Programs

The doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degree program is open to students with outstanding academic records and other evidence of critical and scholarly talents. It does not admit students whose goal is a master of arts (M.A.) degree, but only those intending to pursue a Ph.D. However, the program will award an M.A. on request to students who have either passed their qualifying exam or completed requirements noted in the program policy handbook (the Redbook). Applications for September admission to the Rutgers University-New Brunswick program should be completed by December 15.

The Ph.D. requires 42 credits of coursework, or at least 14 courses plus 6 credits of supervised reading and study carried out in preparation for the qualifying examination. The normal full-time course load is three courses per semester. Students are also required to complete a minimum of 24 research credits. Please refer to the program policy handbook (the Redbook) for details.

Graduate courses in the 500 series typically require several short written assignments and are taught in larger sections than 600-level courses, which require a long seminar paper and have smaller enrollment caps. Introductory and advanced courses are distributed across both series.

Before students may take their exam, they must demonstrate proficiency in one foreign language. This requirement can be fulfilled in several ways and applicants should consult the program policy handbook (the Redbook) for details.

The Ph.D. qualifying examination consists of a written examination and two hours of oral questioning. Please consult the program policy handbook (the Redbook) for a description of the current organization of this examination.

For further information, applicants are encouraged to consult the Department of English website or call 848-932-7674.