Graduate Programs

Explore Our Doctoral Program

Comparative literature at Oregon boasts the oldest doctoral program on the West Coast. Since its founding in 1962, our graduate program has retained a sense of its traditional grounding while also adapting to a constantly evolving field.

Every student in comparative literature is unique, and our doctoral program emphasizes robust and personalized advising to put you in dialogue with our faculty at each stage of your graduate career—from your coursework to your exams, dissertation and eventual employment.



Ancient writing on a tablet

Doctorate Degree in Comparative Literature

As a department, we are committed to working closely and individually with each of our students, and our multi-year advising structure is in place to guide you through coursework and to prepare you for an academic career. Once admitted, you already begin to tailor your program of study to your research interest and to your mastery of at least two national literary traditions. Four foundation courses taken during the first and second years help to establish a cohort among our students and a common critical reflexivity. And as you go on to pursue courses in national languages and literatures, we remain in conversation to help you generate connections between your three fields.

Oregon’s Department of Comparative Literature is known for the humane environment it cultivates—a community conducive to interdisciplinarity, cooperation, and experimentation.


Funding your Graduate Studies

Want to learn more about funding options for graduate students in the Department of Comparative Literature? Explore opportunities for funding your graduate studies.

Funding and Research Support


Prepare for the Professional World

A graduate degree from the Department of Comparative Literature opens the door to exciting job possibilities. Discover resources to help you prepare for your chosen career path.


Events

"Radium Girls"
May2
"Radium Girls" May 2 Miller Theatre Complex
"Radium Girls"
May3
"Radium Girls" May 3 Miller Theatre Complex
Yoko McClain Public Documentary Screening: "Black Box Diaries" and Conversation with Director Shiori Ito
May4
Yoko McClain Public Documentary Screening: "Black Box Diaries" and Conversation with Director Shiori Ito May 4 Lawrence Hall
Your Future in Investigative Careers (Panel + Networking)
May5
Your Future in Investigative Careers (Panel + Networking) May 5 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Department of History Coffee Hour
May6
Department of History Coffee Hour May 6 McKenzie Hall
Cinema Studies Presents: Screening of "I Can Feel You Walking"
May6
Cinema Studies Presents: Screening of "I Can Feel You Walking" May 6 Villard Hall
Undergraduate Research Symposium
May7
Undergraduate Research Symposium May 7 Erb Memorial Union, Price Science Library & Collier House
Global Futures of Higher Education: Autonomy in the Crosshairs
May7
Global Futures of Higher Education: Autonomy in the Crosshairs May 7 University of Oregon
Asian Studies Research Event
May7
Asian Studies Research Event May 7 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
SPRNG Conference 2026: Flipping the Switch
May7
SPRNG Conference 2026: Flipping the Switch May 7 Lillis Business Complex