Columbia University

What you'll study

The PhD combines structured coursework with intensive independent research. In the early years students take core seminars in literary history and critical theory alongside specialised seminars that reflect faculty expertise across periods and geographies — for example medieval, early modern, eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, modern and contemporary literature, American literature, African American studies, world literatures and comparative approaches. Training in methods often includes historical research, archival practice, digital humanities methods, and interdisciplinary engagement with fields such as film studies, philosophy, gender studies, and cultural history.

Students complete required colloquia and workshops, and typically prepare for and pass qualifying or comprehensive examinations to demonstrate mastery of chosen fields. Language competence in one or more research languages is required for most dissertation projects. The programme culminates in the formulation and defence of a dissertation prospectus and the completion of an original doctoral dissertation under faculty supervision. All doctoral candidates normally gain supervised teaching experience in undergraduate courses and participate in departmental and university-wide scholarly events.

Entry requirements

• Academic qualifications: A strong bachelor's degree is essential; many applicants also hold a master’s degree in English or a related discipline. Evidence of advanced coursework and research preparation strengthens an application.
• Application materials: A statement of purpose outlining research interests and fit with departmental strengths, a recent writing sample (often a substantial seminar paper or excerpt of thesis work), a current curriculum vitae, and academic transcripts are required.
• References: Three academic letters of recommendation that speak to scholarly potential and readiness for doctoral work.
• Language and tests: Demonstrated competence in relevant research languages is expected for some fields; specific language requirements vary by area of study. Standardised tests (such as the GRE) may be optional or not required depending on departmental policy; international applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate English proficiency by recognised means.
• Research fit: Successful applicants show clear intellectual alignment with faculty interests and the department’s strengths, and demonstrate potential to develop an original dissertation project.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD programme pursue careers in academia as tenure-track faculty, lecturers and researchers in English and related departments. Many alumni also work beyond the academy in roles such as editors and publishers, writers and critics, museum and cultural institution curators, policy and advocacy positions, digital humanities project leads, and in higher-education administration. The programme’s emphasis on research, writing, and teaching prepares graduates for a wide range of opportunities that require advanced analytical and communication skills.

Why study at Columbia University

• Faculty strength and intellectual diversity: The department hosts faculty across a broad spectrum of periods, literatures and theoretical approaches, allowing doctoral students to pursue diverse and interdisciplinary projects.
• Research resources: Located in New York City, Columbia offers access to world-class libraries and archives, including Butler Library and numerous special collections, as well as nearby cultural institutions and archives for primary research.
• Interdisciplinary opportunities: Close connections with other departments, institutes and centres at Columbia enable collaborations in fields such as comparative literature, film and media, history, and digital scholarship.
• Professional development: The programme provides mentoring in teaching, grant-writing and public-facing scholarship, and offers plentiful opportunities to present work, publish, and participate in conferences and colloquia.
• Location and networks: Situated in a global city, Columbia affords students professional networking, internship and cultural engagement opportunities that enrich research and career pathways.