The English 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 English

The graduate program in English at Binghamton University has distinguished faculty and outstanding graduates in a variety of fields. The English Department offers opportunities for study in all major areas of British and American literatures, with strengths in American studies, British modernities, critical theory, gender and sexualities, medieval studies, early modern and Renaissance studies, postcolonial studies, race, empire, and global diasporas, rhetorical discourse, ethnic studies, cultural studies/science studies and creative writing.

Within both the MA and PhD programs, students may choose to focus on either literary research or creative writing.

Doctoral Program highlights:

Streamlined time to degree
Flexible, individualized course work
Substantive teaching experience
Close mentoring in our small program
Graduate student-run conferences, journals, and reading series (see below)

Master's Program highlights:

Flexible, individualized course work
Optional thesis for the MA in English/Literature
Creative thesis for the MA in English/Creative
Graduate student-run conferences, journals, and reading series (see below)

Qualified doctoral students are typically eligible for 4 years of funding, usually as teaching assistants (or in some cases, graduate assistants). Students usually begin as teaching assistants to department faculty, take ENG 589: Teaching College English, teach for two years in the University's Writing Initiative, and in their fourth year have the opportunity to teach literature or creative writing courses within the department. Doctoral students have the opportunity for a fifth year of financial support by developing and teaching their own courses relevant to their research and/or creative focus. Unfunded students sometimes teach in the Writing Initiative as well. These exceptional teaching experiences prepare students for future careers in academia and make our graduates more competitive on the job market.

The University also offers Clark Fellowships for underrepresented populations.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for PhD in English 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 English

Our graduates pursue meaningful careers both within and beyond academia. Over the past 10 years, about two thirds of our PhDs have secured full-time, permanent academic positions in the U.S. and internationally. They serve as assistant, associate, and full professors at institutions ranging from research institutions to small liberal arts colleges to regional and community colleges. Others have become administrators in writing programs and academic advising and as deans. Some graduates have pursued careers in public and private high school teaching, while others work in editing, publishing, and media communications. Some of our creative writing graduates devote themselves full-time to their writing.

The Director of Graduate Studies, assisted by other department faculty, holds regular job placement workshops throughout the year that are focused on academic and non-academic careers as well as career options specifically for MA students. The DGS also advises MA students who are interested in pursuing doctoral studies. Our job search workshops address topics such as navigating the academic job market, preparing documents for academic and non-academic jobs, and interviewing. Department faculty are also available to conduct mock interviews for academic jobs.

Tuition and Fee Information for PhD in English at Binghamton University

Application Fee 70

How to Apply for PhD in English 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.