The Comparative Literature at Binghamton University is a Full Time PhD program offered at the university's main campus in Binghamton, United States of America. The program is delivered on campus in English and can be completed in 4 years. Students develop academic knowledge and practical skills that prepare them for future careers in this field. The next available intake starts on August 22, 2027.

About PhD in Comparative Literature

Graduate programs in the Department of Comparative Literature possess a long-standing commitment to critical theory and a progressive understanding of the discipline. Examining the ways in which the humanities have engaged with socio-political and ethical concerns in a contemporary world, our interdisciplinary and progressive perspective generates new and exciting scholarship. A clear emphasis on language and linguistics allows for thinking through the temporalities and nuances of addressing the fundamental questions concerning the study of the humanities. Our programs provide qualified students with the framework necessary for studying not only a broad range of literatures, but also other arts and the pursuit of translation studies or interdisciplinary studies.

The department offers three avenues of graduate study with Master of Arts (MA) and doctorate options. It features, in addition to its primary MA and PhD programs in comparative literature, an MA in translation studies, a unique interdisciplinary doctoral program in philosophy, literature, and the theory of criticism, as well as a PhD in translation studies through the internationally recognized Translation Research and Instruction Program (TRIP). Students seeking entry into any of these degree programs must be able to do graduate-level work in one or more foreign languages and must make substantial use of the foreign languages they command while completing coursework.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for PhD in Comparative Literature at Binghamton University

Entry Requirements

Provide a complete set of your undergraduate (and, if applicable, graduate) transcripts showing one of the following:
- You have earned a bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
- You are within one academic year of earning a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
- You are eligible to apply as part of a memorandum of understanding between your current institution and Binghamton University
Have earned, at minimum, one of the following:
- A 3.0 GPA over your entire undergraduate career
- A 3.0 GPA during the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits of your undergraduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
- A 3.0 GPA in a graduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
- In consideration of the different grading scales used around the world, each academic department evaluates international transcripts to determine on a case-by-case basis whether they demonstrate one of the above requirements.

English Requirements

PTEMin 53
IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 80

Career Opportunities after Completing PhD in Comparative Literature

Many graduates of the Comparative Literature program have earned placements at international universities on several continents. But even more teach in the United States at public universities or private colleges, in roles that vary greatly due to the range of skills that our program offers. Graduate students who are funded at Binghamton gain additional experience through teaching assistantships or research assistantships, which provide the training that institutions seek. See where our graduates have gone.

Tuition and Fee Information for PhD in Comparative Literature at Binghamton University

Application Fee 70

How to Apply for PhD in Comparative Literature at Binghamton University

Submit the online application and all required application materials.

You will need a valid email address to create an online application.
- For best performance, we recommend using Google Chrome to apply.
Upload all required application materials for your program to the online application.

Scan and upload the files with care, making sure they are clear, legible and complete. The graduate admissions committee will receive the files you scan and upload.
Preferred file format is PDF. Other accepted file formats include .doc, .docx, .rtf, .jpg and .tif.
Do not mail hard (paper) copies of any application materials unless specifically requested by the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Pay the $75 (USD) non-refundable graduate degree program application fee.
- You can use a Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express credit card. Your credit card bill serves as your receipt.
- We are happy to be able to grant application fee waivers to CSTEP, EOP, HEOP, LSAMP Program, Project 1000, SEEK Program or TRIO Program (McNair Scholars Program, Student Support Services, Upward Bound, etc.) students. Please provide a certified letter from your program official attesting to your participation. Documents can be uploaded directly on the application or by emailing [email protected].
- We are happy to be able to grant application fee waivers to GEM Fellowship applicants. Please submit a copy of your GEM interface homepage indicating that your overall application status is complete. Documents can be uploaded directly on the application or by emailing [email protected].
- United States Armed Forces veterans and active duty service members are also eligible for an application fee waiver. Please submit a copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214) or your Status Report Pursuant to Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (as downloaded from https://scra.dmdc.osd.mil). Documents can be uploaded directly on the application or by emailing them to [email protected].
- Please note that a request for an application fee waiver may take 2 to 3 business days to process. Please wait for an email stating that your request has been approved before submitting your application. If you have any questions about this process, please contact us at [email protected].
Submit the online application and all required application materials by your program's application deadline.

Review these reminders before you apply:

We recommend you begin the application process at least one month before your program's application deadline.
You may apply to more than one program at a time. If you receive an admission decision for more than one program, you can only confirm your intent to enroll for one program at a time. Any remaining applications will be automatically withdrawn once you have confirmed your intent to enroll by paying your admission deposit. Exceptions will be made for individuals applying to approved dual- and double-degree programs.
Take care when selecting your program. The Office of Graduate Admissions cannot make any changes to your program once we receive and begin review of your application.

If you are a former Binghamton University student (undergraduate, graduate or non-degree/non-matriculated) and have changed your name, file an official name change form with the Office of Financial Aid and Student Records before submitting an application.
If you are an international student, review the additional admission requirements for international students before submitting an application.
If you are interested in transferring graduate credits from another institution to Binghamton University, review the policies regarding the transfer of graduate credits before submitting an application. The application process is the same for students who are planning to transfer graduate credits as it is for those who are not.