English

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

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An English Ph.D. for Community Leaders

At UW, we’ve reimagined what an English Ph.D. looks like. This trail-blazing program emphasizes public humanities by blending a traditional English curriculum with a deep investment in public advocacy and community engagement. You’ll develop research, writing and critical analysis skills while preparing for a career in arts programming or nonprofit leadership.

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This program is currently offered in
the following locations:

Laramie Campus

About the English Ph.D.

The English Ph.D. with an emphasis in public humanities is a first-of-its-kind doctoral program that redefines what it means to study English. Rooted in English studies, this degree includes courses on research, rhetorical analysis, critical reading and document design. The program’s unique curriculum includes public advocacy, community engagement and other areas of real-world impact.

 

You’ll explore how literature and language intersect with the world’s most pressing public issues. Your research will engage with public sector organizations, politics and nonprofits. By graduation, you’ll be well-prepared for a meaningful career in public advocacy, nonprofit leadership, and arts and cultural programming.

 

Graduate teaching and research assistantships are available to all full-time students, providing up to four years of stipends, tuition and fee waivers and health insurance.

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In addition to complete the general UW graduate student application, applicants must submit a 15 to 20-page writing sample. You must also have a master’s degree, although it can be in a field other than English. GRE scores are not required. 

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English Ph.D. Program Highlights

Meaningful Projects

In your third year, you’ll get hands-on experience by completing an applied public project. All projects are in collaboration with arts or non-profit organizations and serve as a way to build your skills in public programming and community engagement. Students are additionally encouraged to complete research abroad to widen their perspectives and learn how programming is conducted in other countries.

 

The English Ph.D. program is run by a dedicated team of changemakers. They’re committed to teaching, mentoring and researching alongside our students.

  • Dr. Arielle Zibrak: Dr. Zibrak is the author of Avidly Reads Guilty Pleasures (NYU Press, 2011) and the director of the English Honors Program. She has authored many works and was the recipient of the UW Extraordinary Merit in Teaching Award in 2017 and the Extraordinary Merit in Research Award in 2021.
  • Dr. Nancy Small: Dr. Small is an accomplished researcher and author. She currently serves as the principal investigator for Re-storying the West for a Transformative Future, a Mellon Foundation-funded research initiative.

Our People

Throughout your time at UW, you’ll have opportunities to network and develop professionally. The English Ph.D. program frequently interacts with professionals in government, non-profit, cultural heritage and arts programming, presenting the perfect opportunity for you to expand your professional connections.

 

All full-time students receive a stipend and a tuition waiver for up to 12 hours, so your degree will be fully funded. You’ll also receive student health insurance as part of the program.

 

All English Ph.D. students complete an internship, providing valuable hands-on experience working with community-based, arts and nonprofit organizations. This exposure is a great way to build skills and your professional network, while informing what career path interests you most.

 

Meaningful Projects

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What can you do with a Ph.D. in English?

A Ph.D. in English, especially one with a focus in public humanities, opens the door to a wide range of fulfilling careers. Many alumni go into academia, programming, the arts or nonprofit work.

Here are some of the roles you may pursue after graduation:

  • Director of educational programming
  • Nonprofit program director
  • Grant writer
  • Communications strategist
  • Editor
  • Author
  • Public humanities scholar
  • Professor
  • Museum curator
  • Arts programming director

UW English alumni have pursued meaningful careers at the following places:

  • University of Wyoming Foundation
  • Oxford University Press
  • Federal Bureau of Land Management
  • Washington State University College of Medicine
  • Champlain College
  • SLAM Academy Charter School
  • 3M
  • High Country News

Yes! Whether you're ready or not for your doctorate, be sure to give our master's program a glance.

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Related Programs

Interested in a Ph.D. in English? These programs may also be of interest to you: