PhD in English at Temple University

Temple University

United States of America, Philadelphia

University Rank:#721

Temple University offers the PhD of English as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its main campus in Philadelphia, 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 and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on August 28, 2027.

About PhD in English

Prepare for a career in academia that focuses on literary theory and criticism with the Doctor of Philosophy in English in the College of Liberal Arts at Temple University. The curriculum integrates foundational and advanced coursework with rigorous independent research so you gain the expertise to pursue tenure-track positions at colleges and universities.

You can choose to focus in one or two specific areas of study, each of which serves to prepare you for high-level teaching and research roles. Areas of study include

- American literature,
- British literature,
- critical and cultural theories,
- ethnic and African American literature,
- gender and sexuality,
- literature and visual studies,
- poetry and poetics, and
- postcolonial and global literature.

Foundational courses in English literature provide the broad background needed to undergo independent research, while advanced graduate classes engage with cutting-edge faculty research and publication projects.

Learn more about English PhD faculty and their areas of expertise.

Special topics courses cover highly focused subject areas that have included the following.

Documentary poetics
Environmental studies
Literary aesthetics
Photography and literature
Queer poetry and poetics
Transatlantic feminist theory

In recent years, English PhD program graduates have found work in tenure-track positions and non-tenure teaching positions, and many are currently working in non-teaching positions for which a PhD is a qualification. Graduates often find placement throughout the Northeast, continuing a long tradition of serving and enriching the region. Increasingly, graduates have secured positions across the country, including in California, New York, Ohio and Wisconsin.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for PhD in English at Temple University

Entry Requirements

University degree requiring four years of study.

Request one certified copy of official transcripts from every college and university you have attended, even if only one course was taken. International degrees must be assessed for equivalency with a U.S. degree based on the characteristics of the national educational system, the type of institution attended and the level of studies completed. A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is ordinarily required for admissions consideration. If unofficial transcripts are submitted during the application process, submission of official academic records will be required by the end of your first term of graduate study if you are admitted and subsequently enroll at Temple University.

English Requirements

PTEMin 53
IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 79

Career Opportunities after Completing PhD in English

The advanced skills gained from a graduate degree in the College of Liberal Arts are highly relevant in today's rapidly evolving world. You will form expertise through rigorous coursework and research to meet your professional and personal goals. Our graduates find jobs across the country, particularly in the Northeast, California, New York, Ohio and Wisconsin. It's not uncommon for recent graduates to work as adjunct professors for one or more years before securing full-time employment.

Graduates from the English PhD program are prepared for the following professional roles.

College professor
Editor
Higher education administration
Journalist
Secondary English teacher
Technical writer

Tuition and Fee Information for PhD in English at Temple University

Application Fee 60

How to Apply for PhD in English at Temple University

There are important details to keep in mind as you complete and submit your application to Temple University.

1. Apply using one of two methods.

Choose one of the following two methods to apply.

1. Online Application

Submit an online application and pay the nonrefundable $60 application fee online using either a credit card or a bank account drawn on U.S. funds.

2. Paper Application

Download the PDF application and save it to your device. (Adobe Acrobat is required for access.) You can write on the form, save the final version, and then print for mailing. If you have questions while completing the paper form, refer to the application instructions. Before mailing, enclose a check or money order made payable to Temple University, in the amount of $75, drawn on a U.S. bank. The application fee cannot be refunded.

2. Ensure you use the same name on your application and standardized tests.

Use the exact same name on your application that you used when registering for your standardized tests. Slight differences in your name can cause your application to go unmatched with your reported test scores and delay the processing of your application.

3. Submit all supporting credentials.

Submit the documentation you have been gathering for your application. You can find the correct mailing address or alternate electronic submission information on the degree program’s "Contacts" page in the Graduate Bulletin. All application materials, including portfolios and exhibits, become the property of Temple University and will not be copied, forwarded to another institution or returned.

4. Contact the department with any questions.

If you have any questions about your application, contact the program or department directly. Admissions decisions are made by the department based on your complete application profile, which includes grades, test scores, recommendations, statement of goals, research interests, past employment, portfolio and more.

5. Check the status of your application.

Remember that your application is reviewed only after it is complete. You can check the status of your application and materials by returning to the application system through which you applied.

PhD in English at Temple University

Temple University

United States of America, Philadelphia