English Ph.D at St. John’s

Another academic year starts today!

The best thing about the Fall 2015 semester is that, thanks to the hard work and vision of many people, the St. John’s English department is now able for the first time since the early 1970s to offer the Ph.D degree in English.

Here’s a screen grab of the University webpage for the new degree program, which replaces our former Doctor of Arts in English. We’ll also host lots of information, including faculty and course profiles, here on the SJU English blog.

English, Doctor of Philosophy

48 Credits
St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Queens Campus

Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) at St. John’s University distinguishes itself through its integration of rigorous research and writing with pedagogical theory and practice. As a student in the program, you’ll combine advanced literary, cultural, and writing studies with preparation for teaching. You’ll work with our distinguished faculty members to explore traditional and emerging fields of literature, cultural studies, critical theory, and composition and rhetoric, while gaining experience teaching undergraduate courses in writing and literature.

The Ph.D. is the highest degree offered by the Department of English.

The program is designed for both full-time graduate students and professional educators, administrators, and writers who wish to complete a doctoral degree part-time. Pursuing full-time study, you can complete the Ph.D. in about five to six years: two years of coursework, followed by approximately three or four years completing the oral comprehensive exams and dissertation while teaching. As a part-time student, you’ll proceed more gradually toward completing the requirements.

For additional information about the Ph.D. program and the Department of English, please follow our department’s blog, which features course descriptions, faculty profiles, upcoming events, departmental publications, departmental forms, and listings for available jobs and internships.

Department Contact
Steve R. Mentz, Ph.D.
Professor and Director of Graduate Studies
Department of English
St. John Hall, Room B-40
718-990-6690
mentzs@stjohns.edu

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Courses

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Admission

To apply to the Ph.D. in English, you must submit official transcripts showing conferral of your bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 24 credits in English or American literature. You must also possess at least a cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the undergraduate level, with a 3.5 or better in English courses.

We require that you submit evidence of acceptable scores for the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test along with your application. The subject GRE Test is not required.

You must submit three letters of recommendation, two of which come from an academic reference and attest to your work as a student. You must also submit a recent sample of written work, as well as a personal statement detailing your professional goals.

Applicants who apply with an M.A. or M.F.A. in English may receive up to 18 credits of advanced standing, with approval from the graduate director and the Dean’s office.

Admissions Contact
Robert Medrano
Director of Graduate Admissions
718-990-1601
gradhelp@stjohns.edu

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Career Outcomes

The Ph.D. program at St. John’s will prepare you as a teacher-scholar of English ready for positions in teaching intensive institutions such as community colleges, state regional universities, and liberal arts colleges. The broad training you’ll receive across the sub-disciplines of literary studies, creative writing, and writing studies will also position you for careers in media and communication, publishing, technical writing, writing center administration, and other emerging fields.

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Additional Information

Students in the Ph.D. English program benefit from a faculty of engaged, active scholars with diverse research interests. Our professors work to guide students toward the successful defense of their dissertations and help them land the faculty positions or writing center administrative positions they desire.

For additional information about the oral examination, the dissertation process, and the work of our faculty members, current students, and alumni, please visit our blog.

About Steve Mentz 1263 Articles
I teach Shakespeare and the blue humanities at St. John's in New York City.

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