Program Statistics
Visit Master's Program Statistics and PhD Program Statistics for statistics such as program admissions, enrollment, student demographics and more.
English
Degree Types: PhD, MA, MFA+MA dual degree
The Graduate Program in the Department of English offers advanced study and research in literary history, criticism, and theory, with excellent opportunities for interdepartmental and interdisciplinary study. Courses within the department cover major genres, periods, authors, and a broad range of methodological and theoretical approaches.
The graduate curriculum is enhanced by frequent lectures and workshops with Northwestern faculty and visiting scholars from around the world. Student-organized colloquia, conferences, reading groups, and dissertation groups provide opportunities for students to present their research to an audience of peers.
Students in this program are also encouraged to participate in TGS’s Interdisciplinary Cluster Initiative program. For more information on how you can have a second intellectual “home” outside of your department or program, please visit the Interdisciplinary Cluster Initiative page.
Additional resources:
Program Contact
Contact Nathan Mead
Graduate Program Assistant
847-491-3341
Degree Requirements
The following requirements are in addition to, or further elaborate upon, those requirements outlined in The Graduate School Policy Guide.
Master's
Total Units Required: 9
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| Courses | |
| Two 400-level English Department seminars focusing on pre-1800 literature | |
| Two 400-level English Department seminars focusing on post-1800 literature | |
| Five elective seminars from the following: | |
ENGLISH 410-0 | Introduction to Graduate Study |
Up to three can be taken in related departments at the student’s option | |
Up to four can, with approval, be taken at the 300-level | |
Other MA Degree Requirements
- Capstone Essay: submitted by end of Spring Quarter, this 20-25 page essay will typically be an expanded version of one written for an English Department graduate seminar, revised in response to comments from, and as appropriate in consultation with, the seminar instructor.
The MA is a terminal degree and is in no way linked to admission to the PhD program. MA students wishing to enter the PhD program must apply to that program.
Degree Requirements
The following requirements are in addition to, or further elaborate upon, those requirements outlined in The Graduate School Policy Guide.
PhD
Total Units Required: 22
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| Courses | |
| ENGLISH 410-0 | Introduction to Graduate Study |
| Three courses dealing primarily with literature written before 1800 and three dealing primarily with literature written after 1800 1 | |
| Twelve electives 2 | |
| Two professional development workshops 3 | |
- 1
must be at the 400-level, ENGLISH 499-0 Independent Study is not an option
- 2
Ten if student enters with either an MA or MFA; including ENGLISH 490-0 Independent Reading, ENGLISH 499-0 Independent Study
- 3
ENGLISH 520-0 Writing for Publication, ENGLISH 570-0 Seminar in Teaching Composition
Other PhD Degree Requirements
- Examinations: first-year review; for admission to candidacy, language examination to demonstrate competence in a language other than English, oral qualifying examination in area of specialization, and submission of approved dissertation prospectus by end of third year
- PhD Dissertation: must be completed within nine years after original matriculation, though faster completion strongly urged
- Final Evaluations: defense of dissertation
- Other: instructional duties as designated by department