In a comparative literature program, students are encouraged to study a wide range of topics related to literature. Through comparing the works from two different societies, students also will usually learn about the art and language of each culture.

The PhD is a doctoral degree, specifically called a "doctor of philosophy" degree. This is misleading because PhD holders are not necessarily philosophers (unless they earned their degree in philosophy!). That said, PhD recipients are able to engage in thought experiments, reason about problems, and solve problems in sophisticated ways.