---
title: Graduate Studies in English  | SMU
description: The Department of English is dedicated to the study of the English language and literature.
image: https://grad.smu.edu/hubfs/graduate-studies-english.jpg
---

[Skip to content](https://grad.smu.edu/graduate-studies-in-english#main-content)

[![SMU logo](https://grad.smu.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/SMU%20logo.png?width=150&height=44&name=SMU%20logo.png "SMU logo")](https://www.smu.edu/)

[EXPLORE SMU](https://www.smu.edu/aboutsmu)

## [Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies](https://www.smu.edu/moody/)

<https://www.smu.edu/search>

- About
  
  Show submenu for About 
  
    - [About](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about)
    - [Mission and History](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/mission-and-history)
    - [Moody Foundation Gift](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/moody-foundation-gift)
    - [Charter](https://www.smu.edu/-/media/Site/Moody/graduate/Moody-School-Charter-Summer-2021-Final.pdf)
    - [Director of Graduate Studies Handbook](https://www.smu.edu/-/media/Site/Moody/Moody-School-DGS-Handbook-20220811.pdf)
    - [Moody Hall](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/moody-hall)
    - [Dean's Office](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/deans-office)
    - [Graduate Council](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/graduate-council)
    - [Contact Us](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/contact)
- Prospective Students
  
  Show submenu for Prospective Students 
  
    - [Prospective Students](https://www.smu.edu/Moody/Prospective-Students)
    - [Degrees Offered](https://www.smu.edu/moody/prospective-students/degrees-offered)
    - [Policy: AI Usage on SMU Graduate Application](https://www.smu.edu/moody/prospective-students/ai_usage_statement_grad_application)
    - [Admissions Contacts](https://www.smu.edu/moody/prospective-students/admissions-contacts)
    - [Graduate Admissions Guide](https://grad.smu.edu/a-guide-to-graduate-admissions-at-smu)
    - [Graduate Application Deadlines](https://www.smu.edu/Moody/Prospective-Students/Application-Deadlines)
    - [Graduate School Resources](https://grad.smu.edu/graduate-school-resources)
    - [International Applicants to Master's and Doctoral Programs](https://www.smu.edu/moody/prospective-students/international-applicants)
    - [Plan a Visit to SMU](https://www.smu.edu/moody/prospective-students/plan-a-visit)
- Current Students
  
  Show submenu for Current Students 
  
    - [Current Students](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students)
    - [Forms and Policies](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/forms-and-policies)
    - [Graduate Fellowships and Awards](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/external-fellowships)
    - [Graduation Guidelines and Requirements](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/graduation)
    - [Graduate Writing Center](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/graduate-writing-center)
    - [Career Development](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/career-development)
    - [Graduate Student Organizations](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/graduate-student-organizations)
    - [Student Services and Support](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/student-services)
    - [Graduate Student Teaching Awards](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/graduate-student-teaching-awards)
- Events
  
  Show submenu for Events 
  
    - [Events](https://www.smu.edu/moody/events)
    - [Events Calendar](https://www.smu.edu/moody/events/events-calendar)
    - [Research and Innovation Week](https://www.smu.edu/moody/events/research-and-innovation-week)
    - [Orientation](https://www.smu.edu/moody/events/orientation)
    - [Professional Development](https://www.smu.edu/moody/events/professional-development)
    - [Research Days](https://www.smu.edu/moody/events/research-days)
    - [Three Minute Thesis](https://www.smu.edu/moody/events/three-minute-thesis)
- Funding
  
  Show submenu for Funding 
  
    - [Funding](https://www.smu.edu/moody/funding)
    - [Meet our Ph.D. Fellows](https://www.smu.edu/moody/funding/phd-fellows)
    - [Ph.D. Health Insurance](https://www.smu.edu/moody/funding/phd-health-insurance)
    - [Graduate Student Travel Grant](https://www.smu.edu/moody/funding/moody-grad-student-travel-grant)
    - [Dedman Graduate Student Assembly](https://www.smu.edu/moody/funding/gsa)
- Postdoctoral Affairs
  
