Admissions Overview
Notice: The 2026–27 graduate admissions cycle is now closed.
For general information about the application process, please refer to the UC Davis Graduate Studies Admissions Process Overview. For questions specific to the English Ph.D. program, our graduate program staff are available to assist.
Application Status & Review
- Current Applicants: Applications are reviewed after all required materials have been received. To check your status, please log in to the online application portal.
- Future Applicants: This page is intended to help you prepare in advance. The application for the 2027–28 cycle is expected to open in early September.
Application Checklist
To be considered for admission to the Ph.D. program, applicants must submit the following materials through the UC Davis online application system:
- Statement of Purpose: Describe your academic preparation, relevant experience, motivation for applying, research interests/intended focus of your studies, and professional goals as they relate to the graduate program and major field.
- Personal Statement: All applicants are required to submit a Personal Statement as part of a complete graduate admissions application. While the Statement of Purpose is primarily focused on academic preparation, research interests/concept, and alignment with the graduate program.
- Writing Sample: See guidelines below for length and formatting requirements.
- Three Letters of Recommendation: Preferably from faculty members who can evaluate your academic and research potential.
- Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts from all college-level institutions attended must be uploaded.
- English Language Proficiency: TOEFL or IELTS scores (required for international applicants, if applicable).
- Application Fee: Payable at the time of submission.
Before You Apply
Applicants are encouraged to review the UC Davis Graduate Studies Eligibility Page to confirm minimum GPA and degree requirements prior to submitting an application.
Writing Sample
The writing sample is a critical component of the application. It allows the admissions committee to assess your research abilities, analytical rigor, and clarity of expression.
Requirements
- Quantity: Submit one or two papers.
- Length: The combined total must not exceed 30 pages.
- Exclusions: Images and bibliographies do not count toward the page limit.
Guidance for a Strong Submission
- Source of the Sample: The writing sample may originate from coursework or be written independently for the application.
- Focus: The sample must demonstrate advanced research and analytical skills appropriate to doctoral study in literary and cultural analysis. Successful submissions engage critically with scholarly conversations and incorporate relevant secondary sources. Creative writing (e.g., fiction, poetry) is not appropriate unless it is accompanied by substantial critical analysis.
- Currency: If your writing sample was completed more than two to three years ago, we strongly encourage you to revise it to reflect more current research and scholarly engagement.
- Polish: Submissions should be carefully proofread and representative of your strongest academic writing. The sample should demonstrate your readiness for doctoral-level work.
Application Fee Waivers
The English Ph.D. program does not offer departmental application fee waivers.
UC Davis Graduate Studies provides application fee waivers to eligible domestic applicants who have participated in select graduate preparation programs (e.g., McNair Scholars, UC LEADS).
- Eligibility: Please refer to the list of Graduate Preparation Programs Eligible for Fee Waivers to determine whether you qualify.
- How to Apply: Eligible applicants must request the fee waiver within the online application system prior to submitting their application.
Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required for a complete application. Letters should be written by individuals who can assess your potential for advanced academic research and doctoral-level study.
Preferred Sources
We strongly prefer letters from faculty members who have taught or supervised you in post-secondary coursework (undergraduate or graduate).
Content
Letters should address your research and analytical abilities, academic accomplishments, and, where relevant, your experience in teaching, tutoring, or mentoring.
Submission
All letters must be submitted electronically through the UC Davis online application system. Applicants will provide recommender contact information in the application portal; recommenders will receive an automated link to upload their letters.
Timing
Applicants are advised to contact recommenders at least 4–6 weeks in advance of the application deadline to ensure timely submission.
Transcripts (Unofficial for Application)
Transcripts are required from all college-level institutions attended.
- Unofficial Transcripts: You may upload unofficial transcripts as PDFs for the application. Official transcripts are only required if you are admitted.
- Full Academic History: You must report every college-level institution attended in the online application, including community colleges, study abroad programs, and any other coursework.
- GPA Reporting: Enter your GPA exactly as it appears on your transcript. If your institution does not use a 4.0 scale, do not convert your GPA.
International Applicants
International applicants should review the International Applicants page for additional requirements and guidance.
Funding & Support
All students admitted to the Ph.D. program receive five years of guaranteed funding, typically through Teaching Assistant (TA) and Associate Instructor (AI) appointments.
Funding Package
- Tuition & Fees: Full remission of Resident Regular Tuition and student health insurance.
- Stipend: A competitive monthly salary to support living expenses.
Additional Funding Opportunities
- Research Appointments: A limited number of Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) positions are available.
- Summer & Progress Support: Summer stipends and progress-based awards may be offered through Graduate Studies.
- Travel & Research Grants: Students may apply for departmental funding, such as the Miller Travel Fund, to support conference travel, research, and professional development.
Graduate Program Contacts
For questions about the Ph.D. program or funding, please contact:
Aaron (Fluff) Barstow
Graduate Program Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (530) 752-2738
Michael Ziser
Director of Graduate Studies
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (530) 752-1696