PhD in English

Advance your scholarship and shape the future of the humanities through UNC Greensboro’s Ph.D. in English. This rigorous doctoral program prepares students for careers in higher education, research, writing, and other professions that value advanced expertise in language, literature, rhetoric, and critical inquiry.

Students work closely with faculty mentors while pursuing original research in one of 12 specialization areas spanning British and American literature, literary theory, and rhetoric and composition. Through a combination of advanced coursework, teaching experience, and scholarly engagement, doctoral students develop the knowledge and professional skills needed to contribute to their fields as researchers, educators, and leaders.

phd in english PROGRAM DISTINCTIONS 

• Customize your doctoral studies through 12 specialization areas. Tailor your coursework and research to your interests across British and American literature, literary theory, rhetoric and composition, and related fields.
• Learn from award-winning faculty scholars. Study with nationally recognized faculty whose research, publications, creative work, and mentorship contribute to the advancement of the humanities.
• Produce original scholarship. Complete a dissertation that develops your expertise and contributes new knowledge to the field of English.
• Study in a nationally recognized graduate program. UNCG’s English graduate program ranks among the top programs in North Carolina and is recognized for academic excellence and student success. The program ranks No. 3 in North Carolina by U.S. News & World Report (2025).
• Connect with the broader scholarly community. The Department of English actively participates in leading professional organizations, including the Association of Departments of English, the South Atlantic Association of Departments of English, and the Association of Writers & Writing Programs.

THE English phd STUDENT EXPERIENCE

A PhD typically requires 5-7 years of intense, full-time studying and writing. Teaching assistantships and internships, job placement workshops, and intensive study with our distinguished faculty within the English Department help our doctoral students prepare for careers in the academy and in humanities-supported professions.

• Receive support through teaching assistantships. Many doctoral students gain valuable classroom experience while receiving funding that helps support their graduate education.
• Work closely with dedicated faculty mentors. Build meaningful relationships with faculty who provide individualized guidance throughout coursework, research, and dissertation development.
• Prepare for a range of professional opportunities. Take advantage of internships, workshops, and professional development resources that support careers in higher education and humanities-focused professions.
• Join a collaborative community of scholars. Graduate students consistently highlight the strong sense of connection, support, and intellectual engagement within the English program.
• Develop as both a scholar and educator. Gain experience conducting advanced research, presenting your work, teaching college students, and contributing to academic conversations within your field.

Careers for English phd graduates

UNC Greensboro’s Ph.D. in English prepares graduates for careers in higher education, research, writing, administration, and other humanities-driven professions. Since 2016, 72% of graduates from the doctoral program have secured tenure-track or other full-time academic positions, reflecting the program’s strong record of professional success.

Recent graduates have secured positions as:

• Postdoctoral Fellow, Baylor University
• Assistant Professor, Mercy College
• Assistant Professor, West Virginia University at Parkersburg
• Assistant Professor, University of North Georgia
• Assistant Professor, University of Mary Washington
• Assistant Professor, University of Lynchburg
• Recent graduates have secured positions as:

We are proud of the range of positions our PhD students have taken including not only tenure-track positions at four-year institutions but careers in grant-writing, nonprofit work, and other non-academic and alternative-academic fields. These include:

FAQS For the English PHD Program

Click here for more FAQs regarding English graduate programs at UNCG.