English, Doctor of Philosophy

Program Overview

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St. John's University's Ph.D. in English combines research, writing, and pedagogy, preparing students for careers in academia, writing, and beyond. The program emphasizes critical theory, literature, composition, and rhetoric, with a focus on teaching and research skills. Students complete coursework, an oral comprehensive examination, and a dissertation, demonstrating proficiency in English, research, and critical thinking.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in English at St. John's University is a rigorous program that integrates research and writing with pedagogical theory and practice. It is designed for both full-time graduate students and professional educators, administrators, and writers who wish to complete a doctoral degree part-time.

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Objectives:

• To provide students with a deep understanding of English literature, cultural studies, critical theory, and composition and rhetoric.
• To prepare students for teaching undergraduate courses in writing and literature.
• To develop students' research and writing skills.
• To prepare students for careers in academia, writing, and other fields.

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Outline:

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Coursework:

The Ph.D. degree requires 48 credits of coursework and six credits of dissertation preparation. Students must take the following two foundational courses:

• ENG 100 Modern Critical Theories
• ENG 110 Introduction to the Profession
The remaining 42 coursework credits can be selected in consultation with an advisor.

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Residency Requirement:

Students must complete 24 credits of coursework within their first two years of study.

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Oral Comprehensive Examination:

After completing their coursework, students will select a committee of three faculty members to assemble a reading list for each of three oral examination areas. Students will then undergo an oral comprehensive examination administered by their committee.

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Dissertation:

After successfully completing the comprehensive examination, students will register for ENG 975 (Dissertation Research Seminar) for each semester of dissertation preparation. Students will apply their knowledge of English, advanced research skills, and critical thinking skills to an original problem in contemporary scholarship, criticism, pedagogy, or the profession in general. The completed dissertation must be defended orally before the student's committee and approved by the Dean.

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Foreign Language Proficiency:

Students must demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language by passing a department-administered translation exam or by earning a B (3.0) or better grade in an advanced college-level language course.

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Assessment:

Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Coursework grades
• Oral comprehensive examination
• Dissertation defense

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Teaching:

The Ph.D. program is taught by a faculty of engaged, active scholars with diverse research interests. 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.

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Careers:

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