Embark on advanced scholarly training with Saint Louis University’s Ph.D. in English, a postgraduate program designed for aspiring academics and professionals passionate about literary studies, rhetoric, and composition. This doctoral degree delves into complex theoretical frameworks and research methodologies, preparing you to contribute original scholarship to the field. You will explore diverse literary periods and critical approaches, developing the analytical acumen required to address contemporary intellectual challenges and engage deeply with the discipline’s evolving landscape.
This full-time, on-campus Ph.D. program spans two years beyond your Master's, requiring a minimum of 24 credits in advanced English coursework, including foundational courses in literary research, teaching writing, and literary theory. You will engage in distributive requirements across five key fields—Medieval Literature, Early-Modern Literature, Literature of the Long 19th Century, Modern and/or Contemporary Literature, and Rhetoric/Composition—culminating in a substantial dissertation project. You will graduate with the expertise and research credentials necessary for careers in higher education, publishing, and beyond.