masters and phd combined programs in english

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Graduate education.

The Yale English Department offers a broad-ranging program of graduate education, with courses that engage all periods of British literature, American literature since its inception, and many of the contemporary interdisciplines (feminism, media studies, post-colonialism, Black studies, LGBTQIA+ studies, and the environmental humanities).

The Department aims to train future scholars, writers, and teachers of many kinds: our primary focus is on the development of college and university professors, but our alumni also go on to careers as curators, librarians, secondary school teachers, university administrators, journalists, editors, and professional writers. Our faculty believe in the values of pluralism (in what is studied and how it is studied), and they are committed to preparing students to succeed in competitive and demanding professions. To that end, we make the teaching of undergraduates an important part of graduate training, as well as offering a wide array of professional development opportunities at  The Yale Review , university libraries and museums, the Digital Humanities Lab, and elsewhere on campus.

Pluralism within the Department is enhanced by relations with other graduate programs. The English Department offers combined PhD programs with African-American Studies, Film and Media Studies, History of Art, Early Modern Studies, and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and has strong affiliations with graduate programs in American Studies, Comparative Literature, Medieval Studies, Religious Studies, and other humanistic disciplines. Faculty members are often joint appointees in English and another of these programs, and many courses are cross-listed. The Department encourages its students to design programs of study that combine specialization with wise generalization.

Joint and Dual Degree Programs

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With more than 100 graduate degree programs, the University of Chicago is uniquely able to offer students the advantages of combining opportunities through interdisciplinary work or by pursuing multiple degree programs. The details vary from program to program, and in most cases require applications to both programs. Please review the information provided by both departments to determine the application and course requirements for each pair of degrees.

Definitions:

• Dual degree—completing requirements for two separate degrees, including, for Ph.D., producing two dissertations. Degrees may be within the same academic unit or across academic units.
• Joint degree—completing requirements for two degree programs with possibly overlapping or coordinated degree requirements. Degrees may be within the same academic unit or across academic units.

Joint/Dual Programs

Biological Sciences Division

• ISTP (MD/PhD ) – Interdisciplinary Scientist Training Program
• MD/MPH – Master of Public Health degree

Chicago Booth School of Business

• MBA/MPP –  Harris School of Public Policy
• MBA/JD –  Law School
• MBA/MD –  Pritzker School of Medicine
• MBA/MPCS –  Master’s Program in Computer Science
• MBA/AM – Crown Family  School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice
• MBA/AM (International Relations) – Social Sciences Division
• MBA/AM in Area Studies ( Eastern Europe/Russia ,  Middle East ,  South Asia ) –  Social Sciences Division
• PhD joint programs in  Business and Psychology  or  Financial Economics  –  Social Sciences Division
• PhD/JD –  Law School

Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice

• AM/MBA –  Booth School of Business
• AM/MPP –  Harris School of Public Policy
• AM/MDiv –  Divinity School – Chicago Theological Seminary ,  Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago ,  McCormick Theological Seminary ,  Meadville/Lombard Theological Seminary , and the  Catholic Theological Union

The Divinity School

• MDiv/AM – Crown Family  School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice
• MDiv/JD –  Law School
• MDiv/MPP –  Harris School of Public Policy

Harris School of Public Policy

• MPP/JD –  Law School
• MPP/AM – Crown Family  School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice
• MPP/MDiv –  Divinity School
• MPP/MBA –  Booth School of Business
• MPP/AM (Middle Eastern Studies) –  Social Sciences Division
• MA/MA (International Relations) –  Social Sciences Division

Humanities Division

• Doctoral Joint Degree Program

The Law School

• Law School Dual Degree Overview
• JD/MBA –  Booth School of Business
• JD/PhD  – Booth School of Business and Social Sciences Division
• JD/MPP –  Harris School of Public Policy
• JD/MDiv –  Divinity School
• JD/MA (International Relations) –  Social Sciences Division

Pritzker School of Medicine

• MD/MBA – Booth School of Business
• MD/MA in Public Policy – Harris School of Public Policy
• MeSH (MD/PhD) – Medicine, the Social Sciences and Humanities
• MSTP (MD/PhD) – Medical Scientist Training Program
• GDDTP(MD/ PhD ) – Growth, Development and Disabilities Training Program
• MD/MS – Biomedical Informatics

Social Sciences Division

• JD/MA (International Relations) – The Law School
• MPP/MA (Middle Eastern Studies) –  Harris School of Public Policy
• MBA/MA – International Relations with Booth and CIR
• MBA/AM in Area Studies ( Eastern Europe/Russia ,  Middle East ,  South Asia ) – Booth School of Business
• MA/MA (International Relations) –  Harris School of Public Policy
• PhD in Anthropology and Linguistics – Humanities Division
• PhD in Cognition and Linguistics – Humanities Division
• PhD in Financial Economics – Booth School of Business
• PhD in Psychology and Business – Booth School of Business
• JD/PhD – Law School
• PhD in Social Thought and Classics – Humanities Division
• PhD in Social Thought & Philosophy  – Humanities Division

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Department of English MA and PhD in English Literature

• English |  
• Programs |  
• Graduate Degrees |  
• MA and PhD in English Literature

Associate Professor

Director of Graduate Studies

The literature faculty in the Department of English welcomes you to our MA and PhD program. Find out more about our award-winning faculty and our exciting literature graduate program below.

Admissions Requirements

Application deadline: january 15.

• transcripts for all prior degrees.
• a personal, professional statement that includes your academic background, relevant experiences, and short- and long-term goals.
• a writing sample in the form of an academic, analytical essay from English studies or a closely related field or of a publication. For the MA, 10-15 pages; for the PhD, no more than 25 pages.
• a curriculum vitae.
• 3 confidential letters of recommendation.

GRE General Test scores are not required at this time. Please check our website for the most up-to-date information regarding test scores.

If you are interested in receiving a graduate teaching assistantship (GTA) or other financial support for your first year, you must complete and submit your application by January 15.

Our Graduate Faculty

Our graduate students study and work with a nationally and internationally recognized graduate faculty. Recent book commendations include:

• Juliane Braun received The Theatre Library Association’s George Freedley Memorial Award for Exemplary Work in Live Theatre or Performance for Creole Drama: Theatre and Society in Antebellum New Orleans. 

• Ernest L. Gibson III ’s Salvific Manhood: James Baldwin's Novelization of Male Intimacy was selected as a 2020 Choice Outstanding Academic Title by the American Library Association.

With these faculty and others, graduate students can take complementary courses outside the department to develop specializations or minors in subjects such as sustainability, diversity, women’s and gender studies, and communication. A minor requires two courses (a total of six credits) chosen from courses in English or another discipline relevant to the student's professional and academic goals.

Students and faculty work collaboratively on a variety of departmental and university-wide endeavors and committees. Graduate students serve on all major departmental committees, such as the Graduate Studies and Composition Committees.

Literature graduate students work with faculty who can mentor and help students make connections in academia. Among the journals for which faculty are advisory editors and editorial board members are Nineteenth-Century Gender Studies , American Periodicals: A Journal of History, Criticism, and Bibliography , SEL ( Studies in English Literature ), Journal of American Drama and Dance , The Harold Pinter Review , Explorations in Renaissance Culture , The Scriblerian, and The Comparatist .

Our faculty also hold distinguished positions both in and outside Auburn University. Ernest Gibson is the Director of Africana Studies , our interdisciplinary program for the study of historical and contemporary developments that combine to define the social, cultural, aesthetic, political, and economic realities of the people of African descent. Sunny Stalter-Pace was recently appointed to be the Chair of Interdisciplinary Approaches for the Modernist Studies Association Board. Emily Friedman , who has recently won an “Innovative Course Design” award from the American Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies, is the Associate Director of 18thConnect.org, a curated digital aggregator and peer-reviewing body for projects in eighteenth-century studies. She works with a team of graduate students and one of them is the project manager.

Financial and Programmatic Support

With application by the January 15 deadline and admission as a full-time student, students are offered a graduate teaching assistantship (GTA) . It not only provides a stipend, subsidized insurance, travel money for research and conferences, and tuition remission but also offers valuable teaching experience. PhD students teach both composition and literature courses. All first-year MA students participate in a practicum on teaching college-level literature and composition courses and receive guidance as beginning teachers. They also work closely with a faculty member as discussion leaders in core literature courses. In their second year, they are the instructors of record for composition classes. Many of our students also work as program or research assistants in the department or a few hours a week in the Miller Writing Center and in library positions in Reference or the Special Collections Department.

Currently one of our PhD students holds a 3-year Presidential Graduate Research Fellowship , and another was awarded the College of Liberal Arts Outstanding GTA Teaching Award. They are frequent winners of the Merriweather and the “Best Graduate Student” fellowships given by the Dean of the Graduate School. Each year graduate students can win awards and honors from our department, including the Hammersmith Awards for Best Papers written in seminars by MA and PhD students, the Yates and Ward Allen Awards, and the GTA Teaching Award. Once PhDs have entered the dissertation stage of their degree, they are eligible for Semester and Summer Dissertation Fellowships. Graduate students are also able to win awards and scholarships from the university as a whole.  

Graduate Student Life and Experiences

As a literature graduate student in the Department of English, you will gain skills inside and outside the classroom that employers both in and outside of academia desire.

• analytical and organizational skills
• written and oral communication skills
• awareness of research methods
• ability to implement research skills
• awareness of values and diversity

Auburn is an R1 institution, a designation by the Carnegie Classifications indicating that we are a doctoral university with very high levels of research activity. The plethora of publications that come from our faculty and graduate students illustrate this. Recent literature students’ publications have been in in journals such as Women’s Studies: An Interdisciplinary Journal, Eighteenth-Century Studies , Feminist Modernist Studies , Journal of American Drama and Theatre , James Baldwin Review , Textual Practice , Victorian Poetry , Oxford Literary Review , and American Studies and in well-reviewed collections including Approaches to Teaching the Works of Flannery O’Connor (MLA), The Spiritualist Movement (Praeger), and The Routledge Handbook of Crime Fiction and Ecology .

They have published in Textual Practice, Victorian Poetry; Feminist Modernist Studies; Journal of American Drama and Theatre; Journal of Modern Literature; American Studies, English Literature in Transition, 1880-1920; The Oxford Literature Review; Eighteenth-Century Fiction; Tulsa Studies in Women’s Literature, and Women’s Studies: An Interdisciplinary Journal, among many others.

Graduate students are encouraged to become members of EGA, Auburn’s English Graduate Association . EGA hosts a variety of professional development events throughout the year, as well as social events. It cannot be understated how important a support system is for all graduate students, and EGA creates an environment where all graduate students work to support each other. EGA also hosts SELARC (Southeastern Liberal Arts Research Conference) each year. SELARC is an opportunity for Auburn graduate students to not only present amongst their peers from other universities, but also gain experience in organizing and planning a small-scale conference.

Our Graduates After Auburn

Many of our MA graduates enter PhD programs at universities all over the country. Among them are Vanderbilt; UCLA; Notre Dame; UNC, Chapel Hill; University of Minnesota; Purdue; Northeastern, and here at Auburn. Others begin a wide variety of careers including communications, media support, and teaching.

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Earning a master's degree or doctorate in English can improve your writing skills, sharpen your analytical abilities and broaden your literary knowledge. These are the top schools for a graduate degree in English. Each school's score reflects its average rating on a scale from 1 (marginal) to 5 (outstanding), based on a survey of academics at peer institutions. Read the methodology »

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2024 Best Online Masters PhD Combined Programs

Masters and PhD combined programs are designed to help you study two different majors.

These dual degree programs typically combine complementary courses from the two different majors so you can equip yourself with broad but targeted expertise.

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If you’re after a career with complex professional demands, dual masters and PhD online programs may be an intriguing option.

Online Masters and PhD Combined Programs

Just as some universities offer students the opportunity to earn a bachelors and masters at the same time , there are some doctoral programs that allow you to get a masters as you complete your doctorate. The masters degree serves as a gateway, or an optional exit point, on the longer path to completing the doctoral degree.

In this article, we’ll talk mostly about blended or dual degree programs. These types of programs allow students to work toward simultaneously earning a masters and doctoral degree in two different but complementary majors, such as business and medicine or business and law.

Here are some advantages of combined masters and PhD programs:

• Combine complementary courses from two distinct graduate degree majors
• Allow you to earn two degrees within a reasonable time frame
• Help prepare you for a specific professional niche

The following are some disadvantages of combined masters and PhD programs:

• Can take longer to complete than a masters degree program alone
• Can include very different specialty courses designed for distinct majors
• Might involve coordinating a study plan with two independent departments

Most dual masters and doctorate degree programs online are designed to help you earn the two degrees in a reasonable time frame.

Common Masters and Doctorate Combined Programs

Many combined degree programs culminate in a professional doctorate and are designed to equip students to work in complex professional settings. A professional doctorate tends to emphasize more practical skills for the workplace.

MBA / Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

In this dual program, you’ll learn business administration fundamentals while you gain expertise in a range of concepts, practices, and regulatory standards related to nursing.

This combination can help position you for senior management roles or for positions on HR teams with large hospitals or managed care networks.

MBA / Doctor of Medicine (MD)

This graduate degree combination can qualify you to practice medicine while also providing you with lots of business administration skills.

Professionals with these qualifications might work in governance roles at a hospital, help design and manage innovative managed healthcare business models, or work in the development and sale of medical technologies.

MBA / Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Dual masters and PsyD programs combining a specialization in industrial and organizational psychology with a masters degree in business administration can open doors to a range of senior management opportunities in large organizations.

Alternately, professionals might specialize in psychotherapy and use their clinical qualifications and business savvy to manage or develop psychotherapy service networks. They may also fill executive leadership roles with mental health service providers.

MBA / Juris Doctor (JD)

Students in this dual degree program often specialize in business law, accessing and blending course offerings from both MBA and JD graduate programs.

This combined program can create an advanced business law degree pathway for future jobs in the business sector or in private law firms.

Master of Public Policy (MPP) / Juris Doctor (JD)

Legal hurdles and legislative complexities can make or break public policy initiatives. A dual MPP and JD program can be a strategic way to develop expertise doing legal analysis work with regard to developing or improving public policy.

With this double-edged expertise, you might pursue any number of roles in public interest law, legislative work, or public policy analysis and advocacy.

Master of Science (MS) / Medical Doctor (MD)

With preparation in an MS and MD combined degree program, you can equip yourself to practice medicine while also learning specialized science research skills.

Depending on your areas of specialization, you might be positioned to work in medical research and development or with organizations engaged in testing, evaluating, monitoring, or regulating new medical practices or products.

Master of Public Health (MPH) / Medical Doctor (MD)

In this blended degree program, you can access a range of graduate courses in the field of public health as you train to become a medical doctor.

If you have an interest in specializing in infectious diseases, preventive medicine, epidemiological research, or public health policy and advocacy roles, this combined degree program can give you advanced training.

Master’s and PhD Admissions Requirements

Admissions requirements will vary by school and program, but most dual masters and PhD programs online require criteria similar to these:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Satisfactory college GPA
• GRE or GMAT scores (if required)
• LSAT or MCAT scores (for JD and MD programs, when required)
• Letters of recommendation

Depending on the major, graduate degree programs may also require the completion of specified prerequisites in math or science as well as other academic or professional requirements.

Accreditation

It can be beneficial to stick with fully accredited schools and programs. If you anticipate pursuing careers in fields that involve professional licensing, accreditation may be a precondition for licensing. Fields that typically require licensing include law, medicine, psychology, nursing, education, and public health.

Accreditation can also be a precondition for some forms of financial aid. Organizations such as the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) have more information about accreditation and finding accredited schools.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Many graduate students rely on financial aid for help with tuition and other upfront costs. If you plan to apply for need-based aid, you can start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) .

Common forms of aid include state and federal education grants. If you’re eligible, you can also  apply for any number of need-based or merit-based scholarships. Some employers also offer tuition assistance programs.

Many financial aid offers also include student loans. Terms of loan offers and other awards can vary, so it’s helpful to review all financial aid offers carefully.

Can You Get Your Masters and PhD at the Same Time?

Yes, in most programs you’ll pursue your masters and doctorate together, taking courses that are part of an already blended curriculum or enrolling in courses that straddle two departments.

If you’re in the type of program where you’re pursuing just one major, you’ll typically fulfill your masters requirements first as a qualifying step for proceeding with the PhD requirements.

When you’re pursuing two complementary majors in a dual degree program, you’ll generally be working toward both degrees at the same time.

Can You Leave a PhD Program with a Masters?

You can leave a PhD program with a masters if you fulfill the required academic and administrative steps for doing so. These requirements can vary by school and program.

Some single-track PhD programs make earning a masters degree programmatic for their PhD candidates, usually awarding the masters after comprehensive qualifying exams. In dual programs, your masters and PhD courses can belong to complementary but distinct academic disciplines, which may complicate matters.

In these cases, you may want to talk to an academic advisor about options that would allow you to exit the doctoral track while still earning a masters in the other major.

Do You Need a Masters to Get a PhD?

There are many PhD programs that do not require any prior master’s degree for admissions.

If you’ve already earned a bachelor’s degree, you may find options to enroll in online master degree, PhD, or dual degree programs . Admissions requirements can vary by school and by major in some cases. Some PhD programs offer you the opportunity to earn a masters along the way.

Does Your PhD Have to Be the Same as Your Masters?

If you are applying to a PhD program after earning a masters, your masters does not typically have to be in the same academic discipline. Requirements can vary, though, by school and program.

What will matter are the more general admissions requirements or prerequisites. You may have more admissions hurdles to overcome if you don’t have the right prerequisite training before you apply, regardless of what kind of masters degree you have.

Holding a masters degree, even if it’s in another discipline, may still help you demonstrate that you’re a motivated and capable PhD candidate. There are also many joint masters and PhD programs that combine separate but complementary disciplines.

What Can You Do with a Joint Master and PhD Degree?

Receiving training from dual graduate programs can give you a strong foundation for senior research, management, or leadership positions. There is a vast range of career paths you can take, depending on your specializations and degree combinations.

For example, graduates who pair a masters in public health or science with an MD may pursue positions as epidemiologists or medical scientists respectively. Those interested in business law may want to combine their JD with a Master of Business Administration, making them more marketable for prospective future clients or firms.

Getting a PhD can also qualify you for jobs in postsecondary teaching and research. You may join a PhD in your desired field with a masters in education or teaching to boost your credentials.

Professional doctorates are often designed for professionals who want to enhance their practical skills and advance in their field. They may even pursue top executive roles.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Combined Masters-PhD Degree Online?

It’s common for a dual program to take 4 to 6 years to complete. Time to completion can vary significantly by program, especially when it comes to dissertations, other capstone projects, or supervised field work requirements.

All that said, many of today’s combined masters and doctoral programs online have highly targeted course programs to help you finish more quickly. Some dual masters and doctorate online programs are designed to help you complete most or all of your requirements in as little as 3 to 4 years if you study full-time, year-round.

Is a Masters and PhD Dual Degree Worth It?

Yes, a masters and PhD dual degree is worth it for many students. A dual degree program can help equip you with credentials for jobs that require complex management, consulting, or leadership roles.

When considering a dual program option, you may want to plan backwards. In other words, you might ask yourself if the careers that most interest you require specialized knowledge across two different domains.

Some examples include business law or healthcare management. Business law straddles business and law, and a career in healthcare management benefits from knowledge of both business administration and healthcare practices and services.

Dual degree programs can be especially beneficial if your sights are set on careers requiring combined skills.

Universities Offering Online Masters and Doctorate Dual Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Fairleigh Dickinson University offers a dual degree program for students interested in obtaining both a master’s and a doctorate in a field.

Applicants must meet the admissions requirements for the second degree program while maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students may choose to study Business Administration, Public Administration, Health Science, Psychology, Public Health, or Pharmacy and Health Science.

Fairleigh Dickinson University  is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

George Mason University offers a dual degree program for those interested in receiving a Juris Doctorate and a Master of Business Administration.

The program can usually be completed in 3 years when studying full-time or 4 years when studying part-time. Applicants must submit GMAT or GRE scores and 2 letters of recommendation and may be required to complete an interview when applying.

George Mason University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Mercer University offers a Doctor of Pharmacy and a Master of Science in Health Outcomes dual degree program. Applicants must submit a statement of purpose and a resume to apply.

Students in the program are given academic advice from the program director and a graduate advisor to help guide them through their thesis or capstone project. A GPA of 2.75 in the Doctor of Pharmacy courses and 3.0 in Health Outcomes must be maintained to graduate.

Mercer University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

National University offers a dual degree for those interested in obtaining both a Master of Arts in Sport Psychology and a Doctor of Clinical Psychology. The program offers both full-time and part-time options and allows students to take the courses for the master’s degree online.

Applicants can apply year round and may have the GRE score requirements waived depending on their GPA. A team of advisors is available to help applicants through each step of the admissions process.

National University  is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

New York University offers a number of dual degree programs for students interested in obtaining either two master’s degrees or a doctorate and a master’s degree.

Applicants must submit additional test scores when applying. Those interested in getting a doctorate and a master’s may get a Juris Doctorate and Master of Business Administration or a Doctor of Dental Surgery and Master of Business Administration.

New York University  is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Nova Southeastern University’s College of Health Care Science offers a dual degree program for those interested in obtaining Master and Doctor of Health Science degrees.

The program can typically be completed within 7 years. Both programs require students to have a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, GRE scores, and prior health care experience.

NSU  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Rutgers University offers a dual degree program for those interested in a Master and a PhD in Social Work. The program can usually be completed in 4 years.

Those interested in the program may apply directly to the program or after their first year of study in the Master of Social Work program. Official transcripts, GRE scores, 2 personal statements, and 3 letters of reference must be submitted when applying.

Rutgers  is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Texas Tech University’s School of Law offers a number of dual degree programs. Students may receive a Juris Doctorate with a master’s degree in a variety of business, science, engineering, sports management, or government fields.

Applicants interested in a dual degree program may contact the law faculty advisor to learn more about their program of interest.

Texas Tech University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The University of St. Thomas School of Law offers a dual degree program for those interested in receiving a Juris Doctor and a Master of Business Administration.

The program can typically be completed in 4 years, but students may also choose to take the program part-time or online. Applicants must submit LSAT scores, their undergraduate GPA, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

The  University of St. Thomas  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Widener University offers a dual degree program for a Master in Criminal Justice and a Doctor of Psychology.

The program can typically be completed in 5 years and offers a clinical experience through practicum training, field placements, and internships. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher to be eligible. Though having a major in psychology may help with admittance, it is not required.

Widener University  is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Getting Your Masters / PhD Combined Degree Online

Dual degree programs allow you to get creative when it comes to choosing the right kind of masters and PhD combination for your individual career interests and goals.

Regionally accredited schools and programs offer a range of dual degree programs online. Their creative curriculum design options are tailored to today’s complex professional landscape.

You may even try designing your own ideal graduate degree program for the niche you want. There’s a chance that program is already out there and just waiting for you to find it!

Combined Masters and PhD Programs in the US

I was asked by a reader if one can opt for a joint master and PhD program in the United States right after an undergraduate degree. My answer to that question would be YES. Most universities in the US accept students into their PhD programs right after a bachelors degree. US universities work according to the credit system. Each degree requires that the student earns a certain amount of minimum credits. In an integrated program, once you finish your master’s coursework (in 2-3 years) and earn the requisite credits/grades you can dive into full time research and the PhD portion coursework.

What are the entry requirements of MS + PhD programs?

The entry requirements are essentially the same that the school asks from its masters and PhD applicants. Undergrad grades, test scores, letters of recommendation and work experience are taken into account. Yes, your profile must be strong enough to be considered for such a position. An applicant must prove that he/she has a strong inclination for research and can continue in the program for 7-8 years. And if English is not your native language, you will likely have to prove your English ability by taking the TOEFL or another English exam. Admissions offices need to know that you can function in an English-only environment.

Masters students are usually offered only partial scholarships, depending on the availability. Many schools at least try that the international students receive some tuition waiver/scholarship. If chosen as a combined masters-PhD candidate it’s likely that the school will offer a fellowship and offer a TA/RA position. If not immediately, the RA/TA position comes in after the first semester or even the first year. Please note, this funding is entirely on the discretion of the department and it’s best to ask admissions/graduate coordinators about such policies when applying.

The advantages of such programs

If someone is absolutely sure that a doctoral degree is his/her ultimate goal, I would strongly advice opting for a combined degree. It’s a good career move to set on the research and PhD path right after an undergraduate degree. You’re set once and for all without the hassles of applying again. Additionally, the cost of applying to schools twice- once for masters and then for PhD- can be saved. Test scores are valid for a limited period of time and if it expires before the PhD cycle of admissions, an applicant is expected to appear for it again.

Combined programs are rigorous as there is a lot to learn before embarking on research. An undergrad is a novice when considering the demands of higher research. When choosing such a program be prepared to venture on a demanding, long and tough journey.

On the flipside, it’s completely alright if you want to pursue a doctoral program after completing your masters. Separate masters and PhD degrees offers you the flexibility to change schools, specializations/area of research and the option to work/research for a few years before heading for your PhD.

