University of Michigan

Program Information

Degree Offered

Ph.D. - Comparative Literature

Format: Campus

Program Description:

The Department of Comparative Literature at the University of Michigan is a five-year doctoral program that emphasizes the international and interdisciplinary nature of comparative literature. Our curriculum is designed to be as flexible as possible in order to allow students to develop expertise in areas of traditional interest to comparatists as well as in such newer areas as cultural studies, gay and lesbian studies, postcolonialism, and women's studies. The curriculum has strong language requirements but provides great flexibility in the ways that students put their expertise in language and culture to use. It places a strong emphasis on literary theory but makes possible a variety of definitions of theory. We hope that the flexibility of the program will be something that our graduates will emulate in their own careers as they adapt to and influence changes in comparative literature as a discipline.

Accreditation:

North Central Association of Colleges and Universities

Eligibility Requirements:

The general GRE is required. Scores should be submitted to the Comparative Literature program using 1839 as the institution number, and 2902 as the program code.
The GRE test date must be within five years of the application deadline in order to be valid for admission.

Students establish expertise in two or more languages, but the minimum requirement is advanced proficiency in two languages in addition to the "language of instruction" (English). Advanced proficiency, demonstrated through either teaching or advanced course work, must be established by the end of the second year in order to fulfill candidacy requirements and to make satisfactory progress to examinations and the dissertation.

International Student Requirements:

Applicants are required to provide an official score report from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).The minimum TOEFL score accepted is 620 on paper, 260 on the computer or 106 internet. The test date must be within 2 years of the application deadline.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Financial Aid Offered: No

Classification: Doctoral/Research Universities - Extensive

Institution Sector: Public

Locale: Midsize City

Size & Settings: 20,000 and above