The program leading to the doctorate emphasizes the critical and scholarly study of English and American literature, as well as cultural studies and film. It is also concerned with developing the candidate's ability as a classroom teacher. During this year the candidate will fulfill the teaching requirement and begin dissertation research. Ph.D. students are not ordinarily permitted to teach in their first three semesters of study, but are expected to devote full time to their coursework during these preparatory semesters. At the end of their second year, Ph.D. students select a faculty committee with whom they work to define and prepare areas of specialization for their qualifying exams.
Students generally take their qualifying exams in the spring of their third year.
After completing their exams, students must file a preliminary draft of a proposal for their doctoral dissertation. The language requirement must be satisfied by the end of the candidate's third year of study.