Program Details

Program requirements

Students must complete 42 credit hours, including:

  • At least 12 hours in the primary discipline of English
  • At least 9 hours in a secondary discipline within the Humanities Ph.D. program
  • 3 hours for portfolio creation
  • Electives as needed to constitute 30 total coursework hours
  • 12 dissertation hours

Complete course listing on Academic Catalog

Program benchmarks

  • Comprehensive exams
  • Dissertation research proposal
  • Dissertation defense

Costs, aid and funding opportunities

Cost is a major consideration when deciding whether to continue your education. We encourage students to learn more about costs and financial aid and explore our Graduate Teaching Assistantship, plus other funding opportunities that can make earning your degree more affordable.

Estimated costs  International student costs  Financial aid  Funding opportunities

Application Details

Application procedures and requirements

  1. Prepare required documentation, including:
    • Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions
    • Statement of purpose that explains your academic and professional goals along with an intended research topic that is compatible with the department's faculty expertise
    • Three letters of recommendation from individuals who are academically or professionally qualified to asses your ability to pursue doctoral work
    • Sample of written work relevant to your primary discipline and/or stated research focus
  2. Complete the online applicationPlease be sure to pay applicable domestic or international program fees.
  3. Make sure you meet discipline-specific admission requirements, which are listed in the Academic Catalog.

Application deadlines

  • Jan. 15 for Fall Semester entry

Still Have Questions?

Email our program coordinator for more information.

Anthony Shiu, Ph.D.

Program Coordinator, Associate Professor
Email: shiua@umkc.edu