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

Electrochem PNW 2025
Sep25
Electrochem PNW 2025 Sep 25 Willamette Hall
Electrochem PNW 2025
Sep26
Electrochem PNW 2025 Sep 26 Willamette Hall
Consortium of Oregon Diversity and Equity Scholars (CODES) Conference
Sep26
Consortium of Oregon Diversity and Equity Scholars (CODES) Conference Sep 26 Straub Hall
19th Annual Rennard Strickland Lecture with Amy Bowers Cordalis
Sep30
19th Annual Rennard Strickland Lecture with Amy Bowers Cordalis Sep 30 William W. Knight Law Center
Uncovering Oregon History with the Chinese Diaspora Project
Oct2
Uncovering Oregon History with the Chinese Diaspora Project Oct 2 Museum of Natural and Cultural History
Department of History: Fall Get-Together
Oct3
Department of History: Fall Get-Together Oct 3 McKenzie Hall
Unlocking Graduate Student Career Resources
Oct8
Unlocking Graduate Student Career Resources Oct 8
How to: Resume and Cover Letter Tips (Workshop)
Oct13
How to: Resume and Cover Letter Tips (Workshop) Oct 13 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
ELO Scholarship Student and Alumni Panel
Oct14
ELO Scholarship Student and Alumni Panel Oct 14 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Next Level Resumes and CVs
Oct15
Next Level Resumes and CVs Oct 15