• English offers both an MA and a PhD in English Language and Literature. You do not need to hold a MA degree in order to apply to the PhD program.

• Pursue cutting-edge literary studies research with faculty who are innovating the discipline
• Receive guaranteed funding support for seven years to complete the PhD program. Admission to the MA program does not come with a guarantee of funding support.
• Participate in cross-department interdisciplinary programming, such as the Center for Race, Indigeneity, Disability, Gender & Sexuality Studies, and Center for Premodern Studies
• Work with the University of Minnesota’s rich archival holdings, such as the Givens Collection of African American Literature, Upper Midwest Literary Archives, and pre-1800 collections in the James Ford Bell Library
• Receive professional guidance and support in pursuing a faculty career
• Take advantage of the literary, cultural, and artistic scenes in Minneapolis and St. Paul, a diverse and vibrant urban setting
• We welcome applications from students with interests in all subfields of English and look forward to admitting a cohort of five students with diverse research interests. For the academic year 2025-2026, we would be especially delighted to admit one applicant who would like to study pre-1800 Anglophone literatures. Successful candidates focusing on early English literatures could enjoy cross-disciplinary research opportunities with the Center for Premodern Studies and receive additional fellowship support from the English Department’s Klaeber Fund (no need for separate applications).

What makes our faculty stand out?

We are at the forefront of new directions in the advanced study of English literature:

• Globalizing the study of literature
• Using cognitive science to change how we understand reading
• Using literature to change our approach to key issues of social justice
• Addressing vital issues of environmental sustainability through literature

Find faculty interests by topic and period. See Creative Writing for information about the MFA degree.