Comparative Literature Graduate Studies Program
The following are required as part of the admission file for all students:
- A personal statement; applicants to the International Writers Track should indicate that in this statement
- Three letters of recommendation
- Transcripts for all academic work since secondary school
- A writing sample consisting of an essay; applicants for the International Writers Track must submit both a sample of analytical writing (in English) and a sample of creative work (in any language)
- Evidence of language proficiency in English and a second language, as well as a minimum of reading knowledge of a third language
- TOEFL/IELTS scores for students who do not speak English as their native language (Please note: the University will consider only scores from tests taken within the last two years.) Applicants with 2 or more years in an English language university may be provided a waiver for this requirement: please contact us for further information.
All documents must be in English or accompanied by English translations, with the exception for those applying to the International Writers Track for ONLY the creative work.
For students entering with the B.A. or its equivalent, formal admission to the combined Ph.D. programs is contingent upon successful completion of the M.A. degree or appropriate qualifying and review procedures.
The annual application deadline is December 15 at 11:59 pm EST. We will try to give an answer to each applicant by the beginning of March.
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Joint PhD Programs
Comparative Literature offers joint doctoral programs with Chinese, Japanese, English, German, French, and Hispanic Studies. Completing a doctorate in a joint program with Comparative Literature means gaining the expertise to think about literature across languages and cultures, geography, historical periods, and means of production and transmission.
Prospective students interested in pursuing a joint program with Comparative Literature should apply through the pertinent home department. On your application you will be able to find a degree program for all of the joint degrees, with the home department listed first and Comparative Literature listed second. When you go to "Select A Program," you will first choose "the Office of Graduate Studies in Arts and Sciences" as the Academic Division from the top drop-down menu, then under the department of Romance Language and Literatures, you will see Program Options for: Spanish and Comparative Literature, and French and Comparative Literature. Under the German Department, you will see the German and Comparative Literature program option. Under English, there is an English and Comparative Literature option. Finally, under the department of East Asian Languages and Literatures, program options include Japanese and Comparative Literature as well as Chinese and Comparative Literature. You should send your application materials to the home department. It will, however, be vetted by both the home department and Comparative Literature.
Applying for a Joint PhD