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"
Jun7
"Los Dreamers" Jun 7 Robinson Theatre
Military Connected Graduation Celebrations
Jun13
Military Connected Graduation Celebrations Jun 13 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Lavender Graduation Celebration
Jun14
Lavender Graduation Celebration Jun 14 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
¡Sí, se pudo! (Latiné Grad)
Jun14
¡Sí, se pudo! (Latiné Grad) Jun 14 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Black Graduation Celebration
Jun14
Black Graduation Celebration Jun 14 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
College of Arts and Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities Commencement Ceremony
Jun15
College of Arts and Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities Commencement Ceremony Jun 15 Autzen Stadium
College of Arts and Sciences, Natural Sciences Commencement Ceremony
Jun15
College of Arts and Sciences, Natural Sciences Commencement Ceremony Jun 15 Autzen Stadium
College of Arts and Sciences Graduate Commencement Ceremony
Jun15
College of Arts and Sciences Graduate Commencement Ceremony Jun 15 Autzen Stadium
Symposium on Northwest American Indigenous Languages (SNAIL) 2026
Jun26
Symposium on Northwest American Indigenous Languages (SNAIL) 2026 Jun 26 McKenzie Hall
Symposium on Northwest American Indigenous Languages (SNAIL) 2026
Jun27
Symposium on Northwest American Indigenous Languages (SNAIL) 2026 Jun 27 McKenzie Hall