English Doctoral Program Online

  • Doctor of Philosophy
  • College of Arts & Letters
  • Department of English
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Why ODU for English?

ODU's PhD in English integrates writing, rhetoric, discourse, technology, and textual studies. The course work and research opportunities appeal to those pursuing an academic career as well as professionals with careers outside the classroom.

Your research will examine texts in a variety of overlapping and sometimes competing language-based worlds. You'll focus on texts and media when it comes to form, purpose, technology, audience, cultural location, and communities.

Focus your studies by choosing two of four emphasis areas from:

  1. Literary and cultural studies
  2. Writing, rhetoric, and discourse studies
  3. Technology and media studies
  4. A student-designed emphasis

When you graduate, you will earn a Doctor of Philosophy degree in English.

Want to learn more? Contact us!

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  • Ranked #2

    Most Affordable Online PhD in English, 2023
    - AcademicInfluence.com

  • Required Courses

    • 48 credit hours

    All part-time students must attend two Summer Doctoral Institutes at ODU's main campus. This satisfies the residency requirements for this degree.

  • Online Learning Environment

    Participate in live, regularly scheduled online class meetings and access course materials online from any location. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

    This program requires attendance at two Summer Doctoral Institutes at ODU's main campus. Each institute is two weeks long and is held in July.

  • Calculating Cost

    In-state Virginia Residents
    $620 per credit hour*
    Out-of-state Students
    $642 per credit hour

    Rates are effective Fall 2024 and subject to change.
    * In-state rate assumes residency requirements are met.

  • Careers in English

    • Writing/Editing
    • Education
    • Publishing
    • Advertising
    • Public Relations
    • Business/Industry
    • Law
    • Digital Design
    • New Media

Meet Your Team

You'll have a dedicated academic advisor for this program.

Contact us if you have questions about admission requirements, transferring credits, or application deadlines.

Ready to get started?

  • How to Apply

    Applications are accepted for entrance in the Fall semester only and must be submitted no later than January 15.

    To be considered for admission to this English PhD, you should have:

    • a master's degree (or equivalent) in English or related field (such as rhetoric, composition, English education, communications, journalism, linguistics, philosophy, or science and technology studies) from a regionally accredited institution; and
    • a minimum 3.5 GPA (4.0 scale) overall in the master's degree.

    If you do not have some significant background in an English-related field, the department encourages you to take master’s level coursework in English before applying. Detailed admission information for the PhD in English program is available in the Graduate Catalog.

  • Want to get started now?

    You may be able to take up to four courses (12 credit hours) as a non-degree graduate student, before you are accepted into a specific degree program. 

    Please contact us to discuss this option with an expert advisor.