Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Rhetoric and Writing

The doctoral degree in rhetoric and writing provides students with the critical skills necessary to do scholarly research in rhetoric and writing and prepares students for faculty and administrative positions in university-level writing and literacy programs. Students interested in becoming rhetoric or composition scholars take courses in composition pedagogy and rhetorical theory and elect one of several available concentrations in American cultural rhetorics, critical and community literacies, digital rhetoric and professional writing, and teaching English to speakers of other languages. This degree also prepares students to study writing practices in the workplace and to research, develop, and administer a variety of academic, workplace, civic, government, nonprofit, publishing, and