PhD Modern Thought and Literature at Stanford University

Programme overview

Modern Thought and Literature (MTL) is an interdisciplinary humanities graduate program advancing the study of critical issues in the modern world. The program trains students to understand the histories and methods of disciplines and to test their assumptions. It considers how disciplines shape knowledge and, most importantly, how interdisciplinary methods reshape objects of study.

Faculty: School of Humanities and Sciences | Department: Modern Thought and Literature | Duration: 135 units minimum | Study mode: full-time | Location: Stanford, CA, United States

What you will study

Programme load is 135 units minimum. Requirements are organised into: Program Requirements; Teaching Requirement; Advancement to Candidacy; Oral Exam; Dissertation; Language Requirement.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

University-level graduate admission (Graduate Admissions): a U.S. bachelor's degree or international equivalent, transcripts for every institution attended, a statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, and TOEFL/IELTS scores unless exempt (U.S. citizens and permanent residents, native English speakers, or applicants with English-medium degrees). Each graduate programme sets its own GRE policy (required, optional or not considered). Programme-specific criteria are set by the department.

Tuition is charged for Autumn, Winter and Spring quarters (Summer quarter also billed separately). Graduate programmes such as PhD and Master's in Computer Science admit for Autumn entry only; Education PhD and Master's programmes begin September 20, 2027.

The graduate application fee is $125, nonrefundable. Deadlines are set by each programme: Computer Science PhD December 8, 2026; Education PhD November 16, 2026.

Apply through the official page: https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/apply

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