Graduate Studies in English
New Theme for Our Ph.D. Program
Beginning with the class entering in Fall 2027, Purdue’s Department of English will accept students in both Literature, Theory and Cultural Studies AND Rhetoric and Composition whose research interests fall under the broad umbrella of Cultural, Literary and Rhetorical AI Studies. We will exclusively admit Ph.D. students in this area of research.
Generative artificial intelligence represents one of the most consequential transformations in the history of language, meaning-making, and human communication. Students in the cohort pursue research at the intersection of literary studies, rhetoric and writing studies, cultural studies, media theory, and the history and philosophy of technology. The goal is to prepare scholars who can analyze AI’s effects on culture and communication while also contributing to the broader future of English studies. For more, see our detailed description of the program and meet our faculty and graduate students pursuing work on AI.
We seek an intellectually diverse group of students, and we would welcome applications from those who work on literature (from all periods), theory, cultural studies, rhetoric and composition. If you want to talk further about your potential fit, please reach out to our Director of Graduate Studies, Prof Michael Johnston (mjohnst@purdue.edu). We look forward to hearing from you!
Why Study at Purdue?
US News & World Report ranks Purdue’s English Department among the top 60 graduate programs in the nation. Since 2018, over 70% of our PhDs have found academic jobs.
Graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) have opportunities to teach introductory composition in our renowned ICaP program, as well as professional writing, film studies, literature courses, creative writing, and more. In addition, research fellowships and other assistantships—such as working for the Purdue OWL, on-campus writing lab (see video here where format students talk about working at the Writing Lab and how it contributed to their current jobs)—offer alternative, valuable academic opportunities.
The Department’s prestigious academic journal, MFS Modern Fiction Studies, recently introduced its own one-year teaching assistantship, awarded to a graduate student who demonstrates “outstanding potential in 20th and/or 21st century literary studies.” (Find out more about the MFS named TA line.)
Learn more about our department. See why we're so proud of our faculty. Get acquainted with our students.
All graduate students in English are funded. Most students are funded through a GTA or Research Fellow position. The Graduate School also makes available summer Purdue Research Foundation (PRF) grants to students who are well along in their programs. Recommendations for PRF Grants are made by the student's major professor.
To learn more, see financial aid options.
Professionalization
Regular professionalization workshops, hosted by our directors of graduate studies and ICaP, encourage students to keep a steady eye on their professional futures while pursuing the research and projects that will make them most successful.
To gain valuable experience on the research and conference circuits, our graduate students benefit from a wealth of resources to draw from for conference travel and research funding. GradSEA, the student-run, student-focused organization for English graduate students, provides annual competitive funding packages, as does ICaP, and the College of Liberal Arts also offers PROMISE awards of up to $1,000 for domestic travel and $2,000 for international travel annually. The English department supplements PROMISE with additional travel grants of $250 / student annually for conference and research travel. We also offer incentive grants to students who apply for external grants and fellowships.
Other Useful Information for Students and Mentors
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