  Show submenu for Postdoctoral Affairs 
  
    - [Postdoctoral Affairs](https://www.smu.edu/moody/postdoctoral-affairs)
    - [Postdoctoral Community & Resources](https://www.smu.edu/moody/postdoctoral-affairs/postdoctoral-community)
    - [Hiring Process](https://www.smu.edu/moody/postdoctoral-affairs/hiring-process)
- GOCE
  
  Show submenu for GOCE 
  
    - [GOCE](https://www.smu.edu/moody/goce)
    - [Our Programs](https://www.smu.edu/moody/goce/programs)
    - [Online Program Development](https://www.smu.edu/moody/goce/online-program-development)
    - [Faculty and Curriculum Committees](https://www.smu.edu/moody/goce/faculty)
    - [About Global, Online and Continuing Education](https://www.smu.edu/moody/goce/about)
    - [Contact Us](https://www.smu.edu/moody/goce/contact-us)
- [Blog](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field)

<https://www.smu.edu/search>

- Prospective Students
  
  Show submenu for Prospective Students 
  
    - [Prospective Students](https://www.smu.edu/Moody/Prospective-Students)
    - [Degrees Offered](https://www.smu.edu/moody/prospective-students/degrees-offered)
    - [Policy: AI Usage on SMU Graduate Application](https://www.smu.edu/moody/prospective-students/ai_usage_statement_grad_application)
    - [Admissions Contacts](https://www.smu.edu/moody/prospective-students/admissions-contacts)
    - [Graduate Admissions Guide](https://grad.smu.edu/a-guide-to-graduate-admissions-at-smu)
    - [Graduate Application Deadlines](https://www.smu.edu/Moody/Prospective-Students/Application-Deadlines)
    - [Graduate School Resources](https://grad.smu.edu/graduate-school-resources)
    - [International Applicants to Master's and Doctoral Programs](https://www.smu.edu/moody/prospective-students/international-applicants)
    - [Plan a Visit to SMU](https://www.smu.edu/moody/prospective-students/plan-a-visit)
- Current Students
  
  Show submenu for Current Students 
  
    - [Current Students](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students)
    - [Forms and Policies](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/forms-and-policies)
    - [Graduate Fellowships and Awards](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/external-fellowships)
    - [Graduation Guidelines and Requirements](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/graduation)
    - [Graduate Writing Center](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/graduate-writing-center)
    - [Career Development](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/career-development)
    - [Graduate Student Organizations](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/graduate-student-organizations)
    - [Student Services and Support](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/student-services)
    - [Graduate Student Teaching Awards](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/graduate-student-teaching-awards)
- Events
  
  Show submenu for Events 
  
    - [Events](https://www.smu.edu/moody/events)
    - [Events Calendar](https://www.smu.edu/moody/events/events-calendar)
    - [Research and Innovation Week](https://www.smu.edu/moody/events/research-and-innovation-week)
    - [Orientation](https://www.smu.edu/moody/events/orientation)
    - [Professional Development](https://www.smu.edu/moody/events/professional-development)
    - [Research Days](https://www.smu.edu/moody/events/research-days)
    - [Three Minute Thesis](https://www.smu.edu/moody/events/three-minute-thesis)
- Funding
  
  Show submenu for Funding 
  
    - [Funding](https://www.smu.edu/moody/funding)
    - [Meet our Ph.D. Fellows](https://www.smu.edu/moody/funding/phd-fellows)
    - [Ph.D. Health Insurance](https://www.smu.edu/moody/funding/phd-health-insurance)
    - [Graduate Student Travel Grant](https://www.smu.edu/moody/funding/moody-grad-student-travel-grant)
    - [Dedman Graduate Student Assembly](https://www.smu.edu/moody/funding/gsa)
- About
  
  Show submenu for About 
  
    - [About](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about)
    - [Mission and History](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/mission-and-history)
    - [Moody Foundation Gift](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/moody-foundation-gift)
    - [Charter](https://www.smu.edu/-/media/Site/Moody/graduate/Moody-School-Charter-Summer-2021-Final.pdf)
    - [Director of Graduate Studies Handbook](https://www.smu.edu/-/media/Site/Moody/Moody-School-DGS-Handbook-20220811.pdf)
    - [Moody Hall](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/moody-hall)
    - [Dean's Office](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/deans-office)
    - [Graduate Council](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/graduate-council)
    - [Contact Us](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/contact)
- [News](https://www.smu.edu/news)
  
