MA / PhD English at University of South Carolina

Programme overview

Expand your intellectual borders through the English department’s graduate programs, which are among the top-ranked nationally for private and public institutions alike. Discover a deeper understanding of theoretical developments in literature and rhetoric that shaped our cultural history. Our scholars study literature and rhetoric across a variety of historical periods and geographies.

Faculty: McCausland College of Arts and Sciences | Study mode: full-time | Location: Columbia, SC, United States

What you will study

Popular courses include Modern Rhetorical Theory, Seminars in Literary and Cultural Study, and Gender and Sexuality. Students choose areas of emphasis such as English and American Literature or Composition and Rhetoric. A reading knowledge of foreign language may be required, and programs culminate in a thesis or dissertation.

Career pathways

Potential careers include College Professor, Teacher, Humanities Scholar, Journalist, Columnist, Writer.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admissions (University of South Carolina Academic Bulletin): Applicants for admission to the M.A., M.F.A., or Ph.D. degree programs in the Department of English must have completed a minimum of 24 semester hours of upper-division undergraduate courses in English or an appropriate related discipline, with grades indicating ability for successful graduate work in the department. Applicants for all degrees must submit all application forms required by The Graduate School, a sample of academic writing, a statement of purpose, and at least two satisfactory letters of recommendation from persons familiar with their academic achievement. To particularly well-qualified candidates, the Department offers the chance to apply for Direct Admission to the Ph.D. Program. All those applying for direct admission will also be considered for regular admission to the M.A. program. An applicant who lacks adequate undergraduate course work may have to take up to 12...

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 are accepted for Fall, Spring and Summer terms; Fall applications open the prior September, Spring applications open in January and Summer applications open in May.

The graduate application fee is $50 per primary application, reinstated effective August 1, 2026. Deadlines are programme-specific and listed per programme on the Degree Programs and Application Requirements pages.

Apply through the official page: https://www.sc.edu/admissions-at-sc/applications/index.php

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