PhD Comparative Literature at Emory University

Programme overview

The PhD in Comparative Literature offers a theoretical, interdisciplinary curriculum with attention to literary and linguistic forms and an individualized programme built with a committee.

Faculty: Laney Graduate School | Department: Comparative Literature | Study mode: full-time | Location: Atlanta, GA, United States

What you will study

Students choose one of five areas: Psychoanalysis, Trauma and Testimony; Deconstruction and Philosophy; Aesthetics, Politics, and Postcolonial Studies; World Literature and Translation; or Media, Technology and Human/Posthuman Studies. Certificates (e.g. Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies) and a Minor in Psychoanalytic Studies are possible; all students receive pedagogy training.

Career pathways

Alumni teach in language, literature, interdisciplinary and world literature programmes; some work in the non-profit sector and major museums.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Laney Graduate School (all programmes): application through the Laney Graduate School with transcripts from each institution attended (bachelor's degree or equivalent by the first semester), statement of purpose, resume/CV, three letters of recommendation (many programmes allow a fourth), $75 application fee (waivers available), and for some programmes a statement on building collaborative and respectful graduate communities. Programme-specific requirements vary.

Requirements published at faculty level.

USD 74,700 a year (2026-27). Laney Graduate School tuition band (full-time, 9 or more credit hours: $24,900 per term over fall, spring and summer). Tuition only; excludes fees, housing, health insurance and living costs. Emory publishes one tuition rate for all students. Source

The Laney Graduate School is accepting applications for all PhD and master's programmes for Fall 2027.

Laney Graduate School application fee is $75 (non-refundable, paid by credit card online; limited fee waivers available). Deadlines are set by each programme and fall at midnight US Eastern time on the programme's deadline date. GRE requirements vary by programme.

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