English Literature PhD at Northwestern University

Programme overview

The PhD in Literature offers advanced study and research in literary history, criticism and theory with interdepartmental and interdisciplinary opportunities.

Faculty: Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences | Department: Department of English | Study mode: full-time | Location: Evanston, IL, United States

What you will study

Courses cover major genres, periods, authors and methodological and theoretical approaches, with lectures, workshops, student-organized colloquia, reading groups and interdisciplinary clusters. Students teach assistantships for undergraduate lecture courses and may develop courses in the Writing Program and School of Professional Studies.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

The Graduate School baseline English proficiency for PhD applicants: IELTS Academic 7.0; TOEFL iBT minimum 90 for PhD and 80 for master's (exams before 21 Jan 2026; 4.5 on the newer scale after that date); MET 61 for PhD and 54 for master's; scores taken within two years of entry; Duolingo and TOEFL Essentials not accepted; waived for applicants with a degree from an institution where English is the language of instruction. Programmes may set higher minimums.

Requirements published at program group level.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applications for 2026-27 open September 15, 2026; deadlines vary by programme. The Graduate School application fee is $95 and nonrefundable, paid by credit or debit card.

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