For Prospective Students

Our distinctive program offers training leading to a Ph.D in a wide range of fields including:

  • Critical Theory and Marxism
  • New Media
  • Film Theory
  • Gender and Queer Theory
  • Comparative Literature
  • Translational Cultural Studies
  • Semiotics
  • Ecological and Environmental Theory
  • Decoloniality and Post coloniality
  • Critical Race Theory
  • Carcerality
  • Spaciality

In addition to an M.A.-en-route option, we also offer a Juris Doctor/Master of Arts in Literature and a Juris Doctor/Ph.D in Literature with Duke’s School of Law.

Explore our Program

Financial Support

Read about our financial support opportunities, including fellowships from the university and other sources, teaching, and work-study.

Graduate Life

Learn about the many aspects of Duke graduate life, including groups, activities, and life in Durham. 

Career Paths

See where our graduate students go for jobs.

How to Apply

Learn how to apply for our doctoral program. We've included some tips for your application as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to questions about test scores, selectivity, and opportunities, etc.