PhD in Comparative Literature

The PhD in Comparative Literature

The PhD in Comparative Literature at UMass Amherst is a rigorous doctoral program whose students develop expertise in three languages and their literatures (including English). Our graduates have gone on to faculty and administrative positions around the world, including in Ireland, Italy, China, and numerous colleges and universities within the U.S. Together with our MA students, our PhD students form an exceptionally supportive and dynamic community. All graduate student in Comp Lit belong to the Organization of Graduate Students in Comparative Literature (OGSCL) and co-organize two national conferences, the Translation Studies Conference and the Crossroads Comparative Literature Conference.  

Applicants to the PhD program must possess a bachelor’s degree or a recognized foreign equivalent, with either a major in a language-literature field or a substantial literary background. A GPA of 3.0 or higher is expected. They must demonstrate proficiency in English and in one language other than English, as well as a working knowledge (intermediate level) of a third language.