University of Colorado Boulder

What you'll study

The PhD programme emphasizes sustained research in literature and related fields across historical periods and global traditions. Students complete advanced coursework, research seminars, language training as appropriate to their projects, and pedagogical preparation for college-level teaching. Typical study areas include American literature, British literature from medieval to contemporary periods, transnational and postcolonial literatures, critical theory, cultural studies, film and media studies, rhetoric and composition, queer and ethnic studies, environmental humanities, and digital humanities.

Core components of the programme generally include:

• Coursework in primary fields and in methods/theory seminars.
• Preparation for and completion of comprehensive or qualifying examinations to define the dissertation field.
• Language competence where required by the dissertation topic.
• A sustained, original doctoral dissertation under faculty supervision.
• Teaching experience through graduate instructor or teaching-assistant assignments, alongside pedagogical training seminars.

Students are encouraged to take interdisciplinary electives, collaborate with research centres on campus, and use archival and digital resources to develop innovative approaches to literary study.

Typical modules and seminars

• Seminar in Literary Theory and Methods
• Research Seminar in American Literature
• Research Seminar in Pre-1700 Literature
• Topics in Contemporary Literature and Culture
• Rhetoric, Writing, and Pedagogy
• Digital Humanities Methods and Projects
• Seminar in Environmental Humanities and Literature

Entry requirements

Successful applicants typically hold a strong undergraduate degree and many hold a master’s degree in English or a closely related humanities field. Applications are assessed on demonstrated academic achievement, the strength and coherence of the research proposal, writing ability, and potential for teaching and scholarly contribution.

Materials normally required for application include:

• Official academic transcripts.
• A statement of purpose outlining research interests and fit with the department.
• A strong scholarly writing sample (often an essay or paper of substantial length).
• Curriculum vitae.
• Letters of recommendation from academic referees.
• Proof of English proficiency for international applicants (e.g. TOEFL or IELTS) where applicable.

Applicants should review the department’s guidance on language preparation, recommended coursework, and potential faculty supervisors to ensure alignment between research interests and existing faculty expertise.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD programme move into a range of careers in and beyond the academy. Common trajectories include tenure-track positions in literature, literary and cultural studies, and rhetoric and composition at universities and colleges. The programme’s emphasis on teaching prepares graduates for roles in higher-education instruction and curriculum development.

Outside traditional academic posts, alumni pursue careers in publishing and editorial work, cultural and public humanities organisations, digital scholarship and project management, non-profit leadership, communications and policy roles that require strong research and writing skills, and positions in libraries, archives and museums. Training in digital methods and interdisciplinary collaboration also opens pathways in data curation and digital project development.

Why study at University of Colorado Boulder

The University of Colorado Boulder offers a vibrant humanities environment with faculty whose research spans historical periods and contemporary theory, enabling students to pursue both traditional literary scholarship and innovative interdisciplinary projects. The department’s strengths in areas such as environmental humanities, digital humanities, rhetoric and American studies create distinctive opportunities for cross-campus collaboration.

Students have access to substantial research resources, including university special collections and library services, as well as research centres and institutes that support public-facing and experimental scholarship. Graduate students typically receive pedagogical training and opportunities to teach, plus mentoring for conference presentation and publication. Located in Boulder, the university provides a supportive academic community with easy access to regional archives, cultural institutions and landscapes that enrich research in literature and culture.