Online Ph.D. English

The Ph.D. in English program emphasizes studying literary texts in historical and cultural contexts. Most programs have strong interdisciplinary ties, and faculties have contacts with research centers to facilitate the stronger delivery of program objectives to students. The program would require about 42 to 72 hours of coursework and research, including about 12 hours of dissertation (depending on the college requirement). In all, students typically require 70 to 85 credits to complete a doctorate in English online program, taking about 5 to 6 years. The program would include one or more courses oriented toward approaches to research and seminars, and students will utilize research hours to consult with their advisors.

The English Ph.D. provides students with the opportunity for extensive and frequent writing and developing skills to produce publishable work in different forms and lengths. Students are introduced to the practice and theory of writing and teaching at various levels. They can also offer to practice teaching within their specific concentrations and shape their individual pedagogy development. The program prepares students to enter the job market and obtain faculty positions, service, teaching, or other professions. Students develop knowledge of literature, language, reading, and writing and acquire critical thinking skills.

Some of the basic components one might find common to most online Ph.D. programs English curriculum would be:

(a) Coursework

The coursework would include subject areas like theories around rhetoric, writing, and historical literature. Students cover courses within their specialization and focus on the dissertation objectives they will pursue.

(b) Teaching

Teaching is an option available to students in some colleges. Although not a compulsory requirement, one can gain some teaching experience if one has not opted for a graduate assistantship. Students who want to work in colleges can also pursue this option.

(c) Doctoral Candidacy Exams

After the student has completed their classroom and research requirements, they will take exams explicitly tailored for the chosen field and projects they want to pursue. Students should pass these exams to be allowed to submit a research proposal.

(d) Dissertation

Every Ph.D. program in English will have specific dissertation courses that prepare students to initially research, develop, organize a topic, refine their thesis, and prepare a defense. Faculty members or panels of members oversee such research and the construction of a bibliography.

The English Ph.D. program also requires students to concentrate on their specialization and explore other areas that can help them learn in an integrated way. The program will include general and specific requirements within each concentration, culminating in a dissertation. Some examples of research topics Ph.D. in English online students have taken up include: