Emory University

What you'll study

• Core coursework: Advanced seminars in literary history and theory that build methodological grounding across periods and traditions.
• Historical contexts: Intensive study of literature situated in cultural, political and social histories—from early modern to contemporary literatures.
• Critical and theoretical approaches: Work in areas such as feminist and queer theory, postcolonial studies, race and ethnicity studies, psychoanalysis, eco-criticism, and new historicism.
• Genre and period specialisms: Concentrations may include American literature, British literature, medieval and early modern studies, African American literature, world literatures in English, and comparative literature.
• Language and rhetoric: Training in rhetoric, composition studies, and advanced research communication; options for coursework in linguistics or rhetoric as relevant.
• Research methods and digital humanities: Methodological training that can include archival methods, digital textual analysis, and interdisciplinary research techniques, often supported by Emory's libraries and digital scholarship centres.
• Teaching practicum: Supervised opportunities to teach undergraduate courses, design syllabuses, and develop pedagogical skills.
• Comprehensive examinations and dissertation: Program milestones typically include qualifying exams or portfolios and the completion of a major, original dissertation under faculty supervision.

Entry requirements

• Academic qualifications: A completed master’s degree in English, literature, or a closely related field is normally expected; exceptional applicants with a strong bachelor’s degree and substantial research experience may be considered.
• Transcripts: Evidence of strong academic performance in previous degrees, particularly in courses relevant to the applicant's proposed area of study.
• References: Academic letters of recommendation (usually two or three) that address research potential and preparedness for doctoral work.
• Statement of purpose: A clear outline of research interests, proposed areas of specialization, and professional goals, including how those align with faculty expertise.
• Writing sample: A substantial piece of academic writing (such as a seminar paper or chapter-length essay) demonstrating analytical rigour and familiarity with scholarly conventions.
• Additional materials: Applicants should consult the department for current policies on standardized tests (e.g., GRE) and for any language proficiency documentation required for non-native English speakers.

Career prospects

Graduates of the programme pursue a range of careers that value advanced research, writing and teaching skills. Common paths include tenure-track and non-tenure-track faculty positions in higher education, academic support roles such as writing centre or curriculum development, and research or editorial positions in publishing. Alumni also find roles in public humanities, cultural institutions and museums, non-profit organisations, policy and advocacy, digital humanities and archival work, and communications or content strategy in private and public sectors.

Why study at Emory University

• Distinguished faculty and mentorship: Emory’s faculty include scholars working across a wide range of periods and theoretical approaches, offering close mentorship for dissertation research and professional development.
• Research resources: Access to Emory’s libraries and special collections—including manuscript and archival holdings—and to campus centres for digital scholarship and interdisciplinary research.
• Interdisciplinary connections: Strong collaborative links with related programmes such as African American studies, Comparative Literature, Film and Media Studies, and Religion, enabling cross-disciplinary training and co-supervision of projects.
• Teaching and professional training: Structured teaching opportunities and professionalisation workshops prepare students for academic careers and alternative career paths.
• Location and networks: Based in the Atlanta region, students benefit from proximity to a vibrant cultural scene, regional archives and museums, and a network of academic and public humanities institutions.