Why should I apply to the St. John’s
University English program and what makes it different from the
other English programs in the New York City area?
The St. John’s English doctoral program provides intensive
preparation in writing pedagogy and theory as well as research in
traditional and emerging fields of literary and cultural
studies. It stands out from other English doctoral programs
in the New York City area in emphasizing the interrelatedness of
pedagogy, theory, and literary and cultural studies. It also
provides the option of part-time as well as full-time pursuit of a
doctoral degree in English. The courses are all seminars, and
the English graduate faculty members are as committed to teaching
and mentoring graduate students as they are to pursuing advanced
research in their fields.
What is a D.A. and how is it different
from the Ph.D.?
The D.A. is a doctoral degree that combines advanced work in
literary, cultural, and composition studies with preparation for
English and interdisciplinary college teaching. It offers the
opportunity for specialized research in literary, cultural, and
composition studies, but it differs from the Ph.D. in providing
students with a more thorough training for English teaching at the
college level.
What specializations are we noted
for?
We are noted for our specializations in writing and composition
studies, American studies, and modernist studies. We are also
known for our outstanding faculty in postcolonial studies, gender
studies, and early modern, eighteenth-century, and
nineteenth-century British literary studies.
How long does it take to complete the
degree?
Full-time students can complete the degree in four or five years:
two years of course work, followed by two to three years completing
the comprehensive exams and dissertation. Part-time students
proceed more gradually toward completion of the degree, depending
on the amount of time they can commit to their coursework and
research.
Do you accept applications without a
degree in English?
We accept applications without a degree in English, but students
must have taken a minimum of 24 credits in English to be considered
for admission.
Are GREs required for
admission?
The GRE general test is required for admission.
Is there an application
deadline?
The application deadline for the fall semester is March 1.
The deadline for the spring semester is November 15. Late
applications will be considered if additional space in the program
is available.
How successful have your alumni
been?
Most of our alumni are faculty or administrators in higher and
secondary education. The majority of recent D.A. recipients
have positions as professors in teaching colleges and junior
colleges, mostly in the metropolitan New York area. Other
alumni have pursued positions in publishing, editing, and public
relations upon completion of the degree.
Are assistantships available and how
should I apply?
Graduate assistantships are available on a competitive basis
through the English Department and the Institute for Writing
Studies. These assistantships provide a stipend and provide
the experience of teaching one course per semester or the
equivalent time tutoring in the writing center. New students
who are interested in an assistantship should indicate their
interest on the application form.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, please visit the Office of Financial Aid for more
information.
Where can I find information about
housing?
Please visit Residence Life for information on
housing.
What are the admission
requirements?
- Applicants must have completed their bachelor’s degree with a
minimum of 24 credits in English.
- Applicants must have at least a 3.0 cumulative G.P.A. and a 3.5
in English courses.
- Applicants must submit acceptable GRE scores in the General
Test. The English subject test is not required.
- Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation, two of
which should be academic letters attesting to the applicant’s work
as a student.
- Applicants must submit a recent sample of written
work.
- A personal statement detailing the student’s professional goals
is required.
Who do I contact to set up a personal
interview?
Dr. Steven Mentz
Director of Graduate Studies
English Department
St. John Hall B40-02
(718)-990-6387
mentzs@stjohns.edu