Comparative Literature (PhD)

Tuition fees for Comparative Literature (PhD) are 29,500 USD per year.

This is a PhD program in Comparative Literature offering study in major areas of literary study and literary and cultural theory, requiring proficiency in two foreign languages. Its small size enables diverse, innovative, and interdisciplinary programs of study, designed by students in consultation with faculty. Students focus on developing advanced research skills and completing a dissertation.

The program requires 36 credits of coursework, typically 12 graduate seminars, six semesters of GRAD research course enrollment, and six semesters of teaching assistantship, with a minimum of 6 semesters for the degree.

Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in two foreign literatures, submit a writing sample and statement of purpose, and provide three recommendations. All Graduate School requirements, including English language proficiency, must also be met.

The programme totals about 36 credit hours. On-campus, typically 6 semesters. For international students, tuition is above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 8% of applicants.

Cornell University, founded in 1865 in Ithaca, New York, is an Ivy League research university that blends rigorous scholarship with broad public engagement. As both a privately endowed institution and New York State's statutory land-grant university, Cornell brings together liberal arts, engineering, agriculture, and professional schools to offer wide academic choice across more than twenty colleges and programs. Its historic mission emphasizes teaching, research, and service, making Cornell a global destination for students seeking depth and interdisciplinary opportunity.

Academically, Cornell is known for high-impact research across the sciences, humanities, and applied fields. With about 25,582 students and over 6,200 international learners, the campus provides extensive resources including research centers, interdisciplinary institutes, and industry partnerships that support undergraduate and graduate training. Students benefit from hands-on learning, internship networks, and faculty mentorship that often include international collaborations and community-engaged projects.

Life in Ithaca balances scenic natural spaces with a lively arts and dining scene and strong student services, from career counseling to study abroad advising. Residential options, student clubs, and entrepreneurial hubs help newcomers settle in and build professional pathways both in the United States and abroad. For international applicants seeking world-class research, wide program choice, and a community that values public service and innovation, Cornell offers a supportive and stimulating environment.