Indiana University Bloomington

What you'll study

The PhD programme combines advanced coursework, seminar discussion, language training where appropriate, comprehensive examinations and a sustained programme of original research culminating in a doctoral dissertation. Students take core seminars in literary history and theory alongside specialised seminars in fields such as medieval and renaissance literature, nineteenth- and twentieth-century literatures, modern and contemporary literature, American literature, transnational and postcolonial studies, cultural studies, gender and sexuality studies, and intersections with film and media.

Additional study options frequently include work in digital humanities methods, archival research and editorial practice, rhetoric and composition, and interdisciplinary work with related departments and centres. Early in the programme students complete a set of required and elective courses to build breadth and depth; later stages focus on comprehensive examinations (or qualifying exams) and the dissertation prospectus and research. Graduate students also gain supervised teaching experience through the department’s teaching assistantships and have opportunities for research assistantships and campus fellowships.

Entry requirements

• Academic qualifications: A master’s degree in English or a closely related discipline is normally expected; exceptional candidates with a strong bachelor’s degree and substantial preparation may also be considered.
• Transcripts: Official academic transcripts demonstrating strong performance in relevant coursework.
• Writing sample: A substantial sample of academic writing (often 20–30 pages) that demonstrates critical engagement, argumentation and research ability.
• Letters of recommendation: Typically three academic references that can speak to the applicant’s scholarly potential and readiness for doctoral work.
• Statement of purpose: A statement outlining research interests, reasons for pursuing the PhD at Indiana University Bloomington, and potential faculty mentors or areas of fit.
• English language proficiency: For applicants whose first language is not English, acceptable scores from an approved English language test are required unless exempted by university policy.
• Additional materials: A short CV and, where relevant, a dissertation or project prospectus. Standardised tests such as the GRE are not universally required; applicants should consult the department’s admissions guidance for current practice.

Career prospects

Graduates typically pursue academic careers as tenure-track faculty, lecturers and researchers in English and related humanities disciplines. The programme’s emphasis on research, pedagogy and professionalisation also prepares alumni for roles in higher education administration, library and archival work, museum and cultural heritage institutions, scholarly and trade publishing, nonprofit programme management, and careers in writing, editing and communications.

Students who develop digital humanities or public-facing project experience may move into positions in digital scholarship, information design, content strategy and technology firms that value advanced critical thinking and narrative skills. The training in research methodology, critical analysis and teaching also transfers to careers in policy, consulting and other sectors that require strong analytical and communication capabilities.

Why study at Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University Bloomington offers a large and diverse English department with strengths across historical periods and theoretical approaches, enabling students to find faculty mentors for a wide range of specialisations. The university’s research infrastructure — including extensive library holdings at the Lilly Library and the Wells Library, and facilities for digital scholarship — supports archival and interdisciplinary research projects.

Graduate students benefit from regular teaching opportunities, professional development through campus centres that support pedagogy and research, and a collegial environment with active graduate student groups and lecture series. The location and institutional collaborations make it straightforward to pursue interdisciplinary work with programmes such as American Studies, African American and African Diaspora Studies, Folklore and Ethnomusicology, and Digital Humanities, broadening both research possibilities and career preparation.