Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Rhetoric and Professional Communication

The PhD in Rhetoric and Professional Communication focuses on the rhetorical theory, history, pedagogy, and practice of written, oral, visual, and electronic communication (WOVE) in professional communities, such as business, industry, science, and government. The degree prepares graduates for academic positions in rhetoric, in multimodal composition, and in business, professional, and technical communication, as well as for work in the private and public sectors as professional communication specialists, editors, designers, and communications managers. Candidates are required to complete 72 hours of graduate credit including a dissertation and to pass a portfiolio assessment, a preliminary examination (consisting of a written comprehensive examination and a special field examination), and an oral defense of the dissertation. Join a program committed to studying the rhetorical and technological complexities of contemporary communication practice. We embrace multimodal composition, new media, and digital collaboration. Founded in 1991, we were among the first PhD programs in the United States to feature the role of rhetoric in technical and professional communication. Before the decade of the nineties ended we were already configuring a university-wide multimodal curriculum and building partnerships with colleagues in Speech Communication. Our program has always promoted communication scholarship by founding and nurturing key journals in the field. Today our breadth of faculty expertise, robust technology infrastructure, multimodal pedagogy, and responsive curriculum make possible a comprehensive approach to graduate education. PhD students study theory and research in professional communication as well as the history of rhetoric. You will have the opportunity to design and carry out research, teach courses, present conference papers, and prepare papers for publication. The program in Rhetoric and Professional Communication at Iowa State meets the needs of its students, the university, and the community at large by: addressing the natural relationship between practical communication and science/technology, since the dissemination of scientific and technical knowledge depends on well-trained communicators; advancing research in science and technology through the education of teachers who will in turn train our future scientists and professionals to write; serving students in scientific, technical, business, and social science disciplines across the campus; expanding the outreach mission of the university to include all those professionals who depend upon communication skills for the effective practice of their professions. In terms of learning outcomes, students will be able to: Comprehend fundamental issues, theories, research methods, and concepts in rhetoric and professional communication. Effectively use a variety of media (including oral, written, visual, and electronic) for designing and implementing communication in professional environments. Analyze and critique communication in a variety of professional contexts. Synthesize multiple perspectives on the value and use of rhetoric and professional communication. Design and conduct research that makes a significant contribution to rhetoric and professional communication. Measures for evaluating a student?s success in meeting these objectives include: performance in coursework in rhetoric and professional communication; portfolio materials, and dissertation; use of technology in internship experiences and in teaching; display of an analytical stance toward rhetoric and professional communication in course papers, portfolio, and comprehensive exams; successful completion of an area of concentration; and completion and defense of the dissertation.