The Department of English offers a PhD in English (with specializations in Composition and Rhetoric, English Language and Linguistics, or Literary Studies).
Literary Studies Pathway (MA + PhD): Students enrolled in the literary studies PhD specialization become eligible for an MA English degree in the literary studies area when they successfully complete the first-stage doctoral requirements. The literary studies specialization does not offer an MA apart from the doctoral program. The literary studies track offers a rigorous course of study leading to the completion of a doctoral dissertation in any field of English, American, or Anglophone literature and culture, or in any field of literary theory and criticism. The program prepares students for active careers in higher education among other potential fields and combines a sharp focus on conceptual approaches to literary and cultural works with a commitment to broad coverage of the field of Anglophone literature. Graduate seminars taken during the first phases of the doctoral program serve to prepare students to develop research projects for the dissertation. As they progress toward the PhD, students are invited to consider interdisciplinary subspecialties: literary theory and criticism, visual studies, ecocriticism and environmentalism, transnational and global literature, material culture, print culture and book history, digital humanities, disability studies, gender studies, race and ethnic studies, feminist theory, LGBTQ literature and queer theory, postcolonial studies. The program provides opportunities for teaching writing and literature and for administrative experience.
Composition and Rhetoric Pathway (PhD): Students enrolled in the composition and rhetoric PhD specialization must have earned a master's degree prior to matriculation in our doctoral program. The composition and rhetoric track offers a vibrant intellectual community of scholar-teachers and supports research in a wide array of subfields, including literacy studies, composition theory & pedagogy, rhetorical studies, and writing centers/writing program administration. Faculty expertise in literacy, composition, and rhetoric includes emphases in migration, race and ethnicity, critical theory, historical and ethnographic methods, space and place, environmental rhetoric, science writing, visual rhetoric, and transnationalism. This multidisciplinary program with a low faculty-to-student ratio offers doctoral students close contact with faculty mentors throughout coursework and dissertation research. It also maintains close collaborations with campus programs in Communication Arts, Language Sciences, and Curriculum and Instruction, among others. The program offers varied opportunities for professional development in teaching, research, and writing program administration, and is recognized for its commitment to training well-rounded professionals in the field of composition and rhetoric.
English Language and Linguistics Pathway (MA+ PhD): The English language and linguistics area is intended for students with a solid foundation in the English language, applied linguistics, and related fields. Students enrolled in the English language and linguistics PhD specialization become eligible for an MA English degree when they successfully complete the first-stage doctoral requirements. The English language and linguistics specialization does not offer an MA apart from the doctoral program. Through program of course work and seminars, English language and linguistics doctoral students attain advanced knowledge in the core areas of English syntax and phonology and in the applied areas of second language acquisition, discourse analysis, and language variation and change. On reaching the dissertation stage, students pursue individual research in close cooperation with their faculty advisor. In recent years, students have written dissertations on code-switching, critical pedagogy, interactional competence, and conversation analysis, syntactic problems in second language acquisition, classroom discourse, and psycholinguistics. Graduates of the program have taken faculty positions at universities throughout the country.
If you are interested in applying to the Bridge Program in African American Studies to earn an MA and then move into the English PhD with an emphasis in Composition & Rhetoric or Literary Studies please see detailed information, Department of African American Studies
Admissions
Please consult the table below for key information about this degree program’s admissions requirements. The program may have more detailed admissions requirements, which can be found below the table or on the program’s website.
Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online.
| Fall Deadline | December 8 |
| Spring Deadline | The program does not admit in the spring. |
| Summer Deadline | The program does not admit in the summer. |
| GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) | Not required. |
| English Proficiency Test | Every applicant whose native language is not English, or whose undergraduate instruction was not exclusively in English, must provide an English proficiency test score earned within two years of the anticipated term of enrollment. Refer to the Graduate School: Minimum Requirements for Admission policy: https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-1241. |
| Other Test(s) (e.g., GMAT, MCAT) | n/a |
| Letters of Recommendation Required | 3 |
The Department of English offers a PhD in English. Applicants choose one program pathway of study (Composition and Rhetoric, English Language and Linguistics, or Literary Studies). Applicants applying to the Composition and Rhetoric program must already hold an MA degree.
The department also welcomes applications from well prepared applicants who do not have the equivalent of an English major. Such applicants may be asked to supplement the program of study by completing a small number of coverage courses.
Literary Studies Pathway (MA+PhD)
Applicants must demonstrate competence in one or more fields of literature in English and may have a bachelor's or master’s degree from an accredited institution. Applicants who already hold an MA from another institution or program are expected to earn the MA degree in our Literary Studies program as well.
Composition & Rhetoric Pathway (PhD)
Applicants may have bachelor’s and master’s degree from a variety of fields beyond English but must complete a master's degree or equivalent before beginning our Composition & Rhetoric doctoral program.
