Are you interested in pursuing an English PhD online? Whether your goal is to teach at a college or university or to refine your writing skills, we invite you to explore an online doctorate in English today. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of these programs, focusing on offerings from Old Dominion University and Murray State University, both of which are among the best online English PhD programs. Choosing the right program is critical, so continue reading to find the one that best suits you!
Types of Online English PhD Programs
In academia, the term doctorate in English is often used as a blanket term that encompasses both the PhD in English and other doctoral degrees in English-related fields, such as the Doctor of Education (EdD) with a focus on English education or other specialized doctorates.
So, when discussing doctoral programs in English, it’s important to specify whether you are referring to a PhD in English or an EdD with a focus on English education, as each has distinct requirements and areas of focus. In this section, we’ll explore the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in English, and the Doctor of Education (EdD).
Online English PhD
Online PhD English programs cater to people with a profound passion for the English language. Opting to pursue this degree opens up several job prospects upon graduation. Due to its versatility, this degree is valuable across many fields, including marketing, research, and administration. As for the learning outcomes associated with online PhD programs in English, expect a wealth of knowledge and skills. These programs will equip you with the expertise to conduct research and become an expert in a specific area of English that aligns with your interests.
In summary, these programs will provide comprehensive instruction on effective teaching methods and strategies, empowering you to excel as an educator. Additionally, you’ll acquire valuable skills in utilizing both primary and secondary sources for research purposes. This demonstrates your ability to go beyond mere repetition and showcase your profound understanding of the materials you engage with.
Upon completion of your studies, you’ll submit a dissertation, an extensive essay that delves into the topic of your research. To clarify, this involves selecting a unique and unexplored subject within the realm of English. Your task will be to conduct thorough research and present your findings in the dissertation submitted for your graduation.
GetEducated's Picks
- Old Dominion University Doctor of Philosophy in English
- Indiana University Online Doctor of Education in Literacy, Culture & Language Education
Online English EdD
An online doctorate in English, in this case, an English EdD degree, caters primarily to individuals aspiring to attain expertise in English language instruction. This program equips you with the essential theories and knowledge necessary to excel in English teaching upon graduation. It opens avenues for careers as a researcher, scholar, or teacher educator. As a prerequisite for completion, you’ll undertake the task of completing a dissertation centered on applied research, emphasizing practical solutions to real-world issues, particularly those encountered in the classroom.
Online doctoral programs in English, as opposed to a mere exploration of theories, offer practical insights on applying your knowledge to enhance English instruction. This program will prepare you to take on a leadership role in teaching English in colleges and universities. To earn this degree, you’ll engage in core courses such as “Research Paper: Teaching of English,” “Seminar in Foundational Texts,” and “Doctoral Seminar: Teaching of English.” In short, if you’re interested in becoming a leader in the field of English education, then this degree is the correct choice for you.
GetEducated's Picks
- Indiana University Online Doctor of Education in Literacy, Culture & Language Education
- Old Dominion University Doctor of Philosophy in English
The Best Online English PhD Programs
Old Dominion University
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Total Cost (In-State): $27,768
Total Cost (Out-of-State): $30,072ODU’s Doctor of Philosophy in English has earned its place as one of the best online English PhD programs. To that end, it offers a distinctive blend of online convenience with a unique residency requirement. This program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive educational experience. It combines flexible online coursework with two Summer Doctoral Institutes, each spanning two weeks, held at the main campus. This residency component ensures that students have the opportunity to engage in face-to-face interactions with faculty and peers.
Concentrations Offered
ODU’s online PhD in English program offers three main concentrations for students to choose from: Literary and Cultural Studies, Rhetoric, Writing, and Discourse Studies, and Technology and Media Studies. These concentrations allow students to focus on specific areas of interest within the field of English. For those seeking an even more specialized experience, there is the option to create a tailored fourth concentration, subject to approval by the graduate program director.
Online Class Format
In this program, students can expect a dynamic online learning environment. Courses are delivered synchronously, meaning that students attend live classes with professors and fellow students through the university’s dedicated software platform. Before the start of classes, students will need to download the necessary software to participate effectively.
Research Competency Requirement
To demonstrate their research proficiency, students are required to fulfill the Research Competency Requirement. This requirement offers flexibility, allowing students to choose from a range of topics to showcase their expertise. Options include technological proficiency, statistical analysis, and foreign languages, ensuring that students can align this requirement with their academic interests and career goals.