  Show submenu for News 
  
    - [News](https://www.smu.edu/news)
- [Events](https://calendar.smu.edu/)
  
  Show submenu for Events 
  
    - [Events](https://calendar.smu.edu/)
- [Athletics](https://smumustangs.com/)
  
  Show submenu for Athletics 
  
    - [Athletics](https://smumustangs.com/)
- [Research](https://www.smu.edu/research)
  
  Show submenu for Research 
  
    - [Rese](https://www.smu.edu/research)
- [Bush Center](https://www.smu.edu/bushcenter)
  
  Show submenu for Bush Center 
  
    - [Bush Center](https://www.smu.edu/bushcenter)
- [Current Students](https://www.smu.edu/infofor/students)
  
  Show submenu for Current Students 
  
    - [Current Students](https://www.smu.edu/infofor/students)
- [Alumni](https://www.smu.edu/alumni)
  
  Show submenu for Alumni 
  
    - [Alumni](https://www.smu.edu/alumni)
- [Faculty & Staff](https://www.smu.edu/infofor/faculty-staff)
  
  Show submenu for Faculty & Staff 
  
    - [Faculty & Staff](https://www.smu.edu/infofor/faculty-staff)

# Graduate Studies in English

[View the Degree We Offer](https://grad.smu.edu/graduate-studies-in-english#degrees-offered)

[Degree Offered](https://grad.smu.edu/graduate-studies-in-english#degrees-offered)

[About the Department](https://www.smu.edu/Dedman/Academics/Departments/English/Graduate)

[Request More Info](https://grad.smu.edu/graduate-studies-in-english#send-request)

[Apply Now](https://gradadmission.smu.edu/apply/)

The Department of English is dedicated to the study of the English language and literature. Like all forms of art, the creations of writers give us direct access to what it means to [be human](https://grad.smu.edu/reanalyzing-our-world-humanities-phds-at-smu) in all its complexity and mystery. Our committed faculty of teachers and scholars, poets and novelists cover literary productions from the first flowerings of poetry in Old English to the most recent creative work.

Our teachers help students to think and write with clarity and grace as they prepare to work in a world where communication has become the signature endeavor of our world. Our graduate students in our Ph.D. program are being prepared to join faculties at the best universities in the world.

[APPLY NOW](https://gradadmission.smu.edu/apply/)

 

## We Offer one degree

[English PhD](https://grad.smu.edu/graduate-studies-in-english#phd)

![](https://grad.smu.edu/hubfs/Program%20Pages/English/AdobeStock_350218910-1-1.jpeg)

## English PhD

- Admission Deadline
  
  Priority deadline for Fall admission is **January 15th.**
- Admission Requirements
  
    - B.A. in English or intensive study of literature in English and a GPA of at least 3.5.
    - Transcripts from all institutions attended (post high school; unofficial documents can be uploaded to your application).
    - 3 Letters of Recommendation
    - Résumé
    - Statement of Purpose
    - [GRE Scores](https://www.smu.edu/Moody/Prospective-Students/Dedman-College-GRE-Requirement)
    - One 15-20 page writing sample.  Please DO NOT send in samples in excess of 30 pages.
    - International applicants must provide [English Language Proficiency](https://www.smu.edu/Moody/Prospective-Students/International-Applicants/Dedman-International-Students) scores if their degree does not meet our waiver requirements.

