Overview

This English Language and Literature programme offered by Cornell University provides advanced training in English language and literature through a highly flexible and individually designed programme of study. Doctoral candidates work closely with a faculty committee to develop specialised expertise while gaining broad knowledge of influential literary works, literary criticism, cultural history, textual scholarship, genre studies, and the relationships between literature and other disciplines. The programme supports both disciplinary and interdisciplinary research, enabling students to engage with fields such as comparative literature, history, linguistics, philosophy, media studies, and gender studies.

Key Facts

The programme combines advanced coursework, independent research, teaching experience, and dissertation preparation. Research may focus on a wide range of literary, theoretical, cultural, and historical topics, from medieval texts to contemporary literary studies. Through original scholarship, scholarly presentations, and supervised teaching, doctoral candidates develop the ability to make significant contributions to the study of literature in English and to communicate research effectively within academic and professional contexts.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

African American literature

American literature after 1865

American literature to 1865

American studies

Colonial and postcolonial literatures

Cultural studies

Dramatic literature

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 72 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Ithaca, United States

Disciplines

Language Studies Literature View 209 other PhDs in Language Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

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IELTS

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Other requirements

General requirements

Required Tests

Recommendations

Academic Statement of Purpose

Personal Statement

Transcript Requirements

English Language Proficiency Requirement

International Degree Equivalencies

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

20800 USD / year

≈ 20800 USD / year
Out-of-State

20800 USD / year

≈ 20800 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

20800 USD / year

≈ 20800 USD / year

Living costs

Ithaca

United States

1128 - 2460 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for English Language and Literature.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Key Facts

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Ithaca

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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