Best of luck in deciding which way you are headed after your undergrad!

Omanjana is the Magoosh TOEFL Student Blogger. She is a graduate student from India moving to the US in the fall to pursue her doctoral studies in Environmental Science at Rutgers. Each week, she writes posts about her experience with the TOEFL and US admissions!

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47 responses to “Combined Masters and PhD Programs in the US”

In a combined MS+PhD program does the student receive masters certificate if he/she doesn’t continue the PhD program after completing the masters?

Typically yes, this is the case that a student earns the MS or MA qualification along the way, but it is not always in the subject matter of the PhD itself. These are questions that should be clarified with an individual university department. 🙂

Can you provide the list of colleges which offers combined masters and PHD course or how to discern from the official website of the college if it offers the above mentioned course ?

It’s hard to compile a full list of these kinds of programs, for a few reasons. For one thing, universities don’t always make it obvious that they have a combined grad program. If you see that a university offers a Master’s and PhD in the same subject, there’s a chance that their program combines the two degrees. But you may need to contact the school to find out. It’s also possible that a school may offer a Masters in one subject, a PhD in another, but combine these two grad degrees into one double-major program.

Specific kinds of joint degrees are easier to find lists for. Some types of combined Masters/PhD are very popular and very specific, so that lists of all such programs are available. This is definitely true of the combined JD/MBA. Many different websites have lists of JD/MBA programs. I personally like Wikipedia’s JD/MBA list .

To find a list of combined Master’s/PhD programs that’s useful for you, search just for the subject area (or areas) you intend to study. That should help you come up with a good list of your options.

Hi, I am mechanical engineer, soon I will have my Meng degree. I have two years of work experience and zero research papers. Can you please tell me do i have chance to get accepted and get assistantship at MS+PHd program in Management/Marketing (because of my engineering background)? I haven’t had any connection with bussines-related fields but I am 100% sure I want to study this! Thank you so much!

Hi Zerina 🙂 Unfortunately we don’t have any expertise in admissions chances. You’re welcome to discuss here in the comments, but we can only help you prepare for the exams you need. I recommend reaching out to your schools of interest to ask what admissions standards they use.

What’s the total duration for an integrated masters and PhD course. ?

There is no single answer for this. The masters coursework typically takes 1.5-3 years and then you progress to the PhD portion, which honestly can take a decade sometimes, but typically is a 5-6 year endeavor.

I did only one semester in one of the Universities in the UK in English and then I have withdrawn the course, and I would like to do this Combined Masters and PhD Programs in the US.

Do I need to provide TOEFL or IELTS to get the offer?

Or it is enough to provide a proof from the university that I have withdrawn from?

because I do not want take IELTS again.

If you have just one semester complete in an English speaking environment, most American universities will still want to see an English proficiency exam of some sort.

Whether or not you need to take the TOEFL or retake the IELTS depends on how long ago you took the last test. If you took the IELTS less than two years ago, you don’t need to retake it. US universities accept both the IELTS and the TOEFL, so long as your scores are less than two years old at the time of application. (Or sometimes they need to be less than two years old at the time you start your studies— contact the schools you’re applying to if you need to check the exact policy.)

However, if your IELTS scores are more than two years old, and you don’t have newer (less than two years old) TOEFL scores, you’ll need to either retake the IELTS or take the TOEFL.

Hope this helps! 🙂

Hi can we pursue joint ms phd programme in bionformatics after doing a year in master’s from india

There is no way to answer that as it will depend on individual universities and your school’s accreditation. Reach out to the schools you want to attend and see what they say! 🙂

Hello, In case of these programs where I will apply for a direct PhD program(combined masters and Phd) will i earn a ms as well as phd degree or will I receive certificate of only the Phd degree at the end of the course? Samalee

Hi Samalee,

Our expertise is in test prep, not admissions and academic advice, but I think that in most cases, the school will award you a master’s before you continue onto the PhD coursework and research. My recommendation would be to research schools and programs that interest you in order to determine their requirements and schedule 🙂

Hi, Typically, what are the achievements in the resume of a student that gets selected for the MS + PhD course?

That can be a little hard to predict, since grad programs look at many different factors. That being said, relevant work experience is always a plus. If you have presented at any academic conferences or gotten a subject-related paper published in an academic journal, that helps as well. Past research or TA experience is good too, of course!

Hello, I am currently in my first year of Masters and am looking to apply for an integrated MS-PhD program. For such a program, is a subject change possible for PhD? I mean, if I do my MS in Biological Sciences, can I switch to another related subject like Immunology for my PhD? Thank you!

That depends on a lot of factors, so you should ask the departments you would be part of. Some would allow this type of thing and others would not. Unfortunately, we are not experts in this type of thing, so the best source of information is the schools themselves. Good luck!

Hi. My wife has done MCA in india and has IT experience of 5 years. Planing to do PHD but her GRE scores are less than 300. We are hoping to choose combined MS+PHD as they are colleges who would allow her MS without GRE. However, would you know if GRE has to be written again once she complete her MS or does this depend on universities? Thanks for your reply

This really does depend on the standards of each university. With a lower, sub-300 GRE score, you wife probably can get into some PhD programs. But can she get into the specific ones she’s most interested in? For the answer to that, she should check the policies of her specific target schools.

First of all thank you so much for such a nice information. i have done two years graduation and afterwards i graduated in Law with 3.8 CGPA. I am fairly keen in master+ Ph. D program in USA and Canada. Could you please recommend some universities who offering full bright scholarship in the said program.

Kindly reply me soon.I will be really great full if you E-mail me.

Kind Regards, Sadia.

i m having a score of 289 in gre i m having plans for ms as well as phd…i m looking for a teaching proffession in US. Any advices?

Our expertise is in test prep, not admissions advice, so I’m afraid I can’t provide you much more information than what we give in this blog post! I would recommend, however, that you consider retaking the GRE. This depends on your program of study and target schools , but in my experience many graduate schools, especially PhD programs, are looking for minimum scores of 300 or higher. I may be a bit biased here, but if you’re looking for an affordable and high quality test prep program, I highly recommend Magoosh 🙂

Hey i need guidenss for preparation of ilets can u help. And i want to know that is it compulsory to give both GRE (general and subjective) or do we have option in that?

Hi Gulmina,

We have many resources to help you prepare for the IELTS! Our IELTS blog provides you with study support and study schedules, and our comprehensive Premium IELTS program will provide you with all of the information and practice you need to excel in the IELTS! The GRE requirement varies by school and program. Most graduate schools require that you take the General GRE Test. Some programs also recommend or require a GRE Subject Test. You’ll have to research the requirements of your target schools for more information 🙂 You can start your search with some general information about the GRE General and Subject tests on our GRE blog 🙂

Which test is to be written to get into an integrated Phd program?

This depends on your course of study, and you should check the admissions requirements for some of your target schools for the most accurate information! Most schools will require the GRE for graduate studies, along with an English language test like the TOEFL or IELTS .

Do we need work experience for this joint venture?? And how many letter of recommendation is required? What about GRE do we need to take GRE?

As Omanjana mentioned, work experience is taken into consideration. However, work experience is not necessarily a requirement some combined Masters/PhD programs will require work experience, but others may accept applicants who don’t have work experience. Policies on experience vary from program to program.

Policies for letters of reference also vary from program to program, although you should assume that all programs will want at least one reference letter, usually more.

Policies for GRE vary as well. Most combined Masters and PhD programs at top ranked universities will require the GRE. However, some top programs may require the GMAT, MCAT, LSAT, or another graduate exam, depending on the program type. Mid-tier programs are not asl likely to require GRE scores if their focus is humanities or teacher training. However, the GRE is commonly asked for if you are applying to a mid-ranked combined Masters or PhD that’s very science oriented.

What about work permit after completing PhD in USA?

There are a different ways to get a work permit after your PhD if you are an international student. If you can get an American employer to give you a long-term job and sponsor your visa, that’s one way to stay on and work. To get such a job offer and visa, you need to have unique, advanced skills that few other job applicants have. But with a PhD, you just might.

You can also find short-term work (that could eventually become long-term work) after receiving a degree through a special kind of work status called “optional practical training” (OPT). With an OPT work permit, you can work at a job or do voulunteer work that is relevant to the degree you’ve just completed. So for example, if your PhD is in law, you may be able to get some short-term work through OPT if you work at a law firm.

For more information about OPT, I recommend checking out Magoosh’s interview with Othman Zaimi , an international student services specialist at the University of St. Thomas. I would also recommend contacting the international education offices of the schools you’re applying to. International student regulations can change as time passes, and different schools have their own different work requirements and restrictions. So the offices of your target schools are your best source of accurate, up-to-date information about work after your PhD. But again, the interview with Othman is a great place to start! 🙂

Hi,I want to Ms and phd integrated course in mechanical abroad. Which university offer this type course.

Hi Raviraj!

Our expertise is in test prep, not admissions and academic advice, so unfortunately, we can’t offer you very much help with this. With that said, this website may be a good place to start your search. From there, you can contact the schools directly for more information on their available programs. 🙂

How can we change our area of research after ms and before PhD? Because since our ms was in a different field won’t our chances of getting rejected increase??

Hi Chirag! That’s a great question, but one that would have to be answered by a specific program. I can only say that it varies. Some programs like students with a diverse background and some might want students who have stuck to one track. Be sure to reach our to your programs of interest and see what sorts of students they look for 🙂

Hi, can you please guide me to US universities that offer integrated Phd in biomedical science or biotechnology? Appreciate your help.

Our expertise is in test prep, not admissions advice or school specialties, so I’m afraid we aren’t the best people to answer this question! I recommend using this post as a starting point, and reaching out to your target schools for more information.

Thanks for the above information. I have few more questions 1)I heard that the MS+PhD program is 5 years course, Is it true? or it will take more than 5 years.

2)if i join master’s in one university and then transferred to another university which offers combined program, Do i need to start from scratch or some subjects get waived in new university.

3) you are mentioning that there are different requirements to get combined program admit depends on university, What are basic requirements for any university, If i want to apply from India.

Thanks in advance

Hi Srikanth,

These are all good questions, but I’m afraid we aren’t the best people to answer them. Our expertise is in test prep, not admissions advice. As we mention in this post, everything depends on the program and school you are applying for. A combined program could take more or less than 5 years, and whether your master’s degree transfers depends on the degree and the program. Each program has it’s own requirements, but generally you would have to take standardized tests (likely the GRE and TOEFL), write essays, provide your transcripts and fill out any supplemental material for the school. I recommend reaching out to an admissions counselor for more information 🙂

Does having a work experience considered as a disadvantage or advantage to apply for MS+PhD programme?

Our expertise is in test prep, not admissions advice, so we aren’t the best people to answer this question. In my experience, work experience is almost always a positive thing in the application process, but you should contact your target schools directly for more information.

Do we have to pay tuition fees for MS-PhD integrated programs in USA?

Hi Kashmira, I’d recommend reaching out to your target schools for more information on tuition and financial assistance offered in these kinds of programs.

Hi, 1) I initially wanted to pursue my masters from abroad but due to some reasons I couldn’t so I completed my M.Sc. in Biochemistry from India. I now want to pursue my PhD from abroad but since its very tough to get PhD positions in foreign universities, I am wondering if I should try for integrated M.Sc and PhD now ?

2) I also have a question that whether its okay for someone to do M.Sc. Immunology after completing M.Sc. in Biomedical Sciences as they had very much interest in it since the beginning ?

Hi Akanksha! If you’re looking for admissions-specific advice, I’m afraid we don’t offer any admissions consulting services ourselves (we focus mainly on test prep!), but here are some other companies whose services we recommend:

Stacy Blackman Consulting

We have worked with them for several years and recommend them highly.

We also have an admissions section on our blog where our partner companies often address common student admissions questions:

GRE Admissions

GMAT Admissions

TOEFL Admissions

I hope that helps at least a little!

Hi, do we need a thesis paper published during our graduation period to be eligible for MS/PhD program in USA?

Hi Vaidehi,

Great question. This depends on the kind of program you’re applying to, since different schools will have different requirements. On average, most people that pursue a PhD degrees have their Masters in the same or similar subject, thus they already are coming in with research experience and potentially a published paper. Another thing to note is that research experience doesn’t mean that you need to have a published work; projects like final thesis or volunteering for faculty can also count as research, depending on the field.

Hope that helps!

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• Integrated Masters with PhD – Explained
• Types of Doctorates

An Integrated Masters with a PhD (iPhD) is a four-year postgraduate level programme that combines a one-year Masters course with a three-year PhD course. They allow students to familiarise themselves with their chosen topic, research methods and academic writing techniques before embarking on their own independent research project. An Integrated Masters with a PhD is particularly popular with international students and students who initially lack specialised knowledge or research skills.

Introduction

An Integrated Masters with PhD, also commonly referred to as either just an Integrated Masters degree or an Integrated PhD, offers a relatively new way to undertake postgraduate training. They maintain the depth and focus of a conventional PhD but offer a more comprehensive doctoral training experience.

Due to their growing popularity, both the number of universities offering these newer forms of PhD and the number of students applying to them has steadily increased.

This page describes what Integrated Masters with PhDs are, who they are for, their advantages and disadvantages, how they differ from conventional PhDs and how they are structured in terms of programme, eligibility and costs. This page is for you if you are considering applying for an integrated course, or simply want to know more about them.

What is an Integrated PhD?

An Integrated PhD is a four-year postgraduate programme. They involve undertaking a one-year Masters degree (MRes or MSc) in your first year, followed by a three-year PhD programme in your second to fourth year. Although the courses run back-to-back, a student can only progress to the second year if they show satisfactory performance in their first year. The one-year Masters and the three-year PhD are considered separately in terms of qualifications; therefore, a student who completes an Integrated PhD will receive both a Masters degree (MRes or MSc) and a PhD as opposed to a single postgraduate qualification.

The aim of an Integrated PhD is to provide a structured approach to doctoral studies, combining advanced PhD research with formal teaching in relevant subjects, research methods and communication skills.

As Integrated PhDs are relatively new compared to more regular doctoral pathways such as stand-alone or MPhil-upgraded PhDs, some professors informally refer to them as ‘New Route PhDs’.

Difference Between Integrated PhD and Regular PhD

The most significant difference between an Integrated PhD and a regular PhD is the addition of the one-year Masters degree at the beginning of the programme. This results in an Integrated PhD typically lasting four years, as opposed to the three years as with regular PhDs.

Integrated PhDs are structured in such a way that they provide students with a broader range of foundational skills than a regular PhD. The first year introduces you to a combination of taught elements, practical experience and advanced research skills. In a regular PhD this mode of teaching is missing as it is assumed you already have this level of knowledge.

The last significant difference between the two types of doctoral programmes is the ‘group’ aspect associated with the Integrated version. Since the Masters programme also includes other students enrolled in Integrated PhDs, you will have a small cohort with whom you will work closely alongside during your studies.

Who are Integrated PhDs suitable for?

Integrated PhDs can be an effective pathway for any student, but they stand out in two situations:

Scenario 1: International Students

The Higher Education system differs across countries , although not by a large amount, enough to where an unfamiliar student may struggle, especially when working independently. An Integrated PhD allows you to adapt to the UK education system by offering a more guided and hands-on approach to your learning and research process before you embark on your three-year research project.

It also has visa benefits. If an international student seeking a Masters degree in the UK already knows they want to follow it up with a PhD, enrolling in an Integrated PhD will save them from having to leave the country and re-apply for a visa after completing their initial postgraduate degree.

Scenario 2: Lack of undergraduate research experience or a relevant Masters degree

An Integrated PhD is useful for students who have academic abilities but lack the necessary background to be considered for a standard-route PhD. This usually occurs under one of three scenarios:

• The applicant is currently an undergraduate student or only holds a Bachelor’s degree,
• The student has a Masters degree, but in a subject only loosely related to the discipline they wish to pursue at doctoral level,
• The student has a relevant Masters degree, but the programme lacked a research focus, leaving the student with underdeveloped research skills.

Advantages and Disadvantages of an Integrated PhD

The advantages of an Integrated PhD are strongly linked to the international and inexperienced students they cater for. They offer students an effective means of gaining more confidence, knowledge and research skills in their field before starting a doctorate, and also provide visa benefits to international students who will be undertaking prior postgraduate study.

Integrated PhDs also enable students the possibility of receiving funding for the Masters phase of their programme, as will be explained in more detail in the ‘Funding Opportunities’ section.

Integrated doctorates have no obvious disadvantages, but are generally not suitable for those who already have a Masters degree or well-developed research skills in their chosen field. For these students, the additional costs and duration of an Integrated PhD can be avoided by opting for a traditional PhD for which they will already be suited for.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

The programme of study is naturally divided into two parts, the first for your Masters studies and the second for your PhD studies.

Your Masters studies will usually be divided into 180 module credits, half of which will focus on taught components and the other half on research components.

The modules will be tailored to your course, but they will include a variation of:

Taught modules:

• Subject-specific module – You choose one or two modules from a predefined list of topics within your subject area. Your selection should reflect the research area you want your PhD to focus on.
• English and Communication – Academic language and communication skills will be taught to prepare you for the ‘writing-up’ phase of your doctorate. A common misconception is that this module is similar to the English language requirement tests required to apply to a iPhD. In reality, the module will focus on learning how to critically evaluate research sources, write abstracts, literature reviews and conclusions, communicate in lab-based environments and present to audiences.
• Research Techniques  – You’ll receive in-depth training to familiarise you with the different research methods and analytical techniques available to modern researchers.
• Research Proposal Development  – You’ll work with your intended PhD supervisor to prepare a research proposal for your three-year PhD research project.

Research Modules:

You will carry out one or two small laboratory research projects under supervision for practical experience.

If you complete these modules with satisfactory performance, you will be awarded a Masters degree and will be considered for the following three-year PhD programme.

Each university has its own process for making this consideration, but most invite you to an interview with the supervisor you wish to conduct research with. The interview is used to confirm that you have acquired the specialised knowledge and research skills expected at masters level, and beyond that of someone capable of completing doctoral study.

If your interview goes well, you will be enrolled in your PhD programme. From this point on, your path will be the same as a regular PhD student. During your doctoral phase, you will conduct independent research and laboratory work for two years, followed by a final year of writing up and formally submitting your findings as a thesis. Your thesis, expertise and research competence will be assessed in an oral examination known as a viva. Upon successful completion of your viva, you will be officially awarded a PhD, and your studies will come to an end.

It should be noted that aside from the above, your university may offer optional modules which can equip you with a wide range of transferable skills.

Eligibility

Entry requirements for an integrated masters degree in the UK will vary from university to university, but the typical requirement is an Upper Second Class (2:1) honours Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject. Equivalent international qualifications are also accepted.

If you are an international student and English is your second language, most universities will require proof of your English language proficiency through an exam certificate. It’s best to check directly with the universities which certificate types they accept, but the most common English language qualification requirement is an IELTS certificate, with a minimum overall score of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each category.

The typical annual tuition fee for an Integrated PhD in the UK is £4,712 per academic year for home/EU students (or £2,356 for part-time study) and £19,596 per academic year for international students (or £9,798 for part-time study).

As with all doctoral programmes, there are likely to be additional costs associated with your studies, such as bench fees for lab work, travel costs for collaborating and potential write-up fees for students who need more time to submit their thesis. You can get more information about these additional costs on our cost breakdown page .

Funding Opportunities

You can obtain funding for Integrated PhDs in the same way as for regular PhDs. Funding is usually provided by one of the seven UK Research Councils  and research charity organisations such as the  Wellcome Trust ; grants, scholarships and funded opportunities can be found directly in our searchable database .

Funding can either be partial (tuition fees only) or full (tuition fees and living costs). Most funding providers also cover the tuition fee for the Masters degree programme due to being integrated with the PhD, however, you should confirm this on a case-by-case basis.

As with regular PhD funding, the fully-funded opportunities are generally limited to home and EU students.

It’s also worth noting that PhD programmes which include an integrated Masters degree are eligible for a Doctoral Loan , even if you already have a postgraduate Masters degree from a previous university. Applications for Doctoral Loans must be made directly to Student Finance England and you must first be registered for a full doctoral degree. Due to application restrictions, you won’t be able to apply for a separate Postgraduate Masters Loan for the integrated Masters phase of your degree.

Availability

You can search for Integrated PhDs in three ways:

• Our Search Page  – Search for the term ‘Integrated’ in our  comprehensive database of STEM PhDs .
• University Search Pages – Universities advertise their Integrated PhDs on their postgraduate search pages. You can find them by searching the name of the university followed by “ search postgraduate courses ” directly in Google.
• Funding Body Websites – Funding bodies which provide studentships for Integrated PhDs sometimes advertise the positions on their website. A list of the most common funding providers can be found here: PhD Studentships .

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M.A./Ph.D in English

M.A. / Ph.D.

Vision Statement

The MA/PhD in English degree (Literature Program) advances a curriculum that develops the analytical tools, diverse perspectives, and historical depth necessary for understanding the present. We explore the reciprocal relations between the marginal and the dominant, the past and the present, and the literary and non-literary. We marshal the most exciting, consequential, and diverse ideas that address the urgent challenges our students will engage. 

About the Program

Our Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy programs in English will prepare you for teaching and conducting scholarly research at the university, college, and community college levels.

The M.A. is designed both as a basis for the Ph.D. and as a program for students who for personal or professional reasons wish to pursue advanced literary studies. The Ph.D. provides professional training for academic appointments at colleges and universities; we also offer preparation and guidance for those who plan to enter non-academic professions.

Our program is staffed by a strong faculty doing innovative research engaging a full range of current critical methodologies and questions, across nearly all the traditional fields of literature. Additionally, each semester, graduate seminars typically explore cutting-edge issues that intersect both faculty’s current research and emerging critical trends.

See the English Literature M.A./Ph.D. Handbook for full details about the program.

MA/PhD in English Graduate Student Handbook

Interdisciplinary Environment

You may concentrate in a number of cross -disciplinary areas :

• American Literature and Culture
• Border Studies
• Gender Studies
• Medieval and Early Modern Studies
• American Indian Studies
• Visual and Digital Cultures
• Cultural Studies and Critical Theory
• Colonial and Post -Colonial Literature and Theory
• Rhetorical Theory
• Comparative Modernisms

Several of our students choose to develop interdisciplinary research profiles, sometimes by minoring in a discipline other than English, among them a newly developed program in Social, Cultural, and Critical Theory . You may also pursue a Ph.D. minor with other UA departments with approval from your committee chair and the Literature Program Director.

Graduate Student Funding

We admit a fully-funded first year class. Students will be awarded a Graduate Teaching Assistantship. The teaching assignment is 3 courses a year; the first year you will teach one course in the Fall and two in the Spring. During your first year, you will be enrolled in a weekly teaching preceptorship designed to instruct and support you as a university teacher. These are renewed for up to five years (assuming satisfactory progress). GTAs receive health insurance and full tuition as well as a small stipend (approximately $20,000 for the academic year). University fees are not covered; for the 2023-2024 academic year, fees are $833.68 per semester if taking 7 units or more.

For general information about the program, please contact Stephanie Mao.

Specific inquires can be directed to John Melillo , Director, Graduate Literature

Film and Media Studies Program

The combined doctoral degree in film and media studies/english, program of courses.

Students are required to take at least fifteen courses over a two-year period.

A.  Requirements in Film and Media Studies: Six courses

• FILM 601 (Films and Their Study)
• Four additional seminars in Film Studies.

B.  Requirements in English: Nine courses

• The English Department’s teaching practicum (ENGL 990)
• One seminar in Twentieth and Twenty-first Century
• One seminar in Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century
• One seminar in either Medieval or Early Modern
• Cross-listed seminars may be counted toward both the six in FMS and the nine in English, though this does not reduce the need for fifteen courses overall.  The DGS of English may allow the substitution of a course outside both departments for an English seminar.

C.  In some cases, students may receive a very limited number of course credits for prior graduate-level coursework with the approval of the DGSs of both units.

Two foreign languages appropriate to the student’s field; French is strongly advised for the purposes of this Program, but students may petition to work in any language. Satisfied by: 

• Passing a translation exam administered by a Yale language department or the English Department;
• Passing an advanced literature course at Yale (graduate or advanced undergraduate, with DGS approval)
• Passing both English 500 and English 501 .  

Qualifying Exam

The qualifying exam, normally taken toward the beginning of the student’s third year at Yale, measures the student’s knowledge of five subfields, based on reading lists designed in consultation with appropriate faculty members.  It will include two subfield exams in English, two in Film and Media Studies, and one interdisciplinary or theoretical topic on material that the student hopes to continue exploring in the dissertation.  These lists must be approved by the DGSs who verify their variety, length, and coordination.

Dissertation Prospectus

Each student submits a prospectus of 15-20 pages, designed in consultation with a dissertation committee of three advisors, including at least one faculty member from each unit. The prospectus is discussed, and revisions may be suggested, at a prospectus conference, normally by the end of the student’s third year. The advisors and the two DGSs attend this conference. Other faculty may be invited to the conference. The finalized prospectus is ratified by the full FMS executive committee.

Defense Of Method

In the semester prior to depositing the dissertation, the student shall sit for a 60-90 minute “Defense of Method” before advisors, DGSs, and any other faculty appointed to assess the dissertation. The student shall circulate at least 80% of the dissertation two weeks in advance of this meeting. Questions and advice from the faculty aim to help the candidate bring the dissertation to its best form in the following couple months. Should the defense be deemed inadequate, or should the work that remains demand more than two semesters, this defense must be repeated. 

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• Programs & Courses
• Degree Requirements

MA/PhD Degree Requirements: Master's Degree

Students who enter the MA/PhD program without an MA in English or a related field are required to earn an MA in the first two years of the program. (Note that the UW Department of English does not admit students for a terminal MA degree.)

The degree requirements for the MA in English Language and Literature at the University of Washington are:

• Language requirement : Evidence of ability to make scholarly use of at least one language other than modern English
• Coursework : At least 40 graded credits of coursework
• Master’s essay : Graduate students who intend to continue on to the fully-integrated PhD program must complete a Master's Essay (5-10 credits) as part of their coursework

The requirements are detailed below.

Language requirement

Students are required to demonstrate intermediate-level reading competency in a language other than modern or Middle English. This requirement can be fulfilled up to three years prior to entering graduate school at UW. Students completing their MA in English Language & Literature at UW must satisfy the language requirement prior to earning their MA.

Options for completing this requirement are:

• A 3.0 or higher in the final course of a second-year college-level course sequence (or more advanced), taken within three years prior to entrance; or
• A score on a   UW language test   that demonstrates competency at the level of the final course of a second-year college-level course sequence; or
• Native-speaker ability in another language; or
• Completion of Advanced Old English language and literature ( Engl 513 ) with a grade of 3.0 or better

All credits earned in fulfilling the language requirement by coursework at the 100-400-level are in addition to the graduate credits required for the degree. 

At least forty (40) credit hours in graded graduate courses are required for the MA degree, including:

• English 506: Introduction to Graduate Study in English (5 credits)
• English 590: Master's Essay (5-10 credits)

Students who decide to leave the program with a terminal master's degree may substitute five (5) graduate seminar credits for the master's essay. If they subsequently decide to continue toward the PhD, they must complete the master's essay.

What counts for coursework:

• 500- & 600-level graded English graduate courses
• Credit for courses taken outside of the department require approval by the DGS
• Students may petition the DGS to transfer up to five (5) credits taken as a graduate student at another institution

What does not count for coursework:

• 100- through 400- level courses
• Creative writing workshops
• Internships

Master’s Essay

The master’s essay is a scholarly paper that allows students to demonstrate the research skills and knowledge they have gained throughout their master's studies. It often develops from a paper written for a course and follows the form of an article for a scholarly journal. The particulars of its argumentation and format will vary depending on a student's academic area(s) of specialization. The master’s essay is the final component of the MA degree.

The following three options are available for completion of the master’s essay:

• One quarter, 10 credits;
• Two quarters, 5 credits each. First quarter would culminate in the submission of an annotated bibliography and abstract (max. 500 words) OR an equivalent, approved by the master’s essay director;
• One quarter, 5 credits. Student would select a particular paper from a seminar and develop and expand it to publishable length.

The master’s essay is not a thesis and is not submitted to the UW Graduate School to be filed in the library.

The master’s essay director is selected by the student and must be a member of the English graduate faculty. A second reader is selected in consultation with the master’s essay director. After securing the agreement of the director, the student registers for 5-10 credits of English 590.

Specifications

The usual length of the master's essay is that of an article in a scholarly journal. It should be prepared according to the citation scheme appropriate for one's area of specialty, such as MLA, Chicago Manual, or APA.

Both the director and the second reader evaluate the essay and send copies of their evaluations to the student and to the English Graduate Advising Office. The grade for the essay (and for Engl 590) is assigned by the director.

The Director of Graduate Studies serves as advisor for all degree requirements. A student entering the program should meet as soon as possible with the Director of Graduate Studies. At this meeting the Director will review degree requirements, discuss coursework choices, and appoint a graduate faculty member who shares the student’s research interests to serve as entrance adviser to counsel the student on academic matters, including scholarship, course selection, and professional preparation. This role will continue until the student chooses a Master’s Essay Director who then assumes mentorship.

Applying for the Degree

Students wishing to graduate with the Master of Arts degree must submit an on-line application to the Graduate School. Students must be registered for a minimum of two credits during the quarter the degree is conferred. Note that the MA degree is a “non-thesis” degree option.

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• Arts & Sciences
• Graduate Studies in A&S

PhD Courses and Requirements

Phd in english and american literature.

The department requires all graduate students to take thirteen courses, including:

• at least two courses in literature before 1780
• at least two courses in literature after 1780
• Introduction to Graduate Studies
• Practicum in Teaching Writing

The timetable for those entering the graduate program is as follows:

• Fall semester: three electives and the Introduction to Graduate Study.
• Spring semester: three electives. No teaching in either semester.
• At the end of the Spring semester: First-year review by the Graduate Committee
• Summer after the first year: language study, if needed. Begin reading toward a major field
• Fall semester: three electives
• Spring semester: three electives. No teaching in either semester. Declaration of the major field and selection of the major field advisor at the end of the spring semester.
• At the end of the Spring semester: Second Year Review by the Graduate Committee
• Summer after the second year : further language study, if needed. The minimum language requirement should be fulfilled by the end of the summer after year 2. Reading for major field
• Fall Semester: Students begin to serve as Assistant to Instructors in undergraduate English Department literature courses or in courses in other programs such as American Culture Studies, Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and Film and Media Studies, or they may teach a section of Writing I.
• Spring semester: Students continue reading in their major field, working toward a finalized and personalized list of primary and secondary sources. They serve again as assistant to instructor in one university course.
• Fall semester: Students take the Practicum in the Teaching of Composition and teach one section of Writing I.
• Spring semester:  Students teaching one section of College Writing and take their major field exam by early March. By the end of the Spring semester all students will submit a dissertation prospectus and participate in a follow-up interview with their dissertation committee and two members of the Graduate Committee.
• Fall and Spring semesters: Students work on the dissertation and teach or assist in one course each semester. 
• Students complete and defend their dissertation by April; students do not teach in their sixth year.

Foreign Language Requirement

The English Department requires a minimum of competency in one foreign language, ancient or modern, for all doctoral candidates. “Competency” is understood as a basic comprehension of the grammar, structure, and core vocabulary of a language. Native speakers of another language or students who have had two full years of undergraduate language study with a grade average of B+ or better will be considered to have satisfied the competency requirement. Other students may demonstrate competency either by taking an introductory reading course designed for graduate students or by passing a translation exam administered by the appropriate language department.

Given the academic demands of Years 1 and 2, introductory language courses are usually best taken during the summer after the first or second year of graduate study. All graduate students who do not enter the doctoral program having already satisfied the competency requirement may expect funding for one summer language course whether or not it is directly related to their proposed field. Students may elect to take additional summer language courses, but to be eligible for full funding such courses must be field-related. Students may also take languages courses (on a fully funded basis) during the academic year.

The minimum competency requirement is precisely that: a minimum. Students working in certain historical periods or pursuing particular dissertation topics may need to build upon basic competency in depth (by studying a single language further) and/or in breadth (by studying multiple languages). In some cases, additional language study might be pursued in the 3rd and/or the 4th year as the requirements of a student’s field or dissertation topic come into greater focus. The degree of language study appropriate in a particular case will be determined by the student and his or her advisor according to what is judged necessary or desirable for the student’s professional development as a scholar and teacher. 

Combined Ph.D. Program in English and Comparative Literature

This course of study requires the same breadth and depth of training in English that is required for the doctorate in the English Department. However, students who pursue the combined degree with  Comparative Literature  also achieve advanced knowledge of other literatures. This breadth enhances the sophistication of their scholarly explorations and distinguishes candidates as they enter the job market.

Language Requirements

Reading knowledge of one foreign language, ancient or modern. 

Normally, Ph.D. candidates in the combined programs enroll in the Mentored Teaching Experience for three or six units in Comparative Literature, and as many units in the major language as are normally required for a Ph.D. in that literature. In order to be qualified as a Mentored Teacher in a language department, students will be required to take the relevant course in language pedagogy. Courses taught in Comparative Literature will be monitored by the Director of Graduate Studies.

Study Abroad

Students are encouraged to spend time abroad either for language study or research or both. Extended periods of study may be supported from by University grants or by funds from external sources, such as Fulbright fellowships and grants from the US and other governments. Through its faculty and graduate programs, Washington University has a wide range of connections in universities, research institutes, and libraries abroad who can assist our students in locating archival and other materials, as well as scholars who can offer guidance in their research.

Course Work

All courses must be at the 400 level or above. Students will take courses in two literatures and Comparative Literature, in accordance with this general outline:

• 48 units in English, including the Introduction to Graduate Studies and the distribution requirements for the Ph.D. in English. A minimum of 24 units will be taken at Washington University, and the rest may be transferred from an M.A. program elsewhere.
• 12 units in Comparative Literature seminars or core courses, including Comparative Literature 402 (the Comparative Literature Methodology course).
• 12 units in literature courses in one or more languages other than the major literature. This requirement may take one of two forms: either 12 units in the literature of one language other than English, and a reading knowledge of one additional language; or 12 units comprised of a combination of literature courses in languages other than English (e.g., 6 units in French and 6 units in Spanish) at the 400 level or above.

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Combined M.A. and Ph.D. Educational Psychology

The combined masters and doctoral degree in Educational Psychology is research intensive, with anticipation that students will work closely with an advisor on research. Students should expect research involvement and appropriate authorship throughout their graduate training. The combined MA/PhD training follows an apprenticeship model where students learn the process of conducting research through collaboration with their advisor and affiliated researchers in a productive research environment. Through convenient access to coursework and close work with your advisor, you will engage in:

• a research-based curriculum covering basic concepts and theories in educational psychology as they relate to learning and instruction.
• an integrated sequence of courses and other learning experiences that will ensure the development of a clear basis for understanding the connection between teaching, learning, and assessment.
• a rigorous training sequence in educational statistics and research methodologies that will allow graduates to evaluate and conduct educational research in a variety of contexts.
• a variety of opportunities, especially in research, that will prepare you for your future professional endeavors.

The PhD. in Educational Psychology is built for you! You can tailor your elective coursework to meet your goals by emphasizing either practitioner-oriented courses or researcher-oriented courses. You should expect to work closely with your advisor on scholarly projects as well as authorship opportunities throughout your graduate degree.

Plus, earning an advanced degree is a factor that determines pay grades in many school districts, organizations and corporations. This degree will strengthen the knowledge and practices for a variety of professions. Get started today!

Meet the Faculty

Read about our Alumni

Kira J. Carbonneau, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Educational Psychology Washington State University Degree earned through the UNM EDPY program: Ph.D.  

“The EDPY program helped me develop a strong research foundation that has allowed me to utilize my applied knowledge of teaching to develop a robust research agenda that is pertinent to today’s classrooms.”

Hear from more EDPY Alumni

Program Requirements

The combined Master's and Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology requires 73 credit hours plus 18 dissertation hours, for a total of 91 hours. Students develop advanced skills in one or more research methodologies. They acquire hands-on research experiences through research internships.

Given the research demands of the program, we strongly encourage MA/PhD applicants to enroll as full-time students. To encourage full-time study, we will try to offer support in the form of teaching assistantships or graduate assistantships for the 4-5 years that it will take to complete the PhD. Assistantships include tuition remission, health benefits, and a stipend.

Students in the combined program would typically be expected to take the options for a written master’s thesis and comprehensive paper over the comprehensive exam requirement for the MA.

PhD in Educational Psychology Program from the UNM Catalog

Educational Psychology Ph.D. Program of Study

Graduate Student Handbook

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To apply, you need:.

• Minimum grade point average of 3.0 as an undergraduate or 3.3 as a graduate student.
• Official Transcripts
• Letter of Intent
• 3 Letters of Recommendations
• Writing Sample

Current Application Instructions

Submitting your application:

• Collect all your documents.
• Indicate you are applying for the combined MA/PhD program in your letter of interest.
• indicate which faculty member(s) may have potentially similar research foci in your letter of interest.
• Complete an online application at: www.unm.edu/apply
• Upload your documents with your online application.

Educational Psychology Combined M.A. and PhD. Deadlines

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Fields include comparative sociology/macrosociology; cultural and historical sociology; economic sociology; life course/social stratification; mathematical sociology; medical sociology; methodology (qualitative and quantitative approaches); networks; political sociology; race/gender/ethnic/minority relations; social change; social demography; social movements; theory (general, critical, hermeneutic); urban sociology.

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• PhD - Doctor of Philosophy
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Jonathan Wyrtzen

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Yashika Williams

Departmental Registrar

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Admission Requirements

Standardized testing requirements.

GRE is optional, but strongly recommended.

Program-Specific Application Requirements

A writing sample is required by this program. 

English Language Requirement

TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic is required of most applicants whose native language is not English.

You may be exempt from this requirement if you have received (or will receive) an undergraduate degree from a college or university where English is the primary language of instruction, and if you have studied in residence at that institution for at least three years.

Combined Degree Program Application Deadline

*The deadline to submit an application to a combined program is always the earlier deadline of the two individual programs, or December 15, whichever comes first.

Academic Information

Combined phd information.

Sociology offers a combined PhD in conjunction with African American Studies and Women's, Gender, & Sexuality Studies .

Program Advising Guidelines

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Academic Resources

Academic calendar.

The Graduate School's academic calendar lists important dates and deadlines related to coursework, registration, financial processes, and milestone events such as graduation.

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Registration Information and Dates

https://registration.yale.edu/

Students must register every term in which they are enrolled in the Graduate School. Registration for a given term takes place the semester prior, and so it's important to stay on top of your academic plan. The University Registrar's Office oversees the systems that students use to register. Instructions about how to use those systems and the dates during which registration occurs can be found on their registration website.

Financial Information

Phd stipend & funding.

PhD students at Yale are normally full-funded for a minimum of five years. During that time, our students receive a twelve-month stipend to cover living expenses and a fellowship that covers the full cost of tuition and student healthcare.

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• MS-PhD Combined Program
• PhD in Nursing & Health Science Program
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The MS-PhD Combined program  at the University of Rochester offers baccalaureate-prepared nurses the ability to earn a master’s in one of six nurse practitioner specialty areas, alongside a PhD in Nursing & Health Science.

As a bachelor’s-prepared nurse, earn your master’s and PhD in Nursing and Health Science in five years of full-time effort, moving more quickly toward becoming the health care leader and researcher you want to be.

The University of Rochester is dedicated to helping you discover new knowledge in a dynamic, collaborative environment. We offer the resources and challenges you need so you are prepared to embark on a new kind of career as a researcher in nursing and health science.

Below is a map of what it takes to earn your master's and PhD at the UR School of Nursing.

Note:  We are not currently accepting applications to the MS-PhD Combined program.

MS-PhD Combined Program Curriculum

The full-time MS-PhD in Nursing & Health Science Combined program curriculum prepares you to conduct research both independently and as a key member of an interdisciplinary team. Before you begin the program, you will work closely with an advisor to map your degree plan.

MS and PhD courses are taken in a very rigorous three years of full-time enrollment after which the master’s degree is awarded. You will then continue to complete the PhD dissertation proposal and dissertation research. Throughout the program, you will work closely with faculty who are active in research and experts in their field.

The first three years of MS and PhD coursework are very intensive, with five days per week of classes, clinical hours, and study time required to meet the program goals. Having a strong support system while in this program is key to your success. Students are strongly discouraged from taking on employment more than one day per week. Financial support is available for full-time study.

 Sample Degree Plan 

Review a sample degree plan for the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner-PhD program.

Sample MS-PhD Degree Plan

Please note: This is a sample degree plan only. Please contact Admissions or your program director to discuss your specific degree plan.

 Master’s Specialty Curriculum 

See below for specifics on specialty coursework related to the master’s degree curriculum:

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric/Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
• Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

MS-PhD in Nursing Program Phases

 coursework .

The first three years of this program feature fast-paced, intensive MS and PhD coursework. The master’s portion of the program for nurse practitioner students becomes increasingly clinical, including full-day precepted clinical experiences with expert nurse practitioner mentors. The PhD in Nursing & Health Science coursework  then becomes increasingly specialized as students seek out cognate courses to support their individual research interests.

 Proposal Development: One to Two Semesters 

• Constitution of a dissertation committee
• Participation in Dissertation Workshop in preparation for proposal defense
• Finalization and defense of the dissertation research proposal

 Dissertation Research: Six to 18 Months, depending on nature of research 

Once the proposal has been successfully defended and research review board approval has been secured, the student conducts the dissertation research project independently under guidance of the committee. The final dissertation is then written, revised with critique from the committee, and defended publicly with a private critique to follow.

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Interested in earning your PhD? Connect with us to discuss the PhD degree in nursing and health science and the opportunities available at the University of Rochester. 

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