English Language & Linguistics Pathway (MA+PhD)
Applicants must demonstrate competence in applied linguistics, linguistics or a related field and must have a bachelor's or master’s degree from an accredited institution. In addition, entrance into the program presumes courses in the history of English and English dialects and courses in English syntax and English phonology. Applicants who already hold an MA degree from another institution or program are expected to earn the MA degree in our program as well.
Funding
Graduate School Resources
Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid. Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.
Program Resources
Prospective students should see the program website for funding information.
Minimum Graduate School Requirements
Review the Graduate School minimum academic progress and degree requirements, in addition to the program requirements listed below.
Major Requirements
Mode of Instruction
| Face to Face | Evening/Weekend | Online | Hybrid | Accelerated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | No | No | No | No |
Mode of Instruction Definitions
Accelerated: Accelerated programs are offered at a fast pace that condenses the time to completion. Students typically take enough credits aimed at completing the program in a year or two.
Evening/Weekend: Courses meet on the UW–Madison campus only in evenings and/or on weekends to accommodate typical business schedules. Students have the advantages of face-to-face courses with the flexibility to keep work and other life commitments.
Face-to-Face: Courses typically meet during weekdays on the UW-Madison Campus.
Hybrid: These programs combine face-to-face and online learning formats. Contact the program for more specific information.
Online: These programs are offered 100% online. Some programs may require an on-campus orientation or residency experience, but the courses will be facilitated in an online format.
Curricular Requirements
| Minimum Credit Requirement | 51 Credits |
| Minimum Residence Credit Requirement | 32 credits |
| Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement | 26 credits must be graduate-level coursework. Graduate School’s Minimum Graduate Coursework (50%) Requirement Policy: https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-1244 |
| Overall Graduate GPA Requirement | 3.5 GPA |
| Other Grade Requirements | Grades of BC or lower cannot be used to meet an English Course Requirement. A student who fails to meet the GPA requirement requirement may be reviewed for Satisfactory progress or placed on Departmental Probation. |
| Assessments and Examinations |
|
| Language Requirements | Demonstrate proof of competency in one non-English language by the time of PhD degree completion. Proof of competencies may include, coursework equivalent to third and fourth semesters of study; reading knowledge exam; language of a non-native English speaker, an additional tools/methods course (with advisor approval). Other language competency options may apply with the program area director/advisor approval. Students who earn an MA as part of the PhD degree will be required to have proof of two language competencies prior to dissertator status. |
| Graduate School Breadth Requirements | All doctoral students are required to complete a doctoral minor or graduate/professional certificate. Refer to the Graduate School: Breadth Requirement in Doctoral Training policy: https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-1200. Students are required to consult with their program faculty advisor. |
Required Courses
Each pathway has specific course requirements. Graduate seminar offerings in English reflect the faculty's current areas of research and therefore change importantly from year to year. Please consult the department website for more detailed information.
Composition and Rhetoric Pathway1
Coursework is designed to offer you a balanced background in rhetoric, composition, and literacy studies. All courses are chosen in consultation with the program's faculty advisor. Courses from outside the below course lists may apply with faculty advisor approval.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Composition Rhetoric Requirement | 18 | |
| Students must complete 18 credits. Typically, one rhetoric-focused course and one composition/literacy focused course are available each semester. | ||
| Introduction to Composition Studies | ||
| Writing and Learning | ||
| Perspectives on Literacy | ||
| Research Methods in Composition Studies | ||
| Intellectual Sources of Contemporary Composition Theory I-Classical | ||
| Intellectual Sources of Contemporary Composition Theory II-Modern | ||
| Special Topics in Composition Theory | ||
| Composition and Critical Theories | ||
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Research Methods/Tools Requirement | 6 | |
| Students must complete 6 credits. This requirement is fulfilled by taking two courses that focus explicitly on the problems and practice of research. An array of qualitative and quantitative research methods courses offered in other programs and departments also can fulfill this requirement. ENGL 701 and ENGL 703 may satisfy the Research Methods / Tools requirement but may not double-count towards the Comprehension Rhetoric requirement. | ||
| Writing and Learning | ||
| Research Methods in Composition Studies | ||
| Independent Reading | ||
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Breadth | 9-12 | |
| Courses are chosen by the student and the minor or graduate/professional certificate advisor in consultation with the student’s program advisor. This requirement is completed prior to obtaining dissertator status. | ||
| Independent Study and Electives | 3-15 | |
| To meet the minimum credit requirement, students complete additional coursework, including independent study and/or language or dissertator research credits. | ||
ENGL 999 | (Optional) 2 | |
| Dissertator Research | ||
| Students with dissertator status enroll in 3 credits of the following course every term to complete the degree. | ||
| Dissertation Research in English | ||
| Total Credits | 51 | |
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
- 2
ENGL 999 may be taken for the first time in the semester in which students are completing the English Course Requirements or have completed the coursework requirements.
