Ph.D. in Literature & Creative Writing

The Literature and Creative Writing concentration is designed for students wishing to pursue a traditional Literature-focused English degree, but also provides the opportunity for advanced creative writing students to produce a creative dissertation. With faculty guidance, students admitted to the Ph.D. program may tailor their programs to their goals and interests.

The Ph.D. degree offers the opportunity for advanced and concentrated research to students who hold an M.A. degree in English or a related field, from KU or elsewhere.

The faculty at KU has been widely published and anthologized, winning both critical and popular acclaim. Faculty awards include such distinctions as the Osborn Award, Shelley Memorial Award, Gertrude Stein Award, the Kenyon Review Prize, the Kentucky Center Gold Medallion, and the Pushcart Prize.

Opportunities

A GTA appointment includes a tuition waiver for ten semesters plus a competitive stipend. In the first year, GTA appointees teach English 101 (first year composition) and English 102 (a required reading and writing course). Ph.D. students may have the opportunity to teach courses in their area of interest after passing the doctoral examination, and opportunities are available for a limited number of GTAs to teach in the summer.