Online PhDs in English: Your Guide to Top Programs
Earning your English PhD online is a smart way to advance your career while maintaining the flexibility you need to balance other responsibilities. Today’s best online English PhD programs combine strong academics with the ability to study when and where it works best for your lifestyle. Use this PhDs.me guide to find your match.
Inside 3 Top Online PhD Programs in English
Earning your PhD in English can open doors to a wide range of career possibilities. Many graduates enter academia, teaching composition, Shakespeare, or literary analysis. Others focus on writing and editing, working for magazines, online media companies, or in publishing.
But how do these programs work, how much do they cost, and can they set you up for career success? The program reviews below dive into English PhD options and highlight how many of today’s programs incorporate online learning.
If you have an English PhD in mind and think online learning might help you, check out the profiles below.
Old Dominion University
Old Dominion University’s hybrid online English PhD program offers the flexibility of online courses with the community of in-person learning. Students attend classes primarily online but connect face to face with peers and professors during 2-week Summer Doctoral Institutes, which occur twice during the program.
Online English doctoral students at Old Dominion are encouraged to tailor their studies to their research and career goals. Emphasis areas include:
- Literary and cultural studies
- Writing, rhetoric, and discourse studies
- Technology and media studies
Students with interdisciplinary interests can also design their own emphasis.
Notably, online PhD students can enroll in synchronous online courses — real-time classes held via video conference. This less common feature allows for deeper engagement with course content through active discussion and peer feedback.
Texas A&M University – Commerce
The online English PhD program at Texas A&M University – Commerce offers flexibility in how and where you learn. Students can study entirely online or choose a mix of online and in-person courses. Qualifying students may also participate in teaching assistantships or tutoring programs to gain classroom experience.
Unlike many programs, Texas A&M–Commerce offers fall, spring, and summer admission, so you can start when it works best for you.
English students in this program have multiple specialization options, with:
- Two disciplines in written discourse
- Three literature-specific emphases
Graduates are well-prepared for careers in academia, public service, communications, and marketing.
St. John’s University
St. John’s University offers one of the few 100% online English literacy PhD programs in the U.S. Students can specialize in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) or focus on literacy for native English speakers. These degrees are particularly relevant if you want to influence education policy and curriculum or teach English yourself.
Online English PhD programs at St. John’s can be completed in as little as three years. The accelerated pace does not come at the expense of quality: in addition to regional accreditation, the school’s English programs are certified by:
- The University Council for Educational Administration
- The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
- The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education
Benefits of Earning Your PhD in English Online
Online doctoral programs are ideal for students who want to pursue further education while balancing work, family, or geographic constraints. Whether you’re working full-time, caring for loved ones, or living far from a campus, online PhD options are designed to offer flexibility and convenience.
Here are just two of many benefits of an online English PhD:
1. Flexibility
Online English doctoral programs come in a variety of formats, so you can choose what fits you best. For example:
- Some programs are 100% online and do not require you to log in at a specific time.
- Others combine online coursework with real-time instruction to help you stay on track and engaged.
- Some host doctoral candidates on campus for specific courses or summer institutes.
With so many options, you can find a program that matches your schedule and learning preferences.
2. Variety
Earning your English PhD online lets you seek out programs that align with your interests and goals, not just what’s available locally. Your nearest campus may:
- Not offer an English PhD at all, or
- Have a limited curriculum that doesn’t match your focus
Online programs let you study from anywhere, so you can pursue a doctorate in areas like medieval rhetoric or postcolonial theory without uprooting your life to attend a niche program.
Types of Online English PhD Programs
Online English PhD programs vary in delivery format. Some are fully online, while others require occasional or regular campus visits. Here are the most common formats.
Fully Online
Some programs are entirely online, but even those can look very different. You might encounter:
- Asynchronous courses, where you don’t have to log in at a set time but still meet assignment deadlines
- Synchronous classes, which take place live in virtual classrooms at scheduled times
Most online programs offer a mix of both styles.
Fully Online with Residency
Many schools integrate online students into the campus community through short residencies. Unlike hybrid programs (see below), these in-person requirements typically occur once a year or less, which can work even if you live far away.
Common residency activities include:
- Candidacy exams
- Dissertation proposal meetings
- Dissertation defenses
- Summer institutes
Blended/Hybrid
Blended or hybrid programs are best suited to students who live near campus or plan to move there. In these programs:
- You may choose which courses to take fully online vs. fully in person
- Individual classes may combine online and in-person components, or
Timeline of Earning Your PhD in English Online
Program duration varies widely, often depending on whether you’ve completed prior master’s coursework. Some schools offer expedited tracks where you can earn your degree in about three years, while others may take six years or more. Part-time options extend the timeline further.
Most schools also have a time limit for completing the degree, so it’s important to check those details.
Here’s a sample timeline to help you understand what the process may look like.
Year 1
- Core courses common across emphases
- Some electives, depending on the program
- Foundation in research methods, literary theory, and disciplinary conventions
- Pedagogy courses to prepare teaching assistants and future educators
Year 2
- Coursework and projects tied more closely to your emphasis and research interests
- Preparation for comprehensive exams (for full-time students)
- Formation of your dissertation committee at many schools
- Increased conference attendance and early submissions
Year 3
- Comprehensive exams typically taken early in the year
- Development and submission of your research prospectus
- Opportunity to seek additional funding to reduce outside work and focus on research
Year 4
- Dissertation research and writing in full swing
- Required coursework usually completed
- Ongoing participation in conferences and presentations, depending on program expectations
Year 5
- Primary focus on preparing for the dissertation defense
- Students with prior graduate coursework may defend this year
Year 6 to 7
- Full-time students without prior graduate coursework typically defend in year six
- Part-time students may continue writing and defending into year seven
- Many students begin exploring postdoc opportunities or the academic and nonacademic job market
Keep in mind that every program has its own structure and requirements. When in doubt, contact program advisors or directors with specific curriculum or timeline questions.
Online English PhD Learning Outcomes
It’s tempting to scroll past learning outcomes, but they’re one of the best ways to understand a program’s values, focus, and ideal students. They also shape the curriculum, research opportunities, and dissertation topics available to you.
Common learning outcomes for online English PhD programs include:
- Demonstrate deep knowledge within an English-related field.
You’ll be expected to develop expertise in your primary research area, and some programs also require depth in a secondary field. - Demonstrate understanding and application of effective teaching practices.
Because many English PhDs work in education, most programs incorporate pedagogy and teaching methods. These skills also translate to any role that involves explaining complex information clearly. - Design and undertake research that contributes to knowledge in the field.
You’ll be expected to conduct original research on a novel topic using established methods and conventions. Successfully defending your dissertation typically fulfills this outcome. - Utilize primary and secondary sources to examine critical issues.
You’ll learn not just to read sources, but to analyze, evaluate, and engage with them based on your own expertise. - Present research and publications clearly and professionally.
This includes your dissertation, conference presentations, and, in many cases, teaching demonstrations. You’ll learn to adapt your communication style to different audiences and settings.
English PhD Specialization Options
English is a broad field, and most PhD students choose a specialization that shapes their research and career path. It’s important to align your emphasis with your long-term goals; for example:
- A literature emphasis may not translate easily into technical communication roles.
- Composition and rhetoric specialists may not be best prepared for English language learning roles.
Common emphasis areas include:
Literature
Students who choose to emphasize in literature typically focus on a specific region, time period, or author for their research.
Linguistics
Linguistics students study the nature, origin, and development of language. Doctoral graduates in this field can look forward to a wide range of careers, from education to computer learning.
Composition and Rhetoric
This field focuses on the relationship between language, knowledge, and culture. Students in composition and rhetoric programs typically go on to work in academia, education, or a communications-oriented profession.
Technical Communication and Rhetoric
Students specializing in this field study how complex information can be effectively described and communicated across groups and skillsets.
English Language Learning
Doctoral candidates in English Language Learning may focus their research on people who learn English as a second language or how young children in English-speaking areas learn to speak. In either case, students with these backgrounds are highly valued in educational administration, curriculum development, and policymaking.
Accreditation for Online English PhD Programs
Choosing an accredited school is essential. Accreditation ensures that:
- Your program meets established quality standards
- Employers and other institutions will recognize your degree
- You remain eligible for federal financial aid and many scholarships
Most online English PhD programs hold regional accreditation, which is considered the gold standard for U.S. institutions. Program-level accreditation is less common in English, but:
- Some English literacy PhD programs are accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation
- Education-related specialties may hold additional teaching-related accreditations, signaling alignment with professional standards
If you’re unsure about a school’s legitimacy, you can verify its status in the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.
Application Process for Online English PhD Programs
Applying for a PhD can be complex, but many programs share common requirements. Schools typically want a holistic picture of you as a:
- Student
- Researcher
- Future contributor to the field
Most applications include:
- Transcripts and GPA
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume or CV
- Statement of purpose
- Writing sample
The good news: fewer English PhD programs now require standardized tests like the GRE.
Key elements to pay attention to include:
Writing Sample: Most programs require a polished academic writing sample. Aim to:
- Submit a piece you’re proud of
- Choose work closely related to your intended focus
- Format it correctly, typically in MLA style
Statement of Purpose: Your statement is a crucial part of your application. It should:
- Clearly articulate who you are as a scholar
- Explain why you want to attend that specific school
- Highlight what you bring to the program
Plan to customize this for each school, especially if there’s no strict prompt.
Background Experience: Since many English PhDs go on to teach, some programs — particularly those with teaching assistantships — want detail on:
- Teaching experience
- Professional roles that involve mentoring, training, or knowledge-sharing
If you don’t have formal teaching experience, connect your work or volunteer history to skills like communication, instruction, or leadership.
Online English PhD Program Costs
The cost of an online English PhD depends on several factors, including:
- Cost per credit and total required credits
- Distance-learning fees or discounts
- Eligibility for in-state vs. out-of-state tuition
- Savings on commuting, parking, meal plans, and campus fees
To start comparing programs, multiply cost per credit × total credits. Here are some examples:
| School | Cost per Credit | Total Credits | Subtotal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Tech University | $500 | 72 | $36,000 |
| Texas Women’s University | $284 in-state | $692 out-of-state | 90 | $25,560- $62,280 |
| St. John’s University | $1,265 | 42 | $53,130 |
| Old Dominion University | $571 in-state | $595 out-of-state | 48 | $27,408 – $28,560 |
If these numbers feel overwhelming, remember that:
- Many schools offer need- or merit-based scholarships and grants
- You may be eligible for fellowships, assistantships, and federal aid
It’s a good idea to schedule a meeting with a financial aid advisor and to explore guides on scholarships, grants, and financial aid options.
Salaries for Professionals with a PhD in English
For many students, the opportunity to teach at the university level is a major motivation for earning a PhD — and it can pay off.
- Median salary for postsecondary English language and literature teachers is about $78,130, with top earners above $137,100
- Median salary for high school teachers is around $64,580, with top earners above $104,600
Outside academia, English PhD holders often work in:
- Communications and marketing
- Content strategy and editorial leadership
- Publishing and media
These roles typically value advanced research, writing, and analytical skills — and often pay accordingly.