Doctoral-level study offers English students the chance to conduct original research within one of the many sub-areas of the field and become subject-matter experts on a chosen topic - essential experiences for aspiring professors, authors and researchers. The University's Department of English offers two areas of emphasis within its Ph.D. program, each geared toward a specific realm of English scholarship:<br><br> Literature: In this rigorous but flexible emphasis, individual programs of literature-focused study are shaped by the Ph.D. student and his or her advisory committee. Students in the program are strongly encouraged to participate in professional activities, including academic conferences.<br> Rhetoric and writing studies: This emphasis offers core work in rhetoric and writing theory, coupled with focused study in other fields of English language and literature, with possibilities for interdisciplinary study as well. Students in the program will be active in professional activities of various kinds, such as publishing, participating in conferences and serving as interns.<br><br>Students design their programs of study following departmental guidelines in consultation with their advisory committees, complete comprehensive examinations in their fields of specialization and pursue original research resulting in a dissertation of publishable quality. The program is designed to help students bring highly relevant credentials into careers as professional academics.