<p>I am currently in my third year of undergraduate study at Northwestern, pursuing a double major in journalism and history. Having focused my studies almost exclusively on the history of Victorian London, I've developed a strong interest in Victorian lit and would be interested in applying to grad school to pursue the subject further. </p>
<p>That said, would it be impractical to apply to Ph.D. programs in English when my background is technically in history? Unfortunately, I haven't taken any undergraduate classes in the English department because I tested out of my degree's English requirements through AP exams in high school.</p>
<p>Thanks in advance for any feedback offered.</p>
<p>You may have to wait a year after graduation (or do a fifth year) until you can prove yourself in literature courses. Grad schools will only see your grades up to the end of junior year, although they will see courses on your transcript that have not yet been completed in your senior fall. It’s possible that you don’t have to major in English, especially given your interests, but you do need to take several literature courses. Can you take two or three literature courses next semester? Can you take summer classes? You’re going to need recommendations from English profs, so you should cultivate those from the beginning of the semester. </p>
<p>Also, English (and most history) programs expect you to have reading knowledge of two languages. Do you have that already?</p>
<p>History and literature are indeed closely linked. I think your background will serve you well, as long as you can prove that you have the necessary interpretative skills and sensibilities for the advanced study of literature.</p>
<p>I suggest</p>
<p>If you haven’t taken any courses in literature or English in undergrad, you’ll find admissions to English programs very difficult. That field is inundated with applications from excellent candidates with BAs and MAs in that field, and it’s extremely competitive. You will be at a distinct disadvantage.</p>
<p>However, if you take some graduate-level literature classes after graduation or do an MA in literature (which you may be able to get into with your background), that will strengthen your application to lit Ph.D programs. I don’t think 2-3 literature courses will be enough; you will probably have to complete at least the equivalent of a minor in English/literature which is generally around 5-6 courses.</p>
<p>Also, I don’t want to be a Debbie Downer but let me ask you: why is that you want to get a Ph.D in English literature? The humanities market is especially bad, especially now, and English lit is one of the worst fields. There are too many Ph.Ds and not enough positions. The majority of Ph.Ds in that field will not get tenure-track assistant professor positions at colleges and universities. Many more will end up piecing together adjunct work or not working in the field at all. Are you willing to face that prospect?</p>
<p>Are you planning on applying this year or next?</p>
<p>PhD programs are usually reasonably flexible about accepting students from other subjects (even top ones). However, you should try to take as many courses in the subject going into as you can starting now and possibly get a recommendation from a professor in that subject, since it will help you. Northwestern also offers a BA/MA that can be done in 4 or 5 years (for both degrees), if you are interested - but this probably isn’t necessary</p>
<p>The best thing you can do for yourself, though, is to look at the websites of departments that you would potentially apply to now and see what they say. They usually detail what they expect from applicants - so then you can use your time to meet that criteria.</p>