Master's in English - Doctoral Track

UNCG has a customized track for English Master’s students who want to eventually pursue a doctoral degree. Any English Master’s student who already plans to continue to the PhD may apply for the MA to PhD program. However, MA to PhD admissions are limited: such an admission represents a potentially long-term commitment by the English Department and is based on the applicant’s unusual promise and exceptional record. 

Once admitted to this program, the student must complete the MA in full good standing in order to continue into doctoral work. Most admitted students are supported by two-year MA and four-year PhD assistantships. If not admitted to the MA to PhD program, the applicant may still be admitted to the MA program, and may apply the following year for admission to the PhD program.

English Master’s to PhD PROGRAM DISTINCTIONS

The English Master’s to PhD is a customized and competitive program where students build lasting relationships with faculty members.

• UNCG’s graduate program in English ranks No. 3 in North Carolina by U.S. News & World Report (2025).
• The Department of English is a member of the Association of Departments of English, the South Atlantic Association of Departments of English, and the Associated Writing Programs.

THE Master’s to PhD in English STUDENT EXPERIENCE

Students who are selected for the English master’s doctoral track benefit from determining their research interests early. The transition from broad study to deep, narrow focus happens quicker. In addition, relationships with mentors are stronger based on the longer commitment at UNCG.

• Internships are available to gain work experience while attaining your degree. 
• Most full-time students receive teaching assistantships, which come with tuition waivers and stipends.
• Graduate students consistently remark on the strong sense of community among the graduate English program.

AFTER GRADUATIng with a PhD in English

This plan is usually selected by students who want to continue on with a PhD in English, often with the further goal of a teaching/research position at a university or four-year college. UNCG beats the national average for placing PhDs in tenure-track jobs.

Career examples include:

• College/University Professor
• Academic Administration
• Institutional Research
• Corporate Research, Public Relations and Communications Leaders
• Nonprofit Leadership