Pullman,
WA,
United States
Type
Public
Degrees offered
Bachelor's Degree
PhD in English in Pullman United States | Washington State University
Washington State University
|
Pullman United States
Visit institution website
for more information
Qualification
Doctor of Philosophy
Languages
English
Delivery Mode
On-Campus
Tuition (2025)
USD
29,272
Attendance
Full-time
Full-time Duration
48 months
Applicants to the English Ph.D. program should possess a master's degree in English or a closely aligned discipline from an accredited institution, demonstrating potential for outstanding doctoral-level work. Those earning their master's at WSU need to submit a separate application for Ph.D. admission. Doctoral students must establish proficiency in two foreign languages at a general level or show advanced mastery of one (refer to Language Proficiency Requirements). Active participation in designing individual literary and language curricula, along with adherence to departmental and WSU Graduate School timelines, is required of all Ph.D. students.
The Ph.D. program—offering specializations in literature or rhetoric and composition—seeks to equip scholars for diverse academic careers through comprehensive training in literary/cultural theory and criticism. Students develop expertise in areas including literary history, rhetorical studies, genre analysis, composition pedagogy, linguistics, and related disciplines. Rather than attempting exhaustive coverage of all major texts, the curriculum cultivates sophisticated scholars with broad familiarity in English and American literature, rigorous research methodologies, and professional capabilities extending beyond academia to cultural institutions like historical archives, museums, and publishing houses.
Destination of Study
Subjects of Study
Language Requirements
English
IELTS 7.0
Qualification Requirements
Academic transcripts. One copy of each transcript representing study beyond high school is required. Send these copies to the WSU Graduate School. Transcripts representing work from the current year (not yet finished) are acceptable. Unofficial transcripts are also acceptable, however, if admitted you will need to submit certified official transcripts directly from the college or university where the academic work was completed.
Three confidential letters of recommendation. The applicant is required to list three referees, each with their email address. The WSU Graduate School will then contact these referees, sending them electronic recommendation forms which will subsequently be made available to the admissions committee members in the English Department. Applicants are responsible for ensuring all referees have submitted their evaluations by the application deadline. Applicants should select referees who are capable of evaluating their qualifications for graduate study in English, at least one of the referees should address the applicant's qualifications as a potential college-level teacher (if the applicant is applying for a Teaching Assistantship).
Non-Native Speaker Requirements. Official record of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Non-native speakers who do not meet any of the options for English language proficiency listed by the Graduate School (see https://gradschool.wsu.edu/international-requirements/) must earn a minimum score on an English language Proficiency exam. Minimum Scores are as follows:
TOEFL: Paper (580), Computer (237), Internet (93). MELAB (82).
IELTS: 7
Applicants with at least a B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) grade point Avg, or the equivalent in the last 60 graded semester (90 quarter) hours, from an accredited college or university, or at least a B grade point Avg in any graduate work from a recognized graduate school are eligible for admission to regular student status. Applicants with at least 12 semester hours of approved coursework from accredited graduate schools with at least a B grade point Avg are eligible for admission to regular student status.
Brief independent statement. The applicant should send a description of his or her interests in English studies, along with reasons for wishing to begin (or continue) graduate work, background or experience in teaching, career goals, and expectations regarding WSU. This statement should be approximately 500 words (two double-spaced pages). Send the statement directly to the WSU Graduate School.
Writing sample. All applicants should submit a recent sample of scholarly or critical writing. For those applying to the MA program, this sample would most likely be an essay written for an upper-level undergraduate course. For PhD applicants, the sample might come from a graduate seminar in literature, rhetoric, cultural studies, theory, etc. In either case, the sample should represent the applicant's critical thinking skills and ability to write effectively for an academic audience. Essays with a significant research component are especially appropriate. The writing sample can be sent directly to the WSU Graduate School.
Three confidential letters of recommendation. The applicant is required to list three referees, each with their email address. The WSU Graduate School will then contact these referees, sending them electronic recommendation forms which will subsequently be made available to the admissions committee members in the English Department. Applicants are responsible for ensuring all referees have submitted their evaluations by the application deadline. Applicants should select referees who are capable of evaluating their qualifications for graduate study in English, at least one of the referees should address the applicant's qualifications as a potential college-level teacher (if the applicant is applying for a Teaching Assistantship).
Non-Native Speaker Requirements. Official record of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Non-native speakers who do not meet any of the options for English language proficiency listed by the Graduate School (see https://gradschool.wsu.edu/international-requirements/) must earn a minimum score on an English language Proficiency exam. Minimum Scores are as follows:
TOEFL: Paper (580), Computer (237), Internet (93). MELAB (82).
IELTS: 7
Applicants with at least a B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) grade point Avg, or the equivalent in the last 60 graded semester (90 quarter) hours, from an accredited college or university, or at least a B grade point Avg in any graduate work from a recognized graduate school are eligible for admission to regular student status. Applicants with at least 12 semester hours of approved coursework from accredited graduate schools with at least a B grade point Avg are eligible for admission to regular student status.
Brief independent statement. The applicant should send a description of his or her interests in English studies, along with reasons for wishing to begin (or continue) graduate work, background or experience in teaching, career goals, and expectations regarding WSU. This statement should be approximately 500 words (two double-spaced pages). Send the statement directly to the WSU Graduate School.
Writing sample. All applicants should submit a recent sample of scholarly or critical writing. For those applying to the MA program, this sample would most likely be an essay written for an upper-level undergraduate course. For PhD applicants, the sample might come from a graduate seminar in literature, rhetoric, cultural studies, theory, etc. In either case, the sample should represent the applicant's critical thinking skills and ability to write effectively for an academic audience. Essays with a significant research component are especially appropriate. The writing sample can be sent directly to the WSU Graduate School.
Tuition
USD
29,272