University of Pittsburgh logo

Graduate

To browse program-specific information, visit the graduate sections for each English program site: Composition, Film and Media Studies, Literature, and Writing.

The English Graduate Handbook is available for review. 

The Department of English offers several distinguished graduate degree programs, described briefly below.

Student taking notes in a classroom

PhD: English

As one of the first to emphasize critical and cultural studies in the nation, our PhD program has been hailed as a leader of innovation in English studies. Our faculty includes distinguished scholars in cultural theory and criticism, British and American literary history, composition and pedagogy, and film and television studies.
student sitting at desk beside stained glass window inside cathedral

PhD: Film & Media Studies

The PhD in Film and Media Studies with English as the associated department is an interdisciplinary and interdepartmental degree that stresses the history, theory, and aesthetics of international cinema, video, television, and new media.
Student reading pages of a large book

Master of Arts

The MA in English program offers students the opportunity to undertake graduate work across a variety of historical periods and representational practices. We seek to examine the relationships across diverse writing practices by close and theoretically informed readings. Students can concentrate their elective work broadly across English studies, or they can focus in the programmatic areas of the department (literature, film and media studies, composition, and children's literature).
Student studying

Master of Fine Arts

Our MFA program is one of the oldest in the country. With internationally distinguished writers among its faculty, the MFA offers intensive workshops in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction.
Wide angle view of cathedral and heinz chapel

Graduate Admissions

Learn more about requirements and how to apply for graduate programs admission.