The Ph.D. in English permits students to focus on literary traditions and literary theory. Doctoral students identify, investigate and theorize the social functions of texts in a variety of contexts both within and outside the academy, doing work that crosses the increasingly fluid boundaries that have begun to characterize the profession of literary and cultural studies. The program provides sustained focus on the social functions of all categories of texts (both literary and non-literary), including the conditions of their production, distribution and consequent use.

Kent State University offers the PhD of English - Ph.D. as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its main campus in Kent , United States of America. Taught in English and completed over 4 years, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for english - ph.d. and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on August 25, 2027.
About English - Ph.D.
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Demonstrate effective teaching skills and knowledge of appropriate teaching theories.
- Demonstrate the ability to read and interpret research in their field.
- Write coherently and clearly about research topics and other topics.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how disciplines are interconnected.
- Demonstrate the ability to think critically and creatively about topics both inside and outside academia.
- Apply appropriate research methods to objects of study.
Requirements and Admission Criteria for English - Ph.D. at Kent State University
Entry Requirements
- Master's degree from an accredited college or university for unconditional admission
- Minimum 3.000 GPA on a 4.000 point scale for unconditional admission
- Official transcript(s)
- GRE scores (waived for in-service teachers)
- Goal statement
- Writing sample (8-15 pages) relevant to the field of study
- Three letters of recommendation
- English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
- Minimum 587 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
- Minimum 94 TOEFL IBT score (Internet-based version)
- Minimum 82 MELAB score
- Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
- Minimum 65 PTE score
- Minimum 130 Duolingo English Test score
For more information about graduate admissions, please visit the Graduate Studies admission website. For more information on international admission, visit the Office of Global Education's admission website.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Demonstrate effective teaching skills and knowledge of appropriate teaching theories.
- Demonstrate the ability to read and interpret research in their field.
- Write coherently and clearly about research topics and other topics.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how disciplines are interconnected.
- Demonstrate the ability to think critically and creatively about topics both inside and outside academia.
- Apply appropriate research methods to objects of study.
English Requirements
- PTEMin 58
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 79
English Program Requirements
Submitting your English test score
When applying as an undergraduate or graduate student to Kent State, there are a variety of ways to submit your score depending on which type of test you took.
- Students should request that ETS send official TOEFL scores directly to Kent (institution code: 1367).
- An IELTS or PTE report needs to be uploaded as a scanned PDF into our online application system..
All English scores will be verified for authenticity. Students with fraudulent documents will result in denial of admission or immediate dismissal.
Proficiency Waivers
Depending on your educational background, you may be eligible for an English language proficiency waiver, meaning you do not need to take a language exam. See our country list and related requirements.
Tuition and Fee Information for English - Ph.D. at Kent State University
1 Based on one academic year, two semesters for a full-time international student. Program and special course fees are additional.
2 Based on a standard double room and basic board plan. Other room types and board plans at different prices are available.
3 Based on the Student Health Insurance premium for one year. The United States does not have universal health care. For this reason, the university requires all international students to purchase the sponsored student health insurance plan. Under certain criteria, a student may request a waiver of this charge. Total is based on an estimated cost of the required books/supplies for each term and is subject to change each fall.
All international students are required to pay the $20 per semester International Student Activity Fee. The fee is assessed each semester to support the delivery of the various programs ISSS provides to its students.
How to Apply for English - Ph.D. at Kent State University
Follow the steps below to become part of the Kent State community. If you have any questions, please reach out to us any time.
- Submit an Online Application and Fee
- Prepare Application Documents to Upload as You Apply
- Passport biographical page.
- English Language Proficiency official results report for IELTS, PTE or MELAB. TOEFL score should be submitted officially through ETS (Institution Code 1367).
- College transcript/detailed marksheets (Certified English translation and original language).
- College Graduation Certificate/Diploma if already issued (Certified English translation and original language).
- GRE/GMAT or other standardized tests if required (submit official test report through test center).
- Graduate assistantship application (if applicable).
- Assistantship application.
- Graduate assistantship applicants may need to meet earlier deadlines. Please check with department for deadlines.
- Additional documents if required. *Review requirements from individual department or school.
- Financial guarantee (bank statements) that show sufficient funds to cover educational expenses.*
- Kent State University Financial Information Worksheet.*
- *Financial documents are only required after acceptance.
- Upload All Required Documents to the Online Application System
For faster processing, all the documents should be uploaded in the online application system to complete the application.
- Check Your Application Status
- Apply for Immigration Documents (I-20)
- Transfer Your SEVIS record (If Applicable)
If you are an F-1 student transferring from a school in the United States, please review the Transfer In Guide regarding your SEVIS record transfer. F-1 students must transfer their SEVIS record in order to maintain their F-1 status.
- Provide Final and Official Documents After Arrival
For admissions purposes, we accept scanned documents of international credentials and scanned copies of official U.S. transcripts. When an applicant is admitted, his/her final and official transcripts and diploma should be brought to the International Admissions Office for verification. This should be done within the first semester (or the first module for ESL students). Otherwise, the student's account will be put on HOLD.

United States of America, Kent