How do I apply?

Contact the Graduate School at Tulane University for an application or visit their website for an online application. They will collect your information (application, recommendations, GRE scores, etc.) before sending them on to the Department. Writing samples should be sent directly to the Director of Graduate Studies, Department of English, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118.

Is financial aid available? 

Students in the doctoral program receive financial aid which includes a tuition waiver and a fellowship or a stipend for teaching.  Students who enter with a B.A. receive five years of support; students who enter with an M.A. receive four years of support. Students in the 4+1 program receive a considerably reduced tuition in their final year. Students in the M.A. program pay full tuition. A dissertation-year fellowship competition is held by the Graduate School for students coming off stipend for a final year of supported dissertation research.

What are my chances of getting in?

We get about 100 applications per year and accept about 6. Our class size is small, and   students receive individual attention from faculty. Total GRE scores in recent years have been averaging around 1280 or above; for verbal GRE scores, the average is around 680. For admissions requirements, click here. Students improve their chances of being accepted if their statements of purpose articulate a clear project and address the suitability of Tulane's resources for realizing that project. The department requires a 10-15 page writing sample (scholarly research paper sent directly to the department) with the application which plays a large role in our decision.

How can I find out what the programs offer and the faculty teaches? 

The website provides all information on the programs and the faculty. The department recommends that all applicants carefully research the scholarship of faculty members, including those outside the student's immediate area of interest.

Does the department encourage interdisciplinary work?

Yes, the department would like students to take two courses in other departments, and individual projects may require the expertise of selected faculty from other departments. The faculty in the department conduct interdisciplinary scholarship and contribute to undergraduate interdisciplinary programs.

Does the department have a particular theoretical stance?

No, the faculty teach a wide range of methodologies, approaches, and theoretical foundations. A course in the Fundamentals of Literary Theory is required, and advanced courses in theory are offered every year, but faculty members address issues of approach, method, and theory in the other classes as well.  

Can I get transfer credit for graduate work done elsewhere?  

Yes, up to 12 hours for the terminal master's program and 24 hours for the Ph.D. program. Click here for more .

Will I be able to teach?  

Yes, all doctoral students teach in the program. Students entering with a B.A. do not teach their first year, and during their second year work as teaching assistants to a faculty mentor. The program offers a carefully graduated series of teaching opportunities, mentoring, and pedagogy instruction. Students may teach a topic of their choice in the Freshman Writing classroom, and all advanced students teach courses in their areas of interest. The teaching courseload is one course per semester.

What research support does the department offer?

The department allocates $500.00 per year per doctoral student. Students apply for this money to go to conferences and travel to research collections. Other funds are available through the University. The department provides $200.00 per student for two years of travel to the MLA for job search purposes. In addition, each student is given the option of working as a research assistant to a faculty member (with pay) at least one time during their tenure.

To whom do I turn for assistance?