English Language and Linguistics Pathway1
Students must complete the requirements for the English MA for this pathway. All courses are chosen in consultation with the program's faculty advisor. Courses outside of the below course lists may apply with faculty advisor approval.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MA degree en route to the PhD degree | ||
| Students must complete the requirements for the English MA, English Language and Linguistics pathway. Students complete 10 courses and one language competency. These requirements must be completed, meeting satisfactory academic progress, before the beginning of the fifth semester. | ||
| Required Courses | ||
| Students must complete the following courses. | ||
| ENGL 314 | Structure of English | 3 |
| ENGL 315 | English Phonology | 3 |
| ENGL 514 | English Syntax | 3 |
| ENGL 516 | English Grammar in Use | 3 |
| Electives | 18 | |
| Students choose from the below course list | ||
| Language Requirement | ||
| Students must demonstrate proof of adequate competency in one non-English language by the time of MA degree completion. | ||
| Total Credits (MA) | 30 | |
To earn the PhD, students complete the following courses.
Students work in an area or areas of specialization and begin to create an ongoing research agenda.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Seminar Requirement | 9 | |
| Students must complete 9 credits of seminars beyond courses completed for the master's and approved by your advisor. | ||
| English Language Variation in the U.S. | ||
| Second Language Acquisition | ||
| Language, Race, and Identity | ||
| English Words: Grammar, Culture, Mind | ||
| Global Spread of English | ||
| Introduction to TESOL Methods | ||
| English in Society | ||
| History of the English Language | ||
| Topics in English Language and Linguistics | ||
| English Syntax | ||
| English Grammar in Use | ||
| Old English | ||
| Advanced English Syntax | ||
| Advanced English Phonology | ||
| Interaction Analysis: Talk as Social Organization | ||
| Research Methods in Applied Linguistics | ||
| Topics in Contemporary English Linguistics | ||
| Advanced Second Language Acquisition | ||
| Seminar-Topics in Applied English Linguistics | ||
| Seminar-The English Language | ||
| Breadth | 9-12 | |
| Courses are chosen by the student and the minor or graduate/professional certificate advisor in consultation with the student’s program advisor. This requirement is completed prior to obtaining dissertator status. | ||
| Research | ||
| Students with dissertator status enroll in 3 credits of the following course every term to complete the degree. | ||
| ENGL 990 | Dissertation Research in English | 1-12 |
| Total Credits | 51 | |
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
Literary Studies Pathway1
Students must complete the requirements for the English MA for this pathway. All courses are chosen in consultation with the program's faculty advisor. Courses from outside the below course lists may apply with faculty advisor approval.
To ensure breadth of knowledge, students must complete courses in different chronological and geographical areas. All coursework must be completed in English (ENGL) courses numbered 700 or above. ENGL/MEDIEVAL 520 Old English may be applied towards this requirement. These requirements must be completed before the start of the fifth semester.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Literature | 6 | |
| Students must complete two literature courses in the English Department. | ||
Pre-1800 | ||
Post-1800 | ||
| Literary Studies | ||
| Students must complete the following course. | ||
| ENGL 800 | Critical Methods in Literary Studies | 3 |
| Composition | ||
| Students must complete one of the following courses. | ||
| ENGL 700 | Introduction to Composition Studies | 3 |
| or ENGL/MEDIEVAL 520 | Old English | |
| Race, Ethnicity and/or Indigeneity | ||
| Students must complete at least 3 credits of a graduate-level course that focuses on topics of race, ethnicity and/or indigenity. | 3 | |
| Seminars | 15 | |
| Students must complete 15 credits of additional graduate seminars. | ||
| Language Requirement | ||
| Students must demonstrate proof of adequate competency in one non-English language by the time of MA degree completion. | ||
| Total Credits (MA) | 30 | |
To earn the PhD, students complete the following courses.
Students work in an area or areas of specialization and begin to create an ongoing research agenda.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Courses or Seminars | 9 | |
| Students must complete 9 credits of graduate courses or seminars after the master's and approved by the program advisor. | ||
| Breadth | 9-12 | |
| Courses are chosen by the student and the minor or graduate/professional certificate advisor in consultation with the student’s program advisor. This requirement is completed prior to obtaining dissertator status. | ||
| Research | ||
| Students with dissertator status enroll in 3 credits of the following course every term to complete the degree. | ||
| ENGL 990 | Dissertation Research in English | 1-12 |
| Total credits | 51 | |
- 1
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
Additional Program Requirements
All students must complete the following requirements:
Preliminary Exam and Dissertator Status
Successful completion of all major and breadth coursework allows students to take the preliminary exam. In preparation for preliminary exams, students may enroll in ENGL 999 in the semester in which they complete the English course requirements. Students who pass the exam obtain dissertator status, effective the following term. All students with dissertator status will enroll in exactly three credits of ENGL 990 Dissertation Research in English every required term (spring/fall) to degree completion; three credits is considered full time enrollment.
Dissertation Proposal Conference
Within six months after passing the prelim exam, each student must hold a Dissertation Proposal Conference. This consists of a meeting with the English Department faculty member who has agreed to direct their dissertation and two other faculty members who have agreed to serve on the dissertation committee. An approved dissertation proposal should follow as soon as possible, normally no later than a month after the conference.
Final Defense
A doctoral candidate writes a dissertation, with faculty guidance, representing original scholarly work of a high order and defends the dissertation.
Graduate School Policies
The Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures provide essential information regarding general university policies. Program authority to set degree policies beyond the minimum required by the Graduate School lies with the degree program faculty. Policies set by the academic degree program can be found below.
Major-Specific Policies
Prior Coursework
Graduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions*
With program director approval, students may transfer up to 6 credits of relevant graduate coursework from other institutions. Coursework earned ten years or more prior to admission to a doctoral degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements.
Undergraduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions or UW-Madison *
With program director's approval, up to 6 credits of relevant graduate level courses taken as an undergraduate student may transfer towards the MA requirements.
Credits Earned as a Professional Student at UW-Madison (Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, and Veterinary careers)
Refer to the Graduate School: Transfer Credits for Prior Coursework policy.
Credits Earned as a University Special Student at UW–Madison*
With program approval, students are allowed to transfer up to 6 credits of relevant graduate level coursework, numbered 700 or above or designated with the "Grad 50%" attribute, taken as a University Special student. Coursework earned ten or more years prior to admission to a doctoral degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements.
*Note that students may request to transfer up to 6 credits of prior-coursework in total.
Probation
Refer to the Graduate School: Probation policy.
Advisor / Committee
Refer to the Graduate School: Advisor and Graduate School: Committees (Doctoral/Master’s/MFA) policies.
Credits Per Term Allowed
Students in the English Department’s PhD program are expected to enroll full time.
Students with a fellowship, holding a university appointment % or holding dissertator status may have different credit-loads which equate to full time student status.
Please see the Graduate School’s policy for full time enrollment credit requirements.
Time Limits
Refer to the Graduate School: Time Limits policy.
Grievances and Appeals
These resources may be helpful in addressing your concerns:
- Bias or Hate Reporting
- Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures
- Hostile and Intimidating Behavior Policies and Procedures
- Employee Assistance (for personal counseling and workplace consultation around communication and conflict involving graduate assistants and other employees, post-doctoral students, faculty and staff)
- Employee Disability Resource Office (for qualified employees or applicants with disabilities to have equal employment opportunities)
- Graduate School (for informal advice at any level of review and for official appeals of program/departmental or school/college grievance decisions)
- Office of Compliance (for class harassment and discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence)
- Office Student Assistance and Support (OSAS) (for all students to seek grievance assistance and support)
- Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (for conflicts involving students)
- Ombuds Office for Faculty and Staff (for employed graduate students and post-docs, as well as faculty and staff)
- Title IX (for concerns about discrimination)
Students should contact the department chair or program director with questions about grievances. They may also contact the L&S Academic Divisional Associate Deans, the L&S Associate Dean for Teaching and Learning Administration, or the L&S Director of Human Resources.
Other
n/a
Professional Development
Graduate School Resources
Take advantage of the Graduate School's professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career.
Learning Outcomes
- Articulates research problems, potentials, and limits with respect to theory, knowledge, or practice within the field of study.
- Formulates ideas, concepts, designs, and/or techniques beyond the current boundaries of knowledge within the field of study demonstrating breadth as well as depth.
- Conducts research according to recognized standards in the field and crafts persuasive and original arguments that make a substantive contribution to the field.
- Communicates complex ideas in a clear and understandable manner that advances and articulates the value of contributions of the field of study to society
- Demonstrates knowledge and practice of pedagogy consistent with discipline and with field of study
- Fosters ethical and professional conduct.
People
Faculty: Professors Castronovo (chair), Auerbach, Barry, Bearden, Begam, Bernard-Donals, Bow, Britland, Dharwadker, Foys, Friedman, Guyer, Hill, Johnson, Keller, Kercheval, Olaniyan, Ortiz-Robles, Purnell, Raimy, Sherrard-Johnson, Wanner, M. Young, R. Young, Zimmerman; Associate Professors Allewaert, Cooper, Fawaz, Olson, Samuels, Trotter, Vareschi, Yu, Zweck; Assistant Professors Amine, Calhoun, Cho, Druschke, Edoro, Fecu, Huang