English Students in Class

English Ph.D.

Become a researcher in English Studies while establishing your own expertise in the field.

As you prepare for a career in higher education, you will gain a strong foundation in the study of literature, in the teaching of college English, and in the disciplinary conventions that guide writing and research in English Studies. Balancing broad preparation with a commitment to helping students develop their own areas of research specialization, the Ph.D. program at UND provides you with a great deal of individualized attention.

Program type:
Doctoral Degree
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
5 years
Credit hours:
60

Why earn an English Ph.D.?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Feb. 15* | May 1

*To ensure full consideration for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship, please meet the priority deadline of February 15. Applications received after the priority deadline will be considered.

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

Small class sizes, close work with faculty, and a strong emphasis on learning how to become an effective college teacher of English are just a few reasons students choose to enroll at UND.

Among our program's many features:

  • Financial support: qualified students earn graduate teaching assistantships that cover most tuition costs and provide stipends, allowing you to focus on your studies.
  • Graduate-level seminars that cover a variety of topics: you will find opportunities to study a wide range of literary genres, periods, and authors—and courses that explore literary criticism, research methods, and creative writing.
  • A strong emphasis on pedagogy. Our composition program takes the teaching of writing seriously, and you receive coursework in teaching English, practical teaching workshops, individualized attention, and hands-on experience as you improve your college teaching skills.
  • Individualized attention and support from expert faculty as you develop your own comprehensive exam and dissertation topics.

English Ph.D. Program Faculty

In the Ph.D. program at UND, you'll gain not only a broad foundation in the field, but also depth of expertise as you work closely with UND faculty with specializations in areas such as:

  • American Literature and Culture
  • British Literature and Culture
  • Literary Criticism and Theory
  • Women and Gender Studies
  • Composition and Rhetoric

English Ph.D. at UND

  • Learn in small classes averaging just eight students.

  • Be a part of a department that takes good teaching seriously and take advantage of opportunities to expand and improve your own teaching skills

  • Participate in professional development activities through the UND English Graduate Student Association.

  • Interact with world-renowned authors at the annual UND Writers Conference.

  • Work closely with faculty who are internationally recognized scholars. 

  •  Apply for a graduate teaching assistantship.

What can I do with an English Ph.D.?

78K

Median annual salary for post-secondary english language and literature teachers, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Your Ph.D. from the University of North Dakota equips you with the skills and the knowledge you need to thrive in any career. For instance:

  • College or university professor
  • Writing teacher
  • Author
  • Creative writer
  • Editor
  • Publisher

English Ph.D. Courses

ENGL 501. Teaching College English. 3 Credits.

An introduction to theories and methods of teaching college English. Required of Graduate Teaching Assistants in English.

ENGL 510. History of Literary Criticism. 3 Credits.

A history of European criticism from the Classical Greek period to the present day, with emphasis on major texts.

ENGL 428. Practicum in Digital Humanities. 3 Credits.

Examines the growing necessity for digital products in the humanities and moves the concept of publishing from hard copy to electronic copy. Students will have hands-on opportunities to create new knowledge by working on projects across campus such as digitizing materials in the library's special collections department and working directly with professors' research initiatives. S, odd years.

ENGL 414. Advanced Fiction Writing. 3 Credits.

Advanced-level study and practice of fiction writing, with attention to advanced narrative techniques. Prerequisite: ENGL 306 or instructor's permission. Repeatable to 6.00 credits. S.

ENGL 525. Studies in Composition and Rhetoric. 3 Credits.

This course investigates selected topics in composition and rhetorical studies. The subject of study will vary from semester to semester, and the course may be repeated for credit when the subject of study differs. Repeatable to 12.00 credits. On demand.

ENGL 521. Studies in American Literature. 1-3 Credits.

The subject of study will vary from semester to semester, and the course may be repeated for credit when the subject of study differs. Repeatable.

Leaders in English

Open Mic Night provides students a creative outlet to express themselves.

Explore More Options

Check out the faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional education opportunities.

Department Contact
Michael Flynn
Associate Professor
P 701.777.3321

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