Graduate programs

Wayne State invites intellectually curious and motivated students to explore the evolving landscape of reading and writing in the 21st century! With graduate programs emphasizing language, literature, film, rhetoric, composition and culture, we offer pathways to pursue a Master of Arts (M.A.) or Ph.D.

The M.A. program caters to students aiming to deepen their expertise in areas such as professional and creative writing. It can serve as a stepping stone to doctoral studies or as a terminal degree for specialized career preparation. The Ph.D. program represents the pinnacle of academic achievement in English studies, preparing graduates for leadership in research, scholarship, and teaching. Students benefit from rigorous academic training and are encouraged to explore recent Ph.D. dissertations and job placements.

Graduate students can tailor their studies to focus on diverse fields, including African-American literature, American literature, Anglophone literature, British literature, comparative literature, cultural studies, film and media studies, linguistics, literary theory, rhetoric and composition and gender, sexuality and women's studies.

View a list of current graduate courses offered

See our graduate student job placements