Doctor of Philosophy in MELC

Doctor of Philosophy in MELC

Transition to Ph.D.

Please be aware that admission to the MELC MA program and its successful completion does not guarantee acceptance into the department’s Ph.D. program. MA students who are interested in continuing study for the Ph.D., whether in MELC, in another department at IU, or at another university, should begin exploring appropriate Ph.D. programs, at the latest, during the fall semester prior to their anticipated matriculation.

Ph.D. programs are more specialized and focused than the MA, so interested students should contact specialists at IU or elsewhere in the field they intend to pursue to determine appropriate programs.

Internal Ph.D. Application

MELC MA students wishing to apply for the MELC Ph.D. program should do so in the spring semester before the fall semester of their anticipated Ph.D. program matriculation. The student should first consult with a faculty member who is willing to serve as his/her Ph.D. advisor.

Internal applicants are required to submit an online application via One.IU. Internal applicants are not required to pay another application fee.

Internal applicants should also submit:

1. An IU transcript (original; self-printed copies are not accepted)
2. Two letters of recommendation, normally from MELC or IU faculty, including one faculty member who agrees to serve as the student’s Ph.D. advisor.
3. A statement of purpose consisting of 1-2 typed pages. This should explain the student’s field of specialization for the Ph.D., how training up to this point has prepared him/her for advanced study, and what program of study he/she intends to pursue.

The deadline for internal Ph.D. applications for Fall 2023 is December 15, 2023.

The Ph.D. in MELC

The IU Graduate School Bloomington (GSB) maintains requirements and rules for all Ph.D. degrees. Students must comply with all GSB rules, as well as the specific requirements outlined in this handbook. Consult the University Graduate School Bulletin for details.

Students should be aware that the regulations governing the Ph.D.—deadlines, format for dissertation submissions, etc.—are exceptionally specific and rigorous. It is VERY important to carefully follow these regulations.