About
The PhD program is a highly specialized program designed to develop a capacity for research, original thought, and writing and to equip students for careers in the teaching of English at the college or university level and in writing, editing, and publishing. The doctoral program has two tracks.
The traditional PhD focuses on literary study, although a concentration of six credits may be earned in composition studies. Each student chooses three areas in which to specialize: (1) a chronological period, (2) a literary genre, and (3) either an additional chronological period, a major author, or a special topic approved by the student’s advisory committee. Coursework is devoted to developing a high degree of professional expertise in these three areas of specialization. Such knowledge is tested in a qualifying examination and is also the basis upon which the student writes a doctoral dissertation.
Offered in partnership with the Beverly Rogers, Carol C. Harter Black Mountain Institute, the PhD with Creative Dissertation enters on the study of English and American literature and includes coursework in English and creative writing, a qualifying examination (based on three areas of specialization (as described above), and a creative dissertation, typically a collection of poems, literary nonfiction, or short stories; a novel; or a cross-genre manuscript.
Graduate Assistantships
All program applicants are eligible to apply for Graduate Assistantship (GA) funding. The current GA stipend for PhD students in English is $21,000. Details of the duties and substantial benefits a Graduate Assistantship includes and how to apply can be found on the GA page on the Graduate College website. The application deadline for Graduate Assistantships is the same as for the program itself: January 15. GA applications must be submitted through the Grad Rebel Gateway.
Still have questions about the English Department’s Ph.D. program. Please contact the English Department Graduate Program Office (Beverly Rogers Literature and Law Building – RLL 255) at unlvenglishgradprogram@unlv.edu or 702-895-4366; or the Director of Graduate Studies, Dr. John Hay.
Available Options
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Post-Master’s Literature Track
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Post-Bachelor’s Literature Track
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Creative Dissertation Track
The Department of English in partnership with the Beverly Rogers, Carol C. Harter Black Mountain Institute and the Black Mountain Institute Ph.D. Fellows program offers a three-year course of studies leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy with a Creative Dissertation. Studies for the Ph.D. center around English and American Literature, also with possibilities for directed reading in Comparative Literature, and are designed to prepare students for careers in professional writing and the teaching of English and Creative Writing at the university or college level, as well as for careers in editing and publishing. The program includes course work in English and Creative Writing, a Qualifying Examination, and a Creative Dissertation, typically an original collection of short stories, a novel, a collection of literary nonfiction essays or book- length work of literary nonfiction, or a collection of poems.
For more information about the Creative Writing program, visit the program page.
Funding: all admitted Ph.D. with Creative Dissertation students are offered the base $21,000 Ph.D. GA plus a $9,000 Black Mountain Institute Fellowship, for a total package of $30,000 per year for three years. Duties for this funding require 20 hours per week, usually fulfilled by a combination of teaching and editorial work on English Department or Black Mountain Institute publications.
Please note: Two new Ph.D. BMI Fellows are admitted each year, in alternating genres. Our current admissions schedule is to admit students for entering classes as follows: Literary Nonfiction – 2024, 2025; Fiction – 2025, 2026; Poetry – 2024, 2026.
Applications for a genre not in the admissions rotation will be returned.
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English Literature Track
Accreditation
For information regarding accreditation at UNLV, please head over to Academic Program Accreditations.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will develop a capability for professional research, critical thinking, and publishable writing.
- Students will develop expertise in a chronological period, a literary genre, and an additional period, major author, or special topic.
- Students will demonstrate a reading knowledge of one foreign or computer language.
Creative Dissertation Track
- Students will write a book-length, publishable work of fiction, literary nonfiction, or poetry.
- Students will develop literary and theoretical knowledge at the Ph.D. level, and writing skills that prepare them for university, college, and community college teaching careers.
- Students will develop professional writing skills that prepare them for a career in writing professionally by selling works to magazines, book publishers, and websites.
Career Possibilities
- Careers87.48 KB
Creative Dissertation Track
Creative Writing Ph.D.s can go on to careers in:
Teaching
A person with a Ph.D. in English with Creative Dissertation is prepared for a career in academia, and can pursue teaching at universities, colleges, or community colleges.
