. Consequently, we don't provide a standalone terminal M.A. option. Students can specialize in Writing Studies for either degree, and doctoral candidates in other disciplines may pursue a Writing Studies concentration. Current master's degree holders must formally apply to the Ph.D. program, as must external applicants with completed master's degrees. Admission is rarely granted to candidates with graduate GPAs below 3.5. Doctoral candidates must select either Literature or Writing Studies as their specialization, with the option to add a Writing Studies concentration. The Ph.D. can typically be completed within four to five years post-M.A., with opportunities to combine studies with teaching responsibilities.