English (Creative Writing), Ph.D.

The Doctor of Philosophy

Successful applicants for regular admission to the PhD program usually have a GPA of 3.5 in all (undergraduate and graduate) English courses and will typically have completed a BA and/or an MA in English. The PhD with an emphasis in literature offers direct admission to the doctoral program from the BA. For specific details, see program requirements below. Application materials include GRE general test scores, transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a substantial writing sample. Letters of recommendation should be from persons qualified to assess the applicant’s readiness for graduate study. For further information and links to application materials, see www.usm.edu/english.

Conditional admission is sometimes possible for applicants who do not meet all the criteria for regular admission. To remove conditional status, students must meet the Graduate School requirements described in the Admission Requirements and Procedures  section of this Bulletin, and they must satisfy all additional requirements stipulated by the department.

Members of all underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Minimum of 54 credit hours beyond the MA, to include:

• 4 courses (12 hrs.), creative writing workshops
• 2 courses in a literature secondary area (6 hrs.): 1) American Literature to 1890, 2) British Literature to 1660, 3) British Literature, 1660-1890, 4) British & American Literatures, 1890-1960, 5) Literatures in English after 1960, 6) Non-traditional Literatures in English
• 4 courses, literature (12 hours: two courses each in two periods listed above, not including secondary area)
• ENG 640 - Critical Reading and Methods in English 3 hrs.
• ENG 898 - Dissertation 12 hrs.

Additional requirements and guidelines:

• Students must complete two Research Tools: either two foreign languages or one foreign language plus 12 hours of coursework in an allied area of study approved by the Dean of the Graduate School. For information on how to meet the Foreign Language requirement, see the English Department Graduate Handbook at www.usm.edu/english.
• No more than 6 hours at the 500-level classes will count towards the degree.
• Students must take ENG 690 - Practicum in the Theory and Teaching of Composition  if they hold an assistantship that includes teaching as one of their duties.
• Students must successfully complete a Doctoral Qualifying Examination.
• Students must successfully complete a written PhD Comprehensive Exam. For further information about the PhD Comprehensive Exam, see www.usm.edu/english.
• Students must write a dissertation and complete an oral defense of the dissertation (for fiction, 100 pages of fiction plus short introduction; for poetry, 60 pages of poetry plus introduction).
• A 3.0 GPA is required for graduation.
• Students must submit their signed, official Plan of Study to the Graduate School by the end of the first semester in which they are enrolled. The Plan of Study forms are available at www.usm.edu/graduateschool/planofstudy.php - click on the “Plans of Study” link; or on the Resources page at www.usm.edu/english.