PhD English at University of North Dakota

Programme overview

Become a researcher in English Studies while establishing your own expertise in the field. As you prepare for a career in higher education, you will gain a strong foundation in the study of literature, in the teaching of college English, and in the disciplinary conventions that guide writing and research in English Studies. Balancing broad preparation with a commitment to helping students develop their own areas of research specialization, the Ph.D. program at UND provides you with a great deal of individualized attention.

What you will study

Students seeking the Doctor of Philosophy degree at the University of North Dakota must satisfy all general requirements set forth by the School of Graduate Studies as well as particular requirements set forth by the Department of English Language and Literature: In addition to meeting these program requirements, you must also meet the UND School of Graduate Studies admissions requirements to apply for this program.

Career pathways

Your Ph.D. from the University of North Dakota equips you with the skills and the knowledge you need to thrive in any career. For instance: Writing teacher, Author, Creative writer, Editor, Publisher.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

The applicant must meet the School of Graduate Studies’ current minimum general admission requirements as published in the graduate catalog. The program-specific requirements for admission to the PhD in English include: A master’s degree of at least 30 semester credits of courses in English Studies (literature, literary theory or methods, creative writing, writing pedagogy, linguistics, or other closely related subjects). A written Statement of Goals. At the PhD level, this statement is expected to specify the candidate’s background in English Studies, research interests, professional goals, and reasons for applying to UND’s English Department in particular. Candidates seeking a Graduate Teaching Assistantship should use this statement to indicate any previous teaching experience and to express their interest in the teaching of writing. A Writing Sample of 10-15 pages. Successful candidates will include written work in literary criticism as at least part of the sample.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,441 a year (2026-27). North Dakota resident rate. On-campus tuition for 2026/2027 as shown in the programme's tuition table (fall and spring semesters, rate band 'Arts & Science'); excludes mandatory student fees, housing and books. The same table lists Minnesota residents $17 Source

International applicants: USD 26,882 a year (2026-27). International student rate. On-campus tuition for 2026/2027 as shown in the programme's tuition table (fall and spring semesters, rate band 'Arts & Science'); excludes mandatory student fees, housing and books. Source

Terms run Fall (August-December), Spring (January-May) and Summer (May-August).

Graduate applications go through the UND admissions application with a $35 non-refundable fee (no waivers); each graduate program sets its own deadline, listed in the Program Finder.

International graduate applicants: Fall May 1, Spring Sept. 1, Summer Feb. 1, unless the program sets a specific deadline. Application fee $35.

Apply through the official page: https://und.edu/admissions/graduate/apply.html

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