Saint Louis University's Ph.D. in English provides students with advanced scholarly training in a variety of literary fields and in the study of rhetoric and composition. Students in our program receive training in pedagogy, research, writing, and theory. The Ph.D. prepares students for careers in higher education as well as in non-academic fields, including publishing, editing and secondary education.

The English at Saint Louis University is a Full Time PhD program offered at the university's main campus in Saint Louis , 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 23, 2027.
About PhD in English
- Graduates will be able to demonstrate a broad knowledge of literary histories, aesthetics, cultures, and emerging areas of inquiry, including an awareness of cultural diversity within literary traditions.
- Graduates will be able to demonstrate proficiency in formulating written and spoken arguments situated within a historical or methodological field of study, as defined in the sections of the department's Graduate Handbook covering Ph.D. exams.
- Graduates will be able to demonstrate the ability to write and present papers or their equivalent within professional contexts.
- Graduates will be able to demonstrate the ability to conceptualize, develop, and bring to successful completion an original, sustained, and coherent independent research project (e.g., the dissertation) that contributes to one's field of specialization.
- Graduates will be able to demonstrate the skills necessary for teaching at the undergraduate level.
- Graduates will be able to demonstrate an ability to generate degree-appropriate job search materials.
Requirements and Admission Criteria for PhD in English at Saint Louis University
Entry Requirements
- Completed application
- Undergraduate degree (most successful applicants have an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or better)
- Official transcript from a degree-granting institution
- Statement of purpose (about 500 words)
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- External reference recommendations (encouraged but not required)
Upon admission, a new student must successfully complete a virtual meeting with their academic coach to be enrolled in first term coursework.
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.
English Requirements
- PTEMin 54
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 80
Career Opportunities after Completing PhD in English
Recent graduates with a Ph.D. in English from SLU have accepted tenure-track faculty positions at Creighton University, University of Central Florida, University of Detroit-Mercy, Missouri University of Science and Technology (Rolla), Truman State University and University of North Texas, Dallas.
Ph.D. graduates who pursued non-academic paths have accepted positions such as document analyst at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, corporate training manager at Enterprise Holdings and the director of research communication at Washington University's School of Medicine.
Tuition and Fee Information for PhD in English at Saint Louis University
How to Apply for PhD in English at Saint Louis University
Step 1: Accept or decline your admission
If you applied using SLU’s online graduate application, you can notify us about your decision to accept or decline your admission by logging in and clicking on “Manage Your Account.” From there, you can access the decision form.
If you’ve used a third-party, centralized application to apply — such as SOPHAS for public health programs or CASPA for physician administration programs — you’ll need to email us directly at [email protected] with your decision.
Step 2: Set up your SLU Net ID
Follow these step-by-step instructions to set up your SLU Net ID.
Step 3: Log into MySLU
Log into mySLU at auth.slu.edu. Use your SLU Net ID and SLU Net Password, then click "Login." Click on the "Tools" tab to find links to systems, such as Banner Self-Service and other SLU applications and systems.
When logging in for the first time, you will be directed to set up your multi-factor authentication. You will need to log in upon completing that process.
Step 4: Check with your academic department
Contact your department in order to receive enrollment directions, important dates and other information specific to your graduate program. You can also check the University calendar.
Step 5: Read the Saint Louis University Graduate Catalog
Step 6: Submit your immunization and health insurance forms
If you decide to attend SLU, you will need to submit your immunization records and health history. You will also need to submit a health plan enrollment/waiver form.
Step 7: Visit parking and card services to obtain your SLU ID card
You’ll use your SLU ID card to access student services and campus buildings such as the library. Make sure to bring a photo ID, along with a copy of your class schedule.

United States of America, Saint Louis