University of Kansas

What you'll study

The PhD programme combines advanced coursework, research training, and supervised dissertation work. In the early stages you typically take seminars in literary periods and genres (for example medieval, early modern, nineteenth-century, twentieth-century and contemporary literatures), theory and criticism, and specialised fields such as American literature, British literature, race and ethnicity studies, gender and sexuality studies, and transnational and postcolonial studies.

Core training emphasises research methods, historiography of the discipline, and pedagogical practice. Students normally complete a sequence of seminars and directed readings, a comprehensive examination or qualifying exams, and foreign or modern language requirements where appropriate to the dissertation. The degree culminates in an original scholarly dissertation defended before a faculty committee.

Many students also pursue interdisciplinary options and emerging areas such as digital humanities, rhetoric and composition, book history, media and film studies, and public humanities. Teaching experience is a central part of the programme, with graduate teaching assistantships providing preparation in undergraduate instruction, course design and writing pedagogy.

Entry requirements

• Academic qualifications: A strong master’s degree in English or a closely related field is typical; exceptionally qualified applicants with a first-class honours bachelor’s degree may be considered.
• Application materials: Applicants should submit academic transcripts, a CV, a statement of purpose outlining research interests and fit with the department, a substantial academic writing sample (usually an essay or chapter-length paper), and three letters of recommendation.
• Language proficiency: International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests or prior degree credentials in English-medium institutions, in line with university policy.
• Other considerations: Departments evaluate fit with faculty expertise and research strengths; applicants are advised to identify potential supervisors and explain how their project aligns with departmental strengths. GRE scores may be considered where submitted but are not universally required—check current departmental guidance.

Career prospects

• Academic careers: tenure-track and teaching-focused faculty positions in English literature, creative writing, rhetoric and composition, and interdisciplinary humanities programmes.
• Postdoctoral and research fellowships in university and museum settings.
• Publishing and editorial work in scholarly and trade publishing, as well as roles in literary agencies and journals.
• Digital humanities and cultural heritage positions involving textual analysis, digitisation projects, and digital scholarship platforms.
• Public-facing roles in museums, archives, cultural organisations, public humanities programming, and higher education administration.
• Writing, communications, and policy roles that value advanced research, analysis, and written communication skills.

Why study at University of Kansas

• Active research community: The department is part of a lively humanities environment with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across campus, including connections to centres and institutes that support cultural and historical research.
• Faculty expertise: The faculty cover a broad range of specialisms—from historical and contemporary literary studies to rhetoric, composition, and digital scholarship—providing supervision for diverse dissertation projects.
• Research resources: Graduate students have access to extensive library collections, special collections and manuscript holdings, and digital scholarship infrastructure that support archival and data-driven research.
• Graduate training and support: The programme emphasises professional preparation through teaching assistantships, mentoring, workshops on grant-writing and the academic job market, and opportunities to present and publish work.
• Location and community: Studying at the University of Kansas offers a supportive campus community and regional cultural institutions that enrich research possibilities and public engagement activities.