English (Ph.D.)

The Ph.D. program in English at ULL affords students close professional guidance from a diverse graduate faculty distinguished in its commitment to both teaching and research. All doctorates in English have a foundation in British and American language and literature, thus students receive a broad education in the discipline that prepares them to teach effectively at any college level and provides the background for advanced research in their areas of particular expertise. Students also receive training in preparation for career diversity.


Ph.D. students may choose from the following concentrations:

  • Literary and Cultural Studies 
  • Creative Writing
  • Folklore 
  • Linguistics
  • Rhetoric & Composition


Ph.D. Exam Areas
Ph.D. students design three areas of concentration for their comprehensive exams with guidance from exam committee members of their choosing. Some possible areas include:

•  English Literature to c.1500
•  English Literature of the Renaissance
•  English Literature of the Restoration and Eighteenth Century
•  British Literature of the Nineteenth Century
•  British Literature from c.1900 to the Present
•  American Literature to 1865 
•  American Literature from 1865 to 1945
•  American Literature from 1945 to the Present
•  Literary Theory
•  Rhetoric and Composition Studies
•  African American Literature
•  Black Studies
•  Children’s Literature
•  Creative Writing Pedagogy
•  Drama
•  Feminist Theory and Criticism
•  Narrative Film
•  Southern Literary Studies
•  Speculative Fiction
•  Folklore Studies

 



 

Related Programs

English at UL Lafayette

A textbook with tabs and a pen

Literary Journals

Get involved with Rougarou, the graduate-run literary journal housed in the English department, and the Southwestern Review (SWR), our in-house print literary journal featuring creative work from current students.

Community Sharing

As one of the English Department’s longest-standing traditions, the Thursday Night Reading Series (TNRS) features weekly readings of original poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, drama, and experimental works from UL graduate students and faculty.

The Studio

The Studio serves as a 21st-century lab and small-group workspace for UL students in the English Department to learn, create, prosper, and transition from student to professional. Students can work on and complete solo or collaborative projects for clients, including local non-profits and UL programs, with the guidance of a faculty mentor.

Visit the Studio

Teaching Experience

The English department offers graduate students the opportunity to teach and design their own courses—an experience that is extremely valuable on the job market.