CGU’s PhD program in English prepares you for a lifetime of literature scholarship through rigorous coursework, research, and analysis in English and American literature, reinforced by scholarship in critical theory.
Distinguished by its close ties to other departments in CGU’s School of Arts & Humanities and by its strength in interdisciplinary and transnational analyses of literature, our program offers traditional, interdisciplinary, and customized tracks of study to help you develop the critical and analytical skills necessary to begin your career as a teacher, critic, and scholar. Small seminar-style classes and dedicated faculty promote a student-centered environment in which you are encouraged to explore and develop a solid foundation in the literature of America and Great Britain. You can take a conventional route and explore a single discipline or literature, or build a path that integrates disciplines and departments. You’ll also acquire research skills and area expertise as a doctoral student. In addition, the larger Claremont Colleges community is at your disposal through libraries, courses, faculties, guest speakers, and related literary events. Your advanced English study at Claremont Graduate University will give you the tools, knowledge, and scholarly experience to succeed in an academic or other professional career.
Program Highlights
- Interdisciplinary inquiry is a fact of life in the English Department. You can tailor a course of study in Cultural and Gender Studies, Religion and Literature, the graphic novel and more.
- You can pursue elective coursework in other CGU departments and schools and across the colleges of the Claremont University Consortium.
- You can earn a PhD in English in conjunction with another degree program at CGU, such as an MA in Economics. You receive a diploma for each degree and “double count” some units from one program to the other to decrease your required total units.