Course Highlights
Throughout the program, students have the opportunity to engage in a variety of thought-provoking courses. Examples of these include “Pocahontas Unplugged: Jamestown, Pocahontas and the Forging of American Identity,” “Digital Activisms,” and “Major Debates in English Studies.” These courses provide a diverse and intellectually stimulating curriculum, to be sure.
Admission Requirements
Prospective students interested in enrolling in Old Dominion University’s Doctor of Philosophy program in English must meet specific admission criteria. These requirements include holding a Master’s degree in English or a related field, maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.5, and, for international students, providing TOEFL scores if needed. Additionally, applicants must submit a 1500-word goal statement outlining their academic objectives, three reference letters, and a 15-page writing sample that demonstrates their skills and interests.
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Doctor of Philosophy in EnglishMurray State University
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $29,256Murray State University offers a fully online Doctor of Arts in English Pedagogy program, providing flexibility through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous courses. To point out, one advantage of this program is the absence of residency requirements, allowing students to complete their entire degree from the convenience of their homes. The Doctor of Arts in English Pedagogy is primarily designed for educators already working in high school or college settings.
Specializations Offered
Within Murray State University’s Doctor of Arts in English Pedagogy program, students have the opportunity to specialize in one of four distinct areas. The first specialization, the English Language Specialization, spans 48 credit hours and focuses on refining the skills necessary for effective English language instruction. Students enrolled in this specialization can expect to delve into courses such as “Teaching Writing,” “Introduction to Linguistic Science,” and “Language and Culture.”
The second specialization, the English Literacy K-Adult Specialization, also encompasses 48 credit hours. It equips educators with the knowledge and strategies needed to enhance literacy instruction for students from kindergarten to college.
The English Literature Specialization comprises 48 credit hours and centers on the in-depth study and analysis of literature. This specialization not only immerses students in literary works but also equips them with effective teaching techniques. Key courses in this specialization include “Research and Bibliography,” “Teaching Literature,” and “Critical Theory.”
Lastly, the Writing Specialization, totaling 48 credit hours, focuses on honing writing skills and the ability to impart effective writing instruction. Students within this specialization engage in courses like “Research and Bibliography,” “Teaching Writing,” and “Purchase Area Writing Project I.”
Program Routes
Murray State University offers two distinct routes for completing the Doctor of Arts in English Pedagogy program. The first route, known as the Traditional DA Route, consists of 48 credit hours and is tailored for students who have already earned a Master’s degree in their field. Comparatively, the second route, referred to as the Accelerated MA to DA Route, encompasses a total of 72 credit hours. This route is for individuals with a Bachelor’s degree who aspire to simultaneously attain a Master’s and Doctorate. Opting for this route provides a quicker pathway to achieving both degrees compared to pursuing them consecutively.
Core Course Highlights
During the program, students will engage in a range of core courses designed to develop their expertise in English pedagogy. Some core courses include “Methods of Analysis and Reflection in English Teaching,” “Theories of Curriculum Design and Application in English,” “Assessment in English,” “Instructional Technology for English,” and “Applied Practice I.”
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Doctor of Arts in English Pedagogy
What to Expect in an English PhD Online
Education requirements for online PhD English programs can be completed 100% online depending on the school that you’re attending. In general, there are 3 types of program formats for these online English doctoral programs. These formats are fully online, fully online with residency, and blended/hybrid.
100% Online English PhD Programs
The first format, fully online, is self-explanatory. In other words, this format means that this English PhD online format can be completed without attending classes physically. Now, there are 2 types of fully online formats, synchronous and asynchronous. The synchronous format will require you to log in and attend virtual classes at agreed-upon times with a professor and other students. The asynchronous format, on the other hand, is completely hands-off, and all you have to do is complete your assignments on time. In this case, you will have the freedom to arrange your schedule for when you want to study.
English PhD Online With Residency
Next up, we have the fully online format with residency. This format, even though it uses the word residency here, does not mean that you will have to live on campus in any way. Fully online with residency simply means that you will have to make a few mandatory visits to campus on certain dates to complete a few tasks. This typically happens once a year or less for fully online doctoral programs in English. During these visits, you will complete tasks such as candidacy exams, dissertation proposals, dissertation defense, and summer institutes. Summer institutes are educational programs held during the summer that focus on specific subjects.
