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Ph.D. in English

English - Ph.D.

The Ph.D. degree in English permits students to focus on literary traditions and literary theory. Doctoral students identify, investigate and theorize the social functions of texts in a variety of contexts both within and outside the academy, doing work that crosses the increasingly fluid boundaries that have begun to characterize the profession of literary and cultural studies. The program provides sustained focus on the social functions of all categories of texts (both literary and non-literary), including the conditions of their production, distribution and consequent use.

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Ph.D. Degree in English

Kent State University's Ph.D. in English is a research-intensive program designed to prepare students for advanced scholarship and teaching in literature, rhetoric, and writing. The program offers a broad exploration of literary traditions, critical theory, and language studies, while also allowing students to pursue specialized research in areas such as literary analysis, cultural studies, and composition theory. Through rigorous coursework and original research, the Ph.D. program equips graduates with the skills needed for academic careers, publishing, and leadership roles in fields where critical thinking and expertise in English studies are essential.

Program Information for English - Ph.D.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate effective teaching skills and knowledge of appropriate teaching theories.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to read and interpret research in their field.
  3. Write coherently and clearly about research topics and other topics.
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of how disciplines are interconnected.
  5. Demonstrate the ability to think critically and creatively about topics both inside and outside academia.
  6. Apply appropriate research methods to objects of study.
Admissions for English - Ph.D.

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Master's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 2.750 GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Goal statement
  • Writing sample (8-15 pages) relevant to the field of study
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 94 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
    • Minimum 65 PTE score
    • Minimum 120 DET score
1

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Funding deadline: January 15
      Applications must be submitted by this deadline to be considered for an assistantship or any other funded position.
  • Spring Semester
    • Rolling admissions
Coursework
On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
ENG 76706METHODS IN THE STUDY OF LITERATURE 3
Focus Requirement, choose from the following:27
Literary Traditions Focus
Literary Traditions courses (12)
Literary Criticism and Theory course (3)
Electives (12)
Theory and Criticism Focus
Literary Criticism and Theory courses (12)
Literary Traditions courses (6)
Electives (9)
Culminating Requirement
ENG 89199DISSERTATION I 130
Minimum Total Credit Hours:60
1

Each doctoral candidate, upon admission to candidacy, must register for ENG 89199 for a total of 30 credit hours. It is expected that a doctoral candidate will continuously register for ENG 89199, and thereafter ENG 89299, each semester, until all requirements for the degree have been met.

Graduation Requirements

Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • Students on appointment who have not had college teaching experience are required to take ENG 61094. The master's-level course cannot be applied toward the doctoral degree.
  • Students are required to pass a foreign language requirement for the degree.

Candidacy for the Degree

Doctoral students must pass two written examinations in two distinct areas of English studies before being admitted to candidacy. They must also defend a dissertation prospectus.

Program Delivery
  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for English - Ph.D.

Graduates of Kent State’s Ph.D. in English are well-prepared for advanced roles in academia, research, and literary criticism. The program’s rigorous focus on scholarly research, theory, and advanced literary analysis equips students with the expertise to contribute to the field through teaching, publishing, and critical scholarship. Graduates often pursue careers as university professors, research scholars, and literary critics, shaping the future of literary studies and contributing to academic discourse in literature, composition, and rhetoric.

English language and literature teachers, postsecondary

2.1%

slower than the average

81,300

number of jobs

$69,000

potential earnings

Proofreaders and copy markers

-2.7%

decline

10,300

number of jobs

$41,140

potential earnings

Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education

3.8%

about as fast as the average

1,050,800

number of jobs

$62,870

potential earnings

Additional Careers
  • Authors and writers
Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
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