PhD in English and Comparative Literature in Charlotte United States | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The Department of English and Comparative Literature at UNC-Chapel Hill cultivates critical and creative thought, aiming to develop outstanding academics and educators. Our comprehensive Ph.D. program spans all historical eras and multiple significant domains of literary analysis, while also supporting research in both written works and cinematic studies. The graduate curriculum prepares students to become experts in their chosen specialties through structured program progression and intensive career preparation for academia. Our distinguished professors represent diverse scholarly traditions, pursuing interdisciplinary research while employing varied analytical methods within the field. They maintain active publication records while remaining deeply committed to student mentorship. This strong advising culture ensures students develop both historical perspective in literary or film studies and the sophisticated analytical abilities required for groundbreaking work in their selected specialties.
Our graduate candidates complete coursework, pass specialized qualifying exams, and produce dissertations while playing essential roles in departmental activities. They organize our Critical Speaker Series, contribute energetically to lectures and seminars, and participate in numerous social gatherings that enrich our academic community. All enrolled students receive full financial support, either through research assistantships or primarily teaching positions. Teaching responsibilities in our undergraduate program typically begin in the second year, though many start during their first year. Our dynamic graduate colloquia—including one for third-year students and another focused on medieval/early modern studies—offer advanced students platforms to present research and engage faculty and peers in scholarly discussion. The career preparation initiative creates additional opportunities to refine academic skills through collaboration with both faculty and fellow students.