But many institutions resist this trend, responding, probably, to the traditional separation of disciplines and the perceived career risk involved in pursuing an interdisciplinary degree. As a prospective graduate student in literature and environment, you should carefully determine the climate at your chosen institution. Section Four , Graduate Programs, answers some important questions about a limited number of schools. Make sure you investigate your chosen institution and department thoroughly before you commit time and money to a program that may not be receptive to your scholarly interests. College enrollment is high.
English courses are full.
The writing across the curriculum movement is taking hold, emphasizing the need for students to become skilled writers. Entering the academic job market is risky at best, and with the cost and time involved in graduate school, you may decide that now is not the right time to peruse graduate education. In 1994, only 66 percent of new PhDs in English found full-time employment. In other words, the majority of job seekers did not secure full-time, continuing appointments. The number of positions available has declined, too.