University of Massachusetts Amherst

What you'll study

The PhD curriculum combines advanced coursework, comprehensive examination, pedagogical training and a sustained programme of supervised research leading to a doctoral dissertation. Students normally complete graduate seminars in major fields of literary study (for example, American literature, British literature, medieval and early modern studies, nineteenth-century, twentieth and twenty-first century literature), along with work in critical theory, cultural studies, and methodological approaches such as archival research, digital humanities, film and media studies, and rhetoric and composition.

• Coursework: seminars in your primary and secondary fields, directed readings, and offerings in literary theory, critical methods and allied disciplines.
• Comprehensive assessment: written and/or oral qualifying examinations or a portfolio demonstrating mastery of chosen fields.
• Teaching practicum: supervised opportunities to teach undergraduate courses, often including a first-year writing practicum and assistantships in literature courses.
• Research and dissertation: development of a dissertation prospectus, followed by original archival, theoretical or empirical research and dissertation writing under faculty supervision.
• Interdisciplinary options: cross-registration through the Five College Consortium, collaborations with centres and institutes, and elective work in areas such as digital humanities, ethnic studies, film studies, and public humanities.

Entry requirements

Applicants are usually expected to hold a bachelor's degree with strong academic performance; many successful applicants also hold a master's degree in English or a related field. The admissions committee evaluates the whole application, typically including:

• Academic transcripts from previous degree programmes.
• A graduate statement of purpose outlining research interests and fit with the department.
• A sample of scholarly writing (such as a seminar paper or chapter-length sample) that demonstrates research ability and critical skill.
• Letters of recommendation, usually three, from academic referees familiar with your research and teaching potential.
• A curriculum vitae listing relevant academic and professional experience.

Standardised test requirements (such as the GRE) and language proficiency documentation for non-native English speakers are determined by departmental and university policy; applicants should check current guidance from the graduate admissions office. Admission is competitive and research fit with available faculty supervisors is an important factor.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in English pursue a range of careers that build on advanced skills in critical analysis, research, writing and teaching. Common career paths include:

• Academic positions at colleges and universities (tenure-track and non-tenure-track roles), including teaching and research appointments.
• Postdoctoral fellowships and research positions in humanities centres and institutes.
• Work in publishing, editing and literary translation.
• Roles in cultural organisations, museums, libraries and archives, including digital scholarship and curatorial work.
• Positions in public humanities, policy, fundraising, communications and writing-intensive roles in government and non-profit sectors.

The programme's emphasis on pedagogy, research methods and interdisciplinary collaboration equips graduates for both scholarly and non-academic careers that require advanced critical thinking and communication skills.

Why study at University of Massachusetts Amherst

University of Massachusetts Amherst offers a research-rich environment with a large and diverse English faculty whose specialisms span historical periods, theoretical approaches and interdisciplinary fields. The department benefits from close links to campus research centres and initiatives, and students can take advantage of resources across the Five College Consortium to broaden their course choices and scholarly networks.

Research infrastructure includes access to the W.E.B. Du Bois Library collections, strong archival holdings, and support for digital scholarship and public humanities projects. Graduate students typically receive structured opportunities to teach and to work as teaching or research assistants, gaining practical pedagogical experience while pursuing their doctoral research. Faculty mentorship, a vibrant graduate community and access to regional and national scholarly networks make UMass Amherst a supportive setting for advanced study in English.