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Graduate Programs in the English Department

The English Department offers full-time Ph.D. and Master's programs. Comprehensive in their range of specializations, these programs are intellectually rigorous and committed to supporting students throughout their training. Both programs are designed to serve a variety of intellectual needs and professional goals, and they encourage an impressive range of interdepartmental and interdisciplinary study. Roughly 50 graduate students enjoy close interaction with over 30 nationally renowned faculty members who teach and publish widely on a large number of historical periods and specializations. Highly ranked, our doctoral program is especially strong in the study of medieval, early modern, Victorian, American, and twentieth century literature. Sponsoring a variety of events, workshops and colloquia, the English Graduate Student Organization (EGSO) further reflects the strong intellectual fellowship that exists between faculty and graduate students, and among graduate students in the department and in related programs.

The department gives its Ph.D. students full and competitive financial aid, travel grants for conference presentations and archival research, extensive pedagogical training and mentorship, and assistance on the job market. We are proud of our placement record; Northwestern graduates teach in top English departments around the country. Regrettably, no financial aid is available for our Master's students, whether in the form of fellowships, research assistantships, or teaching assistantships.

The graduate pages of this website introduce prospective students to our doctoral and Master's programs, and provide a wealth of resources--administrative and academic--for current students.