Doctor of Philosophy in English

Explore the opportunities offered by our innovative PhD program, which integrates rhetoric, writing, and discourse studies (RWD), technology and media studies (TMS), and literary and cultural studies (LCS). Our courses offer creative reinterpretations of these fields within the discipline of English. We emphasize research on texts and media as they are affected by form, purpose, technology of composition, audience, cultural location, social practices, and communities of discourse.

The program provides coursework and research opportunities that appeal to those who are pursuing an academic career as well as to professionals with careers outside the classroom or at another educational institution. Students may elect full- or part-time study, on campus or from a distance. Residency requirements may be met through Summer Doctoral Institutes, which offer hybrid on-line and on-site courses.

I'm extremely grateful for my Â鶹´«Ã½ classes at this point as my transition to online Zoom teaching and ability to provide support for our faculty at UR was made much easier! I knew while I was in classes it was an invaluable experience, but seeing our faculty struggle with the online environment, I felt so lucky to be comfortable in both teaching and participant roles in the Zoom world. - Carol Wittig, English PhD Candidate

Talented & Dedicated Faculty Members
PhD English Degrees Conferred
Concentrations Across a Range of Fields

Student Announcements


Jessica Kubiak Wins Inaugural 2021 CCCC Outstanding Teaching Awar

Jessica Kubiak, student in Â鶹´«Ã½'s English PhD program and professor at Jamestown Community College (NY) has won an inaugural 2021 CCCC Outstanding Teaching Award.



Dr. Megan Weaver Wins CWPA Dissertation Award

Dr. Megan Weaver, recent graduate of our Ph.D. program (Â鶹´«Ã½ '20), received the inaugural dissertation award from the Council of Writing Program Administrators (CWPA).