Blended Programs
The last format we will be discussing is the blended/hybrid format. In this format students will be required to take some classes fully online, and some classes in person. Blended format programs typically assign which classes to take online, and which classes to take in person. Programs in hybrid format, meanwhile, allow students to choose which classes they want to take online, and which classes they wish to complete in person.
Admission & Course Structure
When you begin the application process for English PhD programs, you’ll be expected to provide essential documents, including your GPA, resume, school transcripts, a statement of purpose, a writing sample, and a letter of recommendation from your previous institution. With these prerequisites in mind, you can now make an informed choice among the best online English PhD programs available.
English PhD programs typically span from 3 to 6 years, contingent upon your selected program and your commitment. During your course of study, you’ll engage in a diverse array of courses. This includes offerings like Advanced Creative Writing, Nonfiction Writing, Latina Feminisms in the Americas, History of the English Language, Modern English Grammar, and Teaching of Composition.
Candidacy & Dissertation
One pivotal phase of your journey is the candidacy exams, which serve as a pivotal assessment of your readiness to progress further in the program. Failing these exams can carry significant consequences, possibly jeopardizing the continuation of your PhD pursuit, contingent upon the specific policies of your institution.
Following the successful passage of the candidacy exam, you’ll submit your dissertation proposal, outlining the research topic you intend to explore. The culmination of your doctoral journey revolves around the completion of your dissertation and the subsequent dissertation defense. This final step involves presenting your research in front of a panel of qualified professors who will engage with your work, posing questions, and evaluating your expertise in the field.
How to Choose Your Best Online English PhD Program
In an online PhD in English program, you’ll find a range of core courses essential for your academic journey. These include foundational courses, such as Introduction to Graduate Study in English, Current Directions in Critical Theory, and Advanced Study in Literature and Culture. The beauty of this degree lies in its flexibility, with numerous specialization options available, depending on your chosen program.
These specializations encompass diverse facets of the literary world, allowing you to delve deep into your preferred area of expertise. For example, there are specializations in American literature, British literature, and critical and cultural theories. There are also specializations in ethnic and African American literature, gender and sexuality, as well as poetry and poetics.
For instance, the American literature specialization immerses you in the wealth of written works by American authors. Conversely, the British literature specialization explores the literary creations of British authors, drawing parallels and distinctions with their American counterparts.
The Ethnic and African-American Literature specialization will dive into powerful narratives created by African-American writers, gaining profound insights into their experiences and contributions to literature. Similarly, the Gender and Sexuality specialization delves into the intricacies of gender roles and relationships. By doing so, it offers a nuanced perspective on these crucial aspects of society.
The Critical and Cultural Theories specialization equips you with a comprehensive understanding of various cultural theories, enabling you to dissect and analyze the workings of culture itself. Lastly, the Poetry and Poetics specialization delves deep into the art of creating poetry, exploring the elements and techniques that underpin this unique form of literary expression.
As you begin on your academic journey into online English PhD programs, these specializations empower you to tailor your studies to your specific interests and goals.
Is Getting an Online PhD in English Worth It?
Getting an online PhD in English offers many career prospects, especially if you aspire to become an educator or writer. This doctoral degree in English online opens doors to various job prospects, including positions such as an English Language and Literature Teacher at the postsecondary level. In this role, you have the option to focus primarily on teaching or combine teaching with research activities. Currently, the national mean annual wage for this position stands at $81,380, with a workforce of 57,680 professionals.
Otherwise, you can become a Technical Writer, responsible for translating complex information into reader-friendly formats. Technical writers create materials such as how-to guides, instruction manuals, and journal articles. This occupation offers a median annual salary of $79,960, with a healthy job outlook. In fact, it’s projected to grow at a rate of 7% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than average.
Another promising career avenue is that of a Public Relations Specialist, tasked with shaping positive public perceptions for clients. This role involves managing and maintaining clients’ social media profiles and serving as their public-facing communication liaison. Presently, the median annual wage for this profession is $67,440, and it boasts a substantial workforce of 297,100 individuals. Additionally, the BLS projects its job outlook for the next decade to grow at an above-average rate of 6%.
Start an Online English PhD Today!
If you’re interested in pursuing an online English PhD degree, then why not start today? The journey toward earning your PhD in English will be a substantial one. Remember, however, the sooner you start, the quicker you’ll find yourself in the career of your dreams. Don’t delay; take that first step and apply online today!