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The English doctoral program equips students with advanced skills in analyzing and creating texts. This curriculum focuses on intensive scholarly exploration across rhetoric, composition, critical theory, cultural studies, pedagogy, and literary analysis. Instead of predefined specializations, the program enables students to collaborate with their Graduate Advisor and dissertation committees to craft a personalized study plan aligned with their academic passions and professional aspirations. Through a mix of mandatory and elective courses, along with the opportunity to develop a specialized focus area, students gain the adaptability needed to navigate evolving trends in English studies. The program specifically trains graduates for writing careers spanning digital media and technical writing, as well as teaching positions at community colleges, liberal arts institutions, and regional public universities. Teaching preparation occurs through multiple avenues, with particular emphasis on graduate-level courses in literature and composition instruction. Doctoral candidates actively engage in the academic community by presenting conference papers, publishing journal articles, and participating in various professional endeavors.
A minimum GPA of 3.5 in the student's MA in English or a very closely related field. (If the MA is not in English, we will consider the undergraduate GPA as well as that of the MA. Moreover, if the MA is not in a very closely related field, the prospective student will be admitted to the MA program in English, not the PhD.)
Applicants are expected to submit a score of at least 550 on the paper-based TOEFL, a score of at least 213 on the computer-based TOEFL, a minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS, or a minimum TOEFL iBT total score of 79. Further, when the TOEFL iBT is taken, sectional scores of at least 22 on the writing section, 21 on the speaking section, 20 on the reading section, and 16 on the listening section are preferred.
Graduate Application Priority Dates - Fall: March 15; Spring: August 15; Summer: February 15.