Over a hundred students strong, the Ph.D. program affords students close professional contact with and guidance from a diverse graduate faculty distinguished in its commitment to both teaching and research. All doctorates in English have a foundation in studies of British and American language and literature, thus Ph.D. students receive a broad education in the discipline that prepares them to teach effectively at any college level and provides the background for advanced research in their areas of particular expertise (see Concentrations). With the help of faculty mentors, students have the flexibility to fashion a course of study, comprehensive examinations, and dissertation research both in these concentrations and in such specialized areas as critical theory, African American literature, women's folklore and literature, and children's literature.

Applicants to the doctoral program in English should normally possess an M.A. degree in English or American literature or a closely allied field. When applying, they must submit:

• an application form (downloadable at the Graduate School site)
• an assistantship application (if applying for funding, downloadable at the Graduate School site)
• official GRE scores (General Test only)
• undergraduate and graduate transcripts testifying to solid academic preparation for advanced work
• three letters of recommendation (preferably academic)
• a critical writing sample (10-20 pp.)
• a personal statement describing motivations and interests in choosing doctoral work (1-2 pp.)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Applicants to the Ph.D. concentration in creative writing should send a creative writing sample (15-20 pp.)

All application materials, with the exception of creative writing samples, should be sent directly to the Graduate School, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70504-4610. For Fall admission, the deadline for submitting all materials is 1 March (15 February for Fellowship applications). The Graduate School will notify applicants of its decision after receiving all required credentials. The department will notify applicants of assistantship and fellowship decisions.

For more information or questions about the application write to the

The Ph.D. requires a total of 75 hours, split between coursework (48) and dissertation research (24). Course requirements for Ph.D. candidates vary with each individual’s chosen concentration in creative writing, English and American literature, folklore, linguistics, rhetoric and composition. For the most part, these requirements aim to provide a generalist education, the flexibility needed for each candidate’s concentration and research interests, and preparation for the Ph.D. comprehensive examinations. Before taking comprehensive exams, Ph.D. candidates must fulfill these course requirements and demonstrate reading proficiency in two foreign languages, or fluency in one.

Depending on their previous coursework, doctoral students holding teaching assistantships are encouraged to complete their coursework in the first two and a half years, their comprehensive exams during the third or fourth year, thereby allowing them to begin dissertation work during the fourth or fifth year. The department makes every effort to offer extensions on assistantships to candidates who demonstrate continued progress toward the degree. Because of their lightened teaching load, Fellows tend to complete their degrees at a slightly accelerated rate.

Ph.D. candidates may take their comprehensive exams beginning in the semester after they complete their coursework and foreign language requirements. Following exam specifications required of their concentration, students select four areas for examination, one major area and three minor areas (see below). An oral component follows the written examinations in which the candidate responds to questions from his/her exam committee.