University of Michigan

What you'll study

The PhD programme combines advanced coursework, language training, teaching experience and sustained original research leading to a dissertation. Students typically take seminars across a range of fields — such as medieval and early modern literature, nineteenth- and twentieth-century British and American literature, African American and Anglophone literatures, comparative and world literatures, critical theory, cultural studies, rhetoric and composition, and digital humanities. Core elements include:

• Coursework: Advanced seminars in specialised areas, methods courses in literary and cultural theory, and optional interdisciplinary classes offered through affiliated centres and departments.
• Language and research training: Competency in one or more research languages is required for many research projects; students may also pursue training in archival methods, digital tools for humanities research, or pedagogical methodologies.
• Qualifying examinations or cumulative assessments: Students demonstrate readiness to begin dissertation research through written and/or oral examinations or other programme-specific assessments.
• Dissertation: An extended piece of original scholarship that makes a substantive contribution to the field, developed under faculty supervision through prospectus, proposal, and defence stages.
• Teaching experience: Graduate students gain practical experience through teaching assistantships and opportunities to design and teach their own courses, often supported by the Sweetland Center for Writing and departmental pedagogy workshops.

Entry requirements

Admission is competitive and intended for applicants who demonstrate strong academic preparation and clear research potential. Typical requirements include:

• Academic qualifications: A bachelor’s degree with high academic standing; many successful applicants hold a master’s degree in English or a related field, though an MA is not always required.
• Transcripts: Official academic transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
• Writing sample: A substantial writing sample that showcases analytical skill and command of scholarly methods (commonly a seminar paper or MA chapter, often 20–40 pages).
• Statement of purpose: A clear statement outlining research interests, proposed areas of study, and reasons for pursuing the PhD at Michigan.
• Letters of recommendation: Typically three academic references who can speak to scholarly ability and research potential.
• English language proficiency: For applicants whose first language is not English, evidence of proficiency through accepted tests or other measures is required; departmental expectations for scores and exemptions are detailed on the programme website.
• Optional materials: Curriculum vitae, sample syllabi, or evidence of teaching experience may be submitted to strengthen an application.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a variety of paths in and beyond academia. Typical careers include:

• Academic careers: Tenure-track and visiting professorships, postdoctoral research positions, and teaching roles at colleges and universities.
• Research and public humanities: Work in libraries, archives, museums, public history projects, and cultural organisations, often involving curatorial practice or community-engaged scholarship.
• Digital humanities and information roles: Positions that combine literary scholarship with digital research methods, data curation, or scholarly communication.
• Publishing, editing and writing: Editorial roles in academic and trade publishing, literary editing, freelance writing and criticism.
• Policy, non-profit and administrative work: Careers in higher education administration, non-profit leadership, communications, and cultural policy where critical thinking and strong writing are valued.

Why study at University of Michigan

The University of Michigan offers a rich environment for doctoral study in English, anchored by a large and diverse faculty whose research spans historical periods, theoretical approaches and global literatures. Students benefit from access to exceptional research resources, including extensive library collections and special collections, as well as centres and institutes that support interdisciplinary collaboration.

The department emphasises professional development through structured teaching preparation, mentorship, and funding opportunities administered through the Rackham Graduate School. Research-active initiatives — such as programmes in digital humanities, area studies, and public scholarship — create additional opportunities for collaboration, conferences and grant-supported projects. Located in Ann Arbor, the university also provides a lively cultural and academic community that supports both scholarly work and public engagement.