[Learn more about this degree](https://www.smu.edu/Dedman/Academics/Departments/English/Graduate/PhD)

[Apply Now](https://gradadmission.smu.edu/apply/)

[![1209039\_-SMU- Humanities Guide-mockup\_110921](https://grad.smu.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/1209039_-SMU-%20Humanities%20Guide-mockup_110921.png?width=400&name=1209039_-SMU-%20Humanities%20Guide-mockup_110921.png)](https://grad.smu.edu/reanalyzing-our-world-humanities-phds-at-smu-download)

## Access Our Free Digital Download

Reanalyzing Our World: Humanities PhDs at SMU

[![Download Now](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3974384/c3ef3593-4fab-4a00-8824-7b2b953f4746.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3974384/c3ef3593-4fab-4a00-8824-7b2b953f4746)

 

### Related Blog Articles

## About the department

[Send us a message](https://grad.smu.edu/graduate-studies-in-english#send-request) [Useful Links](https://grad.smu.edu/graduate-studies-in-english#useful-links)

## Send Us a Message

## Useful Links

[Learn more about our faculty](https://www.smu.edu/Dedman/Academics/Departments/English/People)

[Visit department website](https://www.smu.edu/Dedman/Academics/Departments/English/Graduate)

[Send an inquiry](https://grad.smu.edu/graduate-studies-in-english#send-request)

[Apply now](https://gradadmission.smu.edu/apply/)

##### Academics

- [Cox School of Business](https://www.smu.edu/cox)
- [Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences](https://www.smu.edu/dedman)
- [Dedman School of Law](https://www.smu.edu/law)
- [Lyle School of Engineering](https://www.smu.edu/lyle)
- [Meadows School of the Arts](https://www.smu.edu/meadows)
- [Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies](https://www.smu.edu/moody)
- [Perkins School of Theology](https://www.smu.edu/perkins)
- [Simmons School of Education & Human Development](https://www.smu.edu/simmons)
- [SMU CAPE](https://www.smu.edu/cape)
- [SMU Libraries](https://www.smu.edu/libraries)
- [SMU Guildhall](https://www.smu.edu/guildhall)

##### Audience Links

- [Undergraduate Students](https://www.smu.edu/infofor/students)
- [Graduate Students](https://www.smu.edu/moody)
- [Alumni](https://www.smu.edu/alumni)
- [Faculty & Staff](https://www.smu.edu/infofor/faculty-staff)
- [Media](https://www.smu.edu/news)
- [Parents](https://www.smu.edu/studentaffairs)

##### Quick Links

- [SMU Ignited: Boldly Shaping Tomorrow](https://www.smu.edu/ignited)
- [Corporate and Foundation Relations](https://www.smu.edu/corporate-foundation-relations)
- [Bush Center](https://www.smu.edu/bushcenter)
- [SMU Store](https://smu.bncollege.com/shop/smu/home)
- [Academic Calendar](https://www.smu.edu/enrollmentservices/registrar/academiccalendarscoursecatalogs/academiccalendars)
- [Academic Ceremonies](https://www.smu.edu/academic-ceremonies)
- [Events Calendar](https://calendar.smu.edu/)
- [Employment](https://www.smu.edu/businessfinance/hr/workingatsmu)
- [Giving to SMU](https://giving.smu.edu/)
- [Virtual Tour](https://www.smu.edu/admission/visit/virtualtour)
- [SMU Stories](https://www.smu.edu/stories)

##### Get in Touch

- [Contact Us](https://www.smu.edu/aboutsmu/contactsmu)
- [Maps Directions](https://www.smu.edu/aboutsmu/maps)
- [Compliance](https://www.smu.edu/compliance)
- [Legal Disclosures](https://www.smu.edu/legaldisclosures)
- [Privacy Policy Statement](https://www.smu.edu/legaldisclosures/privacystatement)
- [Report Sexual Harassment](https://www.smu.edu/sexualharassment)
- [Reporting a Bias Incident](https://www.smu.edu/studentaffairs/get-help/bert)
- [SMU Aware](https://www.smu.edu/aware)
- [Emergency Preparedness](https://www.smu.edu/businessfinance/risk-management/emergency-management-fire-safety)

##### Follow Us

- [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/smudallas)
- [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/smudallas/)
- [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/school/smudallas/mycompany/)
- [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@smu)
- [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbLRmiYkXF2YHOXzIqasjzg)
- [X](https://twitter.com/smu/)

[![](https://grad.smu.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/SMU%20logo.png?width=140&height=41&name=SMU%20logo.png)](https://smu.edu/)

© SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY