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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.

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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.

Contact us to talk with an advisor to determine if you have credits that will transfer. 

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.

Careers in English

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

Calculating Cost

  • In-state Virginia Residents$571 per credit hour*
  • Out-of-state Students$595 per credit hour

Rates are effective Summer 2022 and subject to change.
* In-state rate assumes residency requirements are met.

Sound Interesting?Let’s Get Started

How to Apply

If you don't have some significant background in an English-related field, the department encourages you to take master’s level coursework in English before applying. Detailed information about admission to the PhD in English program is available from the department's website.

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.

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.