Department of English : University of Rochester

An overhead view of a student carrying a backpack walking up a marble staircase.

Considering a graduate degree in English?

We have some new and exciting offerings to provide you with the skills to fulfill your academic journey.

Learn more about our MA and PhD programs

Major & Minor

Pursue a degree or take courses in one of our four distinct program tracks.

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Graduate Studies

The National Research Council ranks our English PhD program among the best in the country.

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Research

Our faculty and students participate in numerous individual and collaborative research projects.

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Department News

Fairchild Award honors the founder of Rochester Fringe Festival

Award-winning producer Erica Fee is the recipient of the 2025 Lillian Fairchild Award, which recognizes artists for their contributions to the Rochester community.

WINTER BREAK

Main office closed for break

The Department of English main office will be closed, with staff working remotely, from December 19, 2025 through January 11, 2026. Please reach out via email with any requests.

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

PLUTZIK READING SERIES

Spring readers announced

Mark your calendars for our Spring 2026 Plutzik Reading Series events. Poet and author Robyn Schiff will join us on April 7, 2026, and fiction novelist Kirstin Valdez Quade will close out the series on April 22, 2026. Both readings are free and open to the public.

Headshots of Robyn Schiff and Kirstin Valdez Quade

FREE STUDENT LIBRARY

Borrow a book to enjoy

Looking for your next great read? Students are encouraged to borrow a book from the English Department's free student library. Please return it to the shelf on the 4th floor of Morey Hall when you're done. Titles are rotated regularly. You can also grab a free bookmark!