Jun 01, 2024  
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog

English, PhD


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College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences  > Department of English  > English, PhD

The PhD in English at the University of Houston offers several paths to careers in writing, teaching, scholarship, criticism, and related cultural professions. The PhD in English combines a focus on British, American, and Anglophone literatures with new approaches in poetics, transnational and empire studies, critical race and ethnic studies, and translation studies. PhD in English students may also pursue a concentration in Rhetoric, Composition, and Pedagogy (RCP). The PhD in English with a concentration in RCP prepares students to become informed scholars who apply rhetoric and composition research to writing practices. 

Admissions Requirements


  • MA in English or related field
  • 3.5 GPA in graduate studies

Application Materials


Please consult the UH Graduate School for detailed instructions on how to submit your application electronically. The English Department requires the following materials:   

  • Online application and application fee.
  • Three letters of recommendation from people who know your academic work well, usually former professors. Letters will be solicited by the UH Admissions Office and submitted electronically. 
  • Unofficial transcripts (with degrees posted) may be uploaded with your online application. If you are accepted, you will need to send official academic transcripts (sealed in the issuing envelope) from every university or college you have attended. Official transcripts should be sent directly to the UH Graduate Admissions Office (University of Houston, Graduate Admissions, P.O. Box 3947, Houston, TX 77253-3947). 
  • Your Statement of Intent (300-600 words, double-spaced) 
  • A 15-25-page, single-authored critical writing sample with bibliography, usually one of your strongest graduate papers. 
  • No GRE required 
  • For international applicants: The University of Houston Graduate School requires demonstration of proficiency in English. Please visit their website here for a list of ways this requirement may be met.

Degree Requirements


36.0 Credit Hours of coursework (four semesters of full-time study) in this distribution:

12 hours in “Designated Area” (Students must choose 1 designated area stream.)


Stream A: Empire Studies


6 hours chosen from the following:

6 hours electives:

In courses that address topics, theories, and/or methodologies related to Critical Studies of the Americas, as approved by a faculty advisor

Stream B: Critical Studies of the Americas


6 hours of electives:

In courses that address topics, theories, and/or methodologies related to Critical Studies of the Americas, as approved by a faculty advisor

Stream C: Critical Poetics


3 hours chosen from the following:

3 hours:

6 hours of electives:

In courses that address topics, theories, and/or methodologies related to Critical Poetics, as approved by a faculty advisor

Stream D: Translingual Studies


3 hours of electives:

In courses that address topics, theories, and/or methodologies related to Translingual Studies, as approved by a faculty advisor

18 hours electives


Contributing to a student’s area of expertise. Students should select these courses with a faculty mentor. Electives must include:

  • 3 hours early literature (pre-1900)
  • 3 hours later literature (post-1900)

Additional Requirements:


Foreign Language: Students must demonstrate reading knowledge of two foreign languages or intensive knowledge of one foreign language.

Two written examinations (one in a major field and one in a sub-disciplinary field) followed by an oral defense

One oral examination of the dissertation prospectus

Dissertation

Rhetoric, Composition, & Pedagogy (RCP) Concentration


36 Credit hours of coursework (four semesters of full-time study) in this distribution:

12 hours Designated Area-Rhetoric, Composition, and Pedagogy


  • 3 hours RCP Methodology
  • 9 hours coursework in Composition, Linguistics, Pedagogy, or Rhetoric, as approved by a faculty advisor

18 hours electives


 Contributing to a student’s area of expertise. Students should select these courses with a faculty mentor. 

Additional Requirements


Foreign Language: Students must demonstrate reading knowledge of two foreign languages or intensive knowledge of one foreign language.

Two written examinations (one in a major field and one in a sub-disciplinary field) followed by an oral defense

One oral examination of the dissertation prospectus

Dissertation

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