Doctoral Program

Doctoral Degree Program

As detailed in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Bulletin, an MA in Editorial Studies is not a prerequisite for the PhD Relevant advanced study, however, is required. Based on the assessment of a faculty advisor, a student may need to take a course or courses from the MA program in order to be prepared for doctoral study. In addition to taking some of the MA program courses, eight semester courses (32 credits) and a dissertation related to editing are required for the degree. Computer literacy is essential.

Of the eight required courses, four are taken in the Institute. Ordinarily, the remaining coursework consists of two directed studies with the student’s dissertation advisor, and two related courses in another department at the University, all of which must be relevant to the subject of the dissertation and approved by a student’s dissertation advisor. Students are jointly supervised in coursework and the writing of the dissertation, ordinarily by a director of the Institute and one or two adjunct professors drawn from, or approved by, the Advisory Committee.

Learn more about our current PhD candidates here.

Courses for the PhD

The Theory and Practice of Literary Editing (GRS EI 701)

Meets with CAS EI 501. An introduction to the theory, practice, and principles of editorial decisions, such as questions of modernization, revision, and annotation. Featuring several speakers and attending to notable editorial achievements.

Annotation (GRS EI 703)

Studies in allusions, sources, dating, topical contexts, annotation as part of the work itself, and marginal glosses, among other topics.

Editions (GRS EI 704)

A consideration of the major editions of an author or authors. Subject varies.

Advanced Topics in Editing: Word and Image (GRS EI 802)

A historical and critical description of the relation between printed text and forms of illustration in selected works dating from 1500 to the present.

Directed Study (GRS EI 901/902)

Supervised research toward the PhD dissertation.

Please see the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Bulletin and the College of Arts and Sciences Bulletin to review courses in other University departments.