Writing/Editing/Publishing
The UNLV and Black Mountain Ph.D. Fellows are offered opportunities to gain valuable professional experience by working on two literary magazines: Witness and Interim. This experience prepares them to pursue careers in magazine editing, with publishing houses, with online publishers, or in copy editing and copy writing.
Public Relations, Media, Communications and Advertising
P-R and advertising agencies, as well as media companies of all kinds, need employees with strong writing and communications skills.
Business, Management, and Beyond
In the broadest possible sense, Ph.D. in English with Creative Dissertation graduates can do anything. Graduates can go on to careers in management, in nonprofit organizations, in human resources, sales, politics, civil service, and institutional analysis―the possibilities are endless.
Requirements
Doctor of Philosophy - English
Plan Description
The PhD program is a highly specialized program designed to develop a capacity for research, original thought, and writing and to equip students for careers in the teaching of English at the college or university level and in writing, editing, and publishing. The doctoral program has two subplans.
The traditional PhD focuses on literary study, although a concentration of six credits may be earned in composition studies. Each student chooses three areas in which to specialize: (1) a chronological period, (2) a literary genre, and (3) either an additional chronological period, a major author, or a special topic approved by the student's advisory committee. Coursework is devoted to developing a high degree of professional expertise in these areas of specialization. Such knowledge is tested in a qualifying examination and is also the basis upon which the student writes a doctoral dissertation.
Offered in partnership with the Beverly Rogers, Carol C. Harter Black Mountain Institute, the PhD with Creative Dissertation centers on the study of English and American Literature and includes coursework in English and creative writing, a qualifying examination (based on three areas of specialization, as described above), and a creative dissertation, typically a collection of poems, literary nonfiction, or short stories; a novel; or a cross-genre manuscript.
Admission and degree requirements for each Ph.D. program are described below.
For more information about your program, including your graduate program handbook and learning outcomes please visit the Degree Directory.
Plan Admission Requirements
Applications available on the UNLV Graduate College website.
All domestic and international applicants must review and follow the Graduate College Admission and Registration Requirements.
(a) Graduate College Admission Requirements
- Completed application in the Application Portal and non-refundable application fee.
- Bachelor's Degree – You must hold a four-year baccalaureate from a regionally accredited institution or an approved equivalent.
- Post-Master's tracks and Advanced Certificates require a regionally accredited Master's degree.
- Grade Point Average – You must have a minimum overall grade point average of 2.75 (4.00=A) for the bachelor's degree or a minimum 3.00 (4.00=A) for the last two years (60 semester credits).
- All applicants are required to submit an unofficial transcript from each postsecondary institution attended, showing all degrees and coursework, the dates awarded, and grades received. Official transcripts required upon admission.
- Credentials not in English must be accompanied by an English translation certified as true by a university official, an official representative of a United States embassy or consulate, the United States Information Service, the United States Education Foundation, or an approved professional translating service. Notarized copies of originals or translations are not considered official.
(b) Department Admission Requirements
- All applicants must possess a B.A. in English or a related field from a regionally accredited university. Applicants to the Post-Master's Literature subplan must possess an M.A. in English or a related field from a regionally accredited institution with at least 21 graduate credits and a graduate GPA of 3.50 or better. Applicants to the Creative Dissertation subplan may possess either an M.A. in English or a related field as stated above or an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from an accredited institution.
- Applicants must submit the following:
- A statement of purpose describing the applicant's area of interest, reasons for undertaking graduate study in this area, relevant experience, and future intellectual and career goals.
- Three letters of recommendation from individuals qualified to speak to the applicant's qualifications and potential for doctoral study, research or creative activity, and teaching in the chosen field.
- For the literature Ph.D., a writing sample of 15-20 pages demonstrating the applicant's ability to write lucidly and originally and to conduct a sustained reading of one or more literary or cultural texts by effectively engaging with secondary sources. Samples are typically either essays originally written for upper-division or graduate English courses or excerpts from longer works.
- For the Ph.D. with Creative Dissertation, a sample of fiction, literary nonfiction, or poetry, of 40-100 pages. The strength and quality of the writing sample are the primary bases for selection for admission.
Plan Requirements
See Subplan Requirements below.
Subplan 1: Post-Master's Literature
Subplan 2: Post-Master's Creative Dissertation
Subplan 3: Post-Bachelor's Literature
Subplan 1 Requirements: Post-Master's Literature
Course Requirements
Required Course – Credits: 3
Elective Courses – Credits: 33
Complete 33 credits in graduate-level advisor-approved English courses.
Dissertation – Credits: 12
Degree Requirements
Of the required 36 course credits, all credits must be taken at the 700-level. Six of these may be earned with a concentration in Composition Studies.
Courses completed at a grade below a B will not count towards the degree, and any student receiving more than one grade below a B will be separated from the graduate program.
Only 6 credits of ENG 705 Creative Writing Workshop can be taken during the PhD program.
Only 6 credits of ENG 796 Independent Study can be taken during the PhD program.
Only 3 credits of ENG 798 Doctoral Research can be taken during the PhD program.
Demonstration of competency in one foreign or computer language. Competency in a foreign language is demonstrated either by passing a translation examination administered by the English Department or by earning a B or better in WLC 198 or in an upper-division or graduate course in the literature of a language, taken within seven years of enrollment. Competency in a computer language is demonstrated by successful completion of an appropriate project supervised by UNLV faculty, with approval of the student's academic advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies.
In consultation with their advisor, a student will organize a dissertation Advisory Committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member from outside the department, known as the Graduate College Representative, must be appointed. An additional committee member may be added at the student and department's discretion. Please see Graduate College policy for committee appointment guidelines.
Qualifying Examinations: Superior performance is required on qualifying examinations in the student's three areas of specialization. These examinations consist of three four-hour written exams: one in the historical period of specialization, one in the genre of specialization, and a third in an additional chronological period, a major author approved by the graduate committee, or a special topic approved by the graduate committee, and a two-hour oral examination. For more information visit the English department's website here: English Literature PhD Requirements.
After passing the Qualifying Examination, and normally in the third or fourth year of the program, the student will begin a doctoral dissertation under the direction of an Advisor and Advisory Committee approved by the Graduate Director of the Department. The Prospectus for this Dissertation must be approved, and the Dissertation written, under the close supervision of the Advisor and Advisory Committee. The doctoral dissertation involves original thought and superior scholarship on a topic or author in English or American literature, or world literature in English.
Graduation Requirements
Subplan 2 Requirements: Post-Master's Creative Dissertation
Course Requirements
Required Course – Credits: 6
Complete 6 credits in one of the following:
Elective Courses – Credits: 30
Complete 30 credits in non-creative writing English courses.
- Credits may include ENG 729 - Forms of Fiction, Literary Nonfiction, or Poetry , to be taken once.
- Credits may include ENG 791 - College Teaching in Language and Literature
Dissertation – Credits: 12
Degree Requirements
Of the required 36 course credits, all credits must be taken at the 700-level.
Courses completed at a grade below a B will not count towards the degree, and any student receiving more than one grade below a B will be separated from the graduate program.
Only 6 credits of ENG 705 Creative Writing Workshop can be taken during the PhD program.
Only 6 credits of ENG 796 Independent Study can be taken during the PhD program.
Only 3 credits of ENG 798 Doctoral Research can be taken during the PhD program.
Demonstration of reading knowledge of one foreign language. Reading knowledge is demonstrated either by passing a translation examination administered by the English Department or by earning a B or better in WLC 198 or in an upper-division or graduate course in the literature of a language, taken within seven years of enrollment.
In consultation with their advisor, a student will organize a dissertation committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member from outside the department, known as the Graduate College Representative, must be appointed. An additional committee member may be added at the student and department's discretion. Please see Graduate College policy for committee appointment guidelines.
Qualifying Examinations: Superior performance is required on qualifying examinations in the student's three areas of specialization. These examinations consist of three four-hour written exams: one in the historical period of specialization, one in the genre of specialization, and a third in an additional chronological period, a major author approved by the graduate committee, or a special topic approved by the graduate committee, and a two-hour oral examination. The Qualifying Examination is normally taken at the end of the second year or at the beginning of the third.
A student pursuing the Ph.D. in English with Creative Dissertation is expected to write the dissertation in fiction, poetry, or literary nonfiction throughout all three years of the program, under the supervision of the student's Advisor. The Prospectus for the Creative Dissertation is only approved, however, after a student has passed the Qualifying Examination. The Prospectus must be approved by the student's Advisory Committee, which includes the Advisor.
Graduation Requirements
Subplan 3 Requirements: Post-Bachelor's Literature
Course Requirements
Required Courses - Credits: 6
Elective Courses - Credits: 21
Complete 21 credits in graduate-level advisor-approved English courses.
After successfully completing the requirements above, students are eligible to earn the Master of Arts - English.
Elective Courses - Credits: 36
Complete 36 credits in graduate-level advisor-approved English courses.
Dissertation - Credits: 12 credits
Degree Requirements
Of the required course credits, all credits must be taken at the 700-level. Six of these may be earned with a concentration in Composition Studies.
Courses completed at a grade below a B will not count towards the degree, and any student receiving more than one grade below a B will be separated from the graduate program.
Only 6 credits of ENG 705 Creative Writing Workshop can be taken during the PhD program.
Only 6 credits of ENG 796 Independent Study can be taken during the PhD program.
Only 3 credits of ENG 798 Doctoral Research can be taken during the PhD program.
Demonstration of competency in one foreign or computer language. Competency in a foreign language is demonstrated either by passing a translation examination administered by the English Department or by earning a B or better in WLC 198 or in an upper-division or graduate course in the literature of a language, taken within seven years of enrollment. Competency in a computer language is demonstrated by successful completion of an appropriate project supervised by UNLV faculty, with approval of the student's academic advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies.
In consultation with the advisor, the student will compile a portfolio to be assessed in order to receive an MA in English en route to receiving the Ph.D.
In consultation with their advisor, a student will organize a dissertation Advisory Committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member from outside the department, known as the Graduate College Representative, must be appointed. An additional committee member may be added at the student and department's discretion. Please see Graduate College policy for committee appointment guidelines.
Qualifying Examinations: Superior performance is required on qualifying examinations in the student's three areas of specialization. These examinations consist of three four-hour written exams: one in the historical period of specialization, one in the genre of specialization, and a third in an additional chronological period, a major author approved by the graduate committee, or a special topic approved by the graduate committee, and a two-hour oral examination. For more information visit the English department's website here: English Literature Ph.D. Requirements.
After passing the Qualifying Examination, and normally in the third or fourth year of the program, the student will begin a doctoral dissertation under the direction of an Advisor and Advisory Committee approved by the Graduate Director of the Department. The Prospectus for this Dissertation must be approved, and the Dissertation written, under the close supervision of the Advisor and Advisory Committee. The doctoral dissertation involves original thought and superior scholarship on a topic or author in English or American literature, or world literature in English.
Graduation Requirements
Plan Graduation Requirements
The student must submit and successfully defend their dissertation or creative dissertation by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
After the dissertation defense, the student must electronically submit a properly formatted pdf copy of their dissertation to the Graduate College for format check. Once the dissertation format has been approved by the Graduate College, the student will submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest. Deadlines for dissertation defenses, format check submissions, and the final ProQuest submission can be found here.
Students may apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements. All required forms must be submitted to the graduate college via the Grad Rebel Gateway.
Documents/Downloads
Contacts
Graduate Coordinator
John Hay, Ph.D.
Department of English
The Department of English provides programs that transform students into engaged and informed citizens who enrich the vitality of their local and global communities. Our majors explore literature as an artistic medium from theoretical and historical perspectives. In the process, students hone their analytical and writing skills.
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College of Liberal Arts
The College of Liberal Arts offers students a well-rounded education in the humanities and social sciences. Students develop strong analytical and communication skills for a lifetime of learning and discovery that can be applied to a wide variety of careers.