HELP: Applying to PhD but don't have formal degree in English

[ls7834]

Hi all! I am interested in applying to various PhD programs in English (literature track) but I am wondering if my not having a formal BA or MA in the field will significantly decrease my chances. I should note that I do have a BA in the humanities, namely, in Film Studies and Philosophy (from USC) and an MA in Film Studies (from NYU). I have also taught 7 years of HS English (advanced, honors classes) and am currently taking a full load of upper-division English classes at a local university (by next semester, I should have about 9-10 classes under my belt). My overall GPA in all of my classes is very strong, GREs are in the 90th%, I am working on the writing sample and hope to submit something solid, and my letters of rec should all be strong.

Given all of this, do you think that I have a shot at all? Should I even bother? A lot of schools indicate that it's recommended that the applicant have an English degree but that they'll consider those in a related field. Any of you in a similar situation or have any knowledge about this matter? (ps-I should note, too, that one of my research interests does have to do with the intersection of literature and film, particularly w/ regard to theories on authorship, spectatorship/readership, etc.)

I appreciate any feedback!!

[truckbasket]

If you play your cards right, it could really work in your favor. Given this market, interdisciplinary work is quite desirable for a committee, and many departments welcome that with open arms. The trick will be selling yourself as a candidate who seeks to build such critical bridges to an encouraging, dynamic program. Plus, your teaching experience, while not at the college level, could be helpful in landing you some financing. Were I you, I'd begin the search for who's doing similar work to your own interests, get some nifty writing samples knocked together than demonstrate your approach, and then give it a shot.

[ls7834]

Wow, thanks for the feedback...very encouraging, indeed! I will begin researching schools...

Do you, by chance, know if there's a difference in terms of landing a job with a degree in English (lit) vs. Comparative Lit? I ask b/c there seems to be a lot more of an interdisciplinary "bent" w/ the latter, but whenever I look at job posts, there seem to be A LOT more openings for those with a degree in English (lit or composition/rhetoric).

[truckbasket]

Do you, by chance, know if there's a difference in terms of landing a job with a degree in English (lit) vs. Comparative Lit? I ask b/c there seems to be a lot more of an interdisciplinary "bent" w/ the latter, but whenever I look at job posts, there seem to be A LOT more openings for those with a degree in English (lit or composition/rhetoric).

I really don't have much insight there, I'm afraid. I do know that the people who are doing the kind of interdisciplinary work that interests me in my own program are split between English and Comparative Lit, but I couldn't say which would be more lucrative in the long run. I guess it might come down to what role languages would play in your work?

[ecritdansleau]

I know professors that earned PhDs in comparative literature and obtained positions as English professors, but not many that have PhDs in English and have a comparative literature position. I'm not an expert on it, but almost everyone I know who goes for the comparative literature PhD is the polyglot/lived in three different countries after undergrad type. If you don't have strong language skills already under your belt then it could be difficult to get into a Comp Lit program. Whereas English programs often expect you to pass translation exams in the first few years of the PhD, Comp Lit programs look for people who can jump right in to literature-level courses in other languages. But if you plan to do a lot of work with literature/film not in English, a comparative literature program might offer better faculty resources for your project.

[lolopixie]

If you are applying straight to a PhD program, you definitely want to check the school sites. Some indicate that you must have a MA in English in order to apply. I wouldn't apply to those schools...or would contact the department first to see if it is worthwhile applying. No need to waste money if the school is going to want the English degree.

[Kiseki]

Like lolopixie said, it depends on the school. Some universities don't mind if you got your bachelors/MA in another discipline while others specifically state that you have to have an undergraduate or masters degree in English. There are some programs that combine film studies with english, so you may want to check those out as well. One of my mentor professors got her bachelors degree in math and she went to an ivy league school for her English MA/Ph.D. so it is possible. You can use the list of schools on the results board to help you research programs. Good luck!