PhD Comparative Literature at University of Massachusetts Amherst

Programme overview

Comparative Literature at UMass Amherst studies literature in its cultural, national and global contexts across time, drawing on philosophy, history, linguistics, sociology and media. Students read texts in translation from many national traditions, including graphic novels, comics and film.

Faculty: College of Humanities & Fine Arts | Department: Languages, Literatures, and Cultures / Comparative Literature Program | Study mode: full-time | Location: Amherst, MA, United States

What you will study

Close reading of contemporary and historical texts from multiple traditions, the relationships between literature and other arts, and focus areas such as translation, comparative literature theory and media.

Career pathways

Graduates pursue careers in translation, media, law, public service, the nonprofit sector, international business and diplomacy, education and academia.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Comparative Literature Program (MA and PhD): bachelor's degree or recognized foreign equivalent with a major in a language-literature field or substantial literary background; GPA of 3.0 or higher expected; proficiency in English and one other language plus intermediate working knowledge of a third language; critical essay of 15-25 pages in literature or theory (translated into English if written in another language); TOEFL required of non-native speakers who are not US citizens; GRE not required; application due January 4, 2027. The Translation Studies track has separate requirements. Graduate School (all UMass Amherst graduate programmes): bachelor's degree from an accredited US institution or an equivalent international degree; minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale (some programmes expect more); most programmes require at least two letters of recommendation; personal statement and resume; 600-word short essay on community; $90 application fee. Applicants whose native language is not English: TOEFL iBT 80 (tests taken before January 2026; combined score of 4 on the new scale for tests from January 2026), IELTS Academic 6.5, Duolingo English Test 115 or PTE Academic 53.

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.

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