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

"Los Dreamers"
May31
"Los Dreamers" May 31 Robinson Theatre
Department of History Spring Showcase 2026
Jun1
Department of History Spring Showcase 2026 Jun 1 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Cinema Studies Presents: Composing Music for Silent Film Masterclass with Brian McWhorter
Jun2
Cinema Studies Presents: Composing Music for Silent Film Masterclass with Brian McWhorter Jun 2 Lawrence Hall
Department of History Coffee Hour
Jun3
Department of History Coffee Hour Jun 3 McKenzie Hall
Filmlandia Screening Series: "Ed's Coed"
Jun3
Filmlandia Screening Series: "Ed's Coed" Jun 3 Straub Hall
Kishalay Bhattacharya: "The Middle East Crisis in India"
Jun4
Kishalay Bhattacharya: "The Middle East Crisis in India" Jun 4 Student Welcome Center
GrEBES Spring Seminar—Prof. Lillian Aoki: "Conservation Between the Tides"
Jun4
GrEBES Spring Seminar—Prof. Lillian Aoki: "Conservation Between the Tides" Jun 4 Willamette Hall
"Los Dreamers"
Jun5
"Los Dreamers" Jun 5 Robinson Theatre
"Los Dreamers"
Jun6
"Los Dreamers" Jun 6 Robinson Theatre
"Los Dreamers"
Jun7
"Los Dreamers" Jun 7 Robinson Theatre