Doctor of Philosophy in Humanities

Program Description

The humanities graduate program brings together scholars from history, philosophy, literature, creative writing, art history, film studies, and the performing arts who share a commitment to transnational and interdisciplinary approaches to humanistic study and practice.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program seek positions such as: teacher/educator, researcher, administrator, archivist, writer, museum curator, nonprofit management and other positions in research or professional practice. Career settings may include higher education, nonprofits, cultural and historical organizations, government agencies, international development organizations, publishing houses, museums and archives, business/corporate entities and independent consulting.

Marketable Skills

Review the marketable skills for this academic program.

Application Requirements

Visit the Apply Now webpage to begin the application process.  

Applicants to the Doctoral degree program should have:  

  • A baccalaureate degree (BA or MA) or its equivalent from an accredited institution of higher education, normally in an arts and humanities field.  
  • Letters of Recommendation: Applicants must submit 3 letters of recommendation from faculty, or other individuals, able to judge the candidate’s potential for success in the program.  
  • Admissions Essay: Applicants must submit a 650-word narrative essay, which should be reflective rather than factual. The essay should address the applicant’s academic interests and goals and indicate how the program would enable such pursuits.  
  • A writing sample: Submit an academic writing sample (e.g., a seminar paper or a critical essay). 
  • International applicants must submit a TOEFL score of at least 80 on the internet-based test.  Scores must be less than two years old. See the Graduate Catalog for additional information regarding English proficiency requirements for international applicants.
  • Each application is considered holistically on its individual merits. You must submit all supporting documents before the Graduate Admissions Committee can review your application. 
  • The Graduate Record Examination is not required. 

Deadline: The application deadline is January 15. All applications completed by the deadline will be reviewed for admission. Applications submitted or completed after January 15 may be reviewed for admission only if spaces remain within the upcoming cohort and will be reviewed in order by the date the application file became complete.

Catalog Page

Apply Now

Contact Information

Dr. Shilyh Warren
Associate Dean of Graduate Studies
Associate Professor and Program Head
Phone: 972-883-6316
Email: Shilyh.Warren@utdallas.edu

Graduate Advising
Pia K. Jakobsson
Phone: 972-883-4706
Email: pia.jakobsson@utdallas.edu

Graduate Admissions
Phone: 972-883-6176
Email: ahtgradvising@utdallas.edu
Request Bass School Graduate Program Information

Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology
The University of Texas at Dallas, JO31
800 W. Campbell Road
Richardson, TX 75080-3021

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