1. What do you mean by "interdisciplinary"? How is this different from a traditional Ph.D. program?

Unlike a traditional program, where all of a student's coursework is completed in one field, in the interdisciplinary Ph.D. program, coursework is divided between a coordinating discipline and a co-discipline. No more than sixty percent of a student's coursework is completed in the coordinating discipline, and the remainder is completed in the co-discipline or other areas of study.

After completing coursework, students will take comprehensive examinations in both disciplines, although exams for the coordinating discipline will be more extensive.

A student's dissertation committee is made up of members from each discipline, no more than three from one discipline, usually three from the coordinating discipline and two from the co-discipline. The dissertation itself will also be interdisciplinary in nature, using methodologies and developing ideas that are significant in each area of study.

Common co-disciplines for English include history, religious studies, education and art history. For specific information about possible co-disciplines, visit http://www.umkc.edu/iphd/aboutIPhD.html#disciplines

2. Why should I choose an interdisciplinary program rather than a traditional program in English?

Much, if not most, contemporary English scholarship is interdisciplinary in nature. It requires scholars to make connections between different areas of study. Cultural studies, discourse analysis, gender studies, book history, etc., all demand that scholars extend their thinking beyond purely text-based literary criticism. An interdisciplinary program gives students the opportunity to learn a wide variety of theories and methodological approaches that will give them a good grounding for such contemporary scholarship.

3. How do I apply for the I-PhD program in English?

Because more than one discipline is involved in any I-PhD application, all applications are handled through the School of Graduate Studies.

All application materials are available online at http://www.umkc.edu/iphd/iphd.html

If you have questions regarding the application process or need assistance, you may contact Quincy Bennett, the administrative assistant for the I-PhD program. Her email is bennettq@umkc.edu. Her phone number is 816-235-1559. She can also provide you with hard copies of application materials.

For questions related to English, contact the English I-PhD coordinator, Dr. John Barton at bartonjc@umkc.edu or 816-235-5206. In addition to the application materials required of all students by the School of graduate studies, prospective I-PhD students in English should submit three samples of written work to the English Department's Doctoral Committee.

4. What qualifications do I need to be accepted into the I-PhD program in English?

If you wish to select English as your coordinating discipline, you should meet the following minimum requirements:

• You should have completed an M.A. degree in English or equivalent course work as determined by the English Department's Doctoral Committee.
• You should have either (1) a GRE general examination verbal score in the 60th percentile or better; or 2) a score in the 60th percentile or better in the English subject examination.
• You must demonstrate foreign language competency, typically through two years of college-level language study, with grades of "B" or better.

If you wish to select English as a co-discipline...

• You should have completed an M.A. (not necessarily in English) or equivalent course work. In most cases, students will be expected to have completed at least 12 hours of upper division English courses that are approved by the English Department Doctoral Committee.
• You should have a GRE general examination verbal score in the 60th percentile or better.
• You must demonstrate foreign language competency as indicated above.

5. What are the English Department's requirements for I-PhD students?

Doctoral students in the English Department are expected to meet all of the School of Graduate Studies' requirements.

The only required course in English is Introduction to Graduate Studies, ENGLISH 5500. Other coursework needs are decided upon in cooperation with members of your committee and will be listed in your plan of study.

It is important to realize that the interdisciplinary nature of doctoral study at UMKC requires considerable initiative on the student's part. Because you are required to fulfill the requirements of more than one discipline, you will need to take an active role in developing a plan of study that meets the demands of each discipline.

6. Is the I-PhD program feasible for a working adult?

A number of our students work fulltime in various fields and take classes part time. Many of our graduate seminars are offered in the evening to accommodate the needs of working adults.

Attending classes while working fulltime is certainly a challenge, and only you can determine how to best fit your school and work schedules together.

7. How long does it usually take to complete the program?

The time varies depending on your disciplines of study and whether or not you have a master's degree at the time you enter the program. On the average it takes a student in the PhD program in interdisciplinary studies attending full-time 4 - 5 years to complete all the degree requirements. Student's attending school part-time can typically take 6 - 7 years to complete all the degree requirements. Full-time enrollment in the doctoral program is 9 credit hours in the Fall and Spring Semesters and 6 credit hours in the summer (full time enrollment is required for one full year in the first or second year to meet the residency requirement).

8. What financial assistance is available to I-PhD students in English?

The School of Graduate Studies offers a variety of fellowships to students on a competitive basis. Details about these fellowships are available at http://sgs.umkc.edu/fellow/index.asp

In addition, doctoral students are eligible to apply for Graduate Teaching Assistantships with the English Department. Details about assistantships are available at http://cas.umkc.edu/english/programs/assistants.htm

Doctoral students are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities.

9. What is the narrative statement and how do I write one?

The narrative (or personal) statement allows you to communicate your qualifications and goals to the faculty. The statement should explain your academic background, your reasons for pursuing the I-PhD, and your goals for the future. You should also provide a specific description of your proposed dissertation project. You will have the opportunity to develop and refine your proposal as you progress in the program; however, this proposal helps the faculty to determine whether your research interests can be reasonably met by our program.

1. Example of narrative statement with English as coordinating discipline.
2. Example of narrative statement with English as co-discipline.

10. What are some current I-PhD students studying?

• Thomas Hardy and the Politics of Agricultural Labor
• Lord Byron, Oscar Wilde, and the Postmodern Spectacle of Authorship
• Discourses of Religion in Gothic Literature
• Girls and Literacy in American Culture
• Writing Centers and Educational Administration

11. What jobs have previous graduates obtained?

• Dr. John Tyler Blake received an academic appointment at the Mid-America Nazarene University where he teaches English.
• Dr. Michael Sollars was hired as an Assistant Professor of English at Texas Southern University.
• Dr. Beth Huber was hired an Assistant Professor of English at Western Carolina University.