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Morgan State University - Holmes Hall

PhD in English

Learning Mode:

  • On-Campus

Become an expert in the study of language and its social, cultural, and political impacts. Gain the skills you need to advance in teaching, or get ahead as a writer and engage deeply with the literary world.

36Credit Hours
2-4Years to Complete
2Program Tracks
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Transform Your Future with the PhD in English

Customize your education in the literary field with the PhD in English from Morgan State University. Whether you focus on literature of a historical period or the written word in today's society, you will develop expertise that directly aligns with your passion.

Our unique program explores the meanings and dimensions of slavery and colonialism, their continuing implications, and Black diaspora literature and culture. Here you will find your voice through interdisciplinary learning and a supportive environment.

  • Take five core courses and then specialize in British and American Literature & Literary Theory, Multicultural & Gender Studies, or Language & Professional Writing

  • Pursue one of two program tracks: Advanced Track (36 credit hours) or Standard Track (48 hours), which both include a dissertation

  • Study on campus

  • Complete your degree in as little as 24 months (or up to 48 months for the Standard Track)

Why Morgan?

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  • 1st

    In the state, we rank first for master’s and doctoral degrees awarded to African Americans, ranging from bioinformatics to engineering and social work.

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  • 20%

    We take pride in our diversity and international-friendly community. Over 20% of Morgan students identify as nonblack, coming from the United States or places like Africa, China, Saudi Arabia, and more.

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  • 1st

    Morgan is first among all HBCUs for Fulbright Scholars. Our students excel in their fields, pursuing higher levels of research and achievement.

Advance in Your Professional Career

A career in the literary field is critical to understanding political, social, and cultural implications. Whether you are aiming to polish your writing skills or looking to advance as a teacher, the PhD in English will bring you closer to your future endeavors. At Morgan State University, we will prepare you for academic and professional pathways full of growth and opportunity that will enable you to make a real difference.  Join the innovative thinkers who are committed to exploring new methods of inquiry, cultivating creative scholarship, and producing knowledge students and scholars can use.

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Learn In-Demand Skills

Take your literary skills to the next level by exploring literature, literary theory, applied writing skills, and the impact of communication on society and politics worldwide.

Prepare to develop your voice and agency through a cross-cultural and comparative curriculum of the histories, literatures, visual cultures, and politics of people. Become an authority in traditional fields of literary studies and in emerging fields such as multiculturalism, gender, language, and modern storytelling forms.

  • Research methods in literature and writing

  • Literary criticism

  • Linguistics

  • Teaching strategies

  • Foreign language proficiency

  • Gender studies

  • Creative dissertation leading to a novel, collection of short fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, or a hybrid/experimental new media form

  • Creative writing

  • Film and visual storytelling

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Secure Your Ideal Career

Once you graduate, you will have the writing and analytical skills you need for a career in academia, the media, or publishing fields. Advance in your career with one of these many job titles.

  • Professor

  • Editor

  • Journalist

  • Copywriter

  • Public Relations Officer

  • Technical Writer

  • English Language and Literature Teacher

  • Editorial Assistant in Publishing

Pursue Hands-On Research and Internships

Find the competitive edge you have been seeking. Maximize your potential with real-world experiences outside the classroom, including career-oriented internships, advanced research or thesis projects, and networking events in the Baltimore-Washington metropolis. Make connections in the community. Collaborate with our award-winning faculty. Or take advantage of Morgan State University's partnerships with other universities to land the teaching position of your dreams. Here, you have every opportunity you need to thrive.

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Collaborative Learning

Whether you are learning in class or from home, you will be immersed in a collaborative environment with your peers and professors. Pursue impactful research while working closely with faculty members.

Contribute to Our Legacy of Excellence

At Morgan, student success is our top priority. Our goal is to provide an exceptional learning environment in which your academic, intellectual, and personal growth excel far beyond your expectations and long after graduation.  Known for our achievements in the humanities and social sciences, we have a strong history of guiding students toward success no matter what the challenge. We are confident you will become part of our legacy of placing doctoral graduates in teaching positions. Challenge yourself to accomplish the unimaginable, just like the alumni before you.

MSU Grad - Karen Irving
The coursework I completed during this journey has prepared me [well] ... I've had the opportunity to work with leadership and other stakeholders within the community college setting, which has been an excellent incentive for me to build my knowledge base as I become prepared for this work. I joined student governance to build my capacity through professional connections within the Morgan network and tie these experiences back to my future professional objectives. The Advanced Studies, Leadership, and Policy department does a great job of incorporating opportunities that provide students with additional insight during their doctoral journey ... As for affordability ... It was the determining factor for selecting Morgan, including being an HBCU. I’ve attended non-HBCUs before, [but at Morgan] I can definitely feel the love that I hadn't previously experienced.
- Karen Irving, Morgan State Graduate Student Association President (2021-22), EdD in Community College Leadership, Doctoral Candidate

Financial Support Makes Things Possible

Choosing the right program is a big decision—and we are here to help you navigate the options available for funding your education. Whether you are an in-state, out-of-state, or international student, you may be eligible for Graduate Funding. We also offer two types of Graduate Assistantships: Teaching Assistantships (TAs) and Research Assistantships (RAs). Both provide special learning opportunities in exchange for a stipend/salary and Tuition Award. In addition, by simply filing your FAFSA each year, you will be able to participate in Federal Plus Loans and Federal Direct Loan Programs. With proper planning, going back to graduate school is more than possible. We are committed to breaking barriers and opening doors for all future students. Contact us to learn more about affordability at Morgan’s School of Graduate Studies.

  • Graduate Fellowships and federal Title III Graduate Fellowships provide a stipend and Tuition Award

  • Teaching Assistantships offer you the chance to teach and assist with undergraduate courses

  • Research Assistantships give you research experience with faculty-led or external projects

  • Federal Direct Loan Programs include the Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized Loans

  • Additional Grants and Scholarships from external sources award free money—so apply early

Request More Information

Discover the PhD in English

Find meaningful success—both personally and professionally—with the On-Campus PhD in English. If you are ready to learn valuable skills for a more rewarding career, why wait? Request more information today and we will reach out to you with all the details.

1700 East Cold Spring Lane Baltimore, Maryland 21251
(443) 885-3185