The Doctor of Philosophy Degree in English
Note: A complete copy of the English Department's Programs and Policies for Graduate Study can be downloaded in either MS Word (.doc) or Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) formats.
The Doctor of Philosophy in English is a professional degree designed primarily for those planning on or already engaged in careers as teachers and writers in four-year colleges and universities. The requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy in English can be completed in four years of full-time academic work (or the equivalent over a longer period) beyond the baccalaureate degree. For those entering with a Master's degree or its equivalent, the requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy degree can be completed in three years of full-time academic work (or the equivalent over a longer period). A longer period may, however, prove necessary for some students. Two semesters of full-time work in residence are required.
In addition to meeting the general University requirements for admission to doctoral study, an applicant should present an undergraduate preparation in the liberal arts with a major in English. Applicants with preparation in other fields, however, may be considered. All applicants must submit the results of the Graduate Record Examination General Test, 15-20 pages of critical writing and, where it is appropriate to the applicant’s interests, 15-20 pages of creative writing.
Students are admitted to the Ph.D. program for the Fall semester only. Applicants wishing to be considered for all forms of financial assistance should have completed applications to the Office of Graduate Admissions by January 15. Applicants who do not wish to be considered for financial assistance, but who want to be assured consideration for the Fall semester, should have their completed applications received by the Office of Graduate Admissions no later than April 1. For more details, see "Admissions Information".
The program of study, planned with the Director of Graduate Studies in English, is directed toward the student's interests and specific career objectives. It consists of the following:
A student may apply for up to 30 hours of previous graduate credit in English, of which no more than 8 may come from previous writing workshops, toward the 72-credit hour requirement in the Doctor of Philosophy program. Courses presented for advanced standing are subject to all the requirements and restrictions described in the University’s Graduate Bulletin.
All students must accumulate a minimum of 72 credits, distributed as follows: required courses (16 credits), courses in an area of concentration (at least 16 credits); and elective courses (at least 8 credits outside of chosen concentration). At least 60 of the 72 hours must be taken in English; up to 12 hours may be taken in a “supporting field” (see below).
Four courses (16 credits) are required of all students:
- ENG 710 Textual Studies I: Survey;
- ENG 720 Textual Studies II;
- ENG 770 Teaching Writing and Literature; and
- ENG 771 Practicum in Teaching Writing and Literature.
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Office of Graduate Studies Prof. Richard Barney Director of Graduate Studies Humanities 333 (518) 442-4099 rbarney@albany.edu |
The Department of English
University at Albany State University of New York Humanities 333 1400 Washington Avenue Albany, NY 12222 Phone: (518) 442-4055 Fax: (518) 442-4599 |
Masters Program
Prof. Helen Elam M.A. Advisor Humanities 342 (518) 442-4078 hre@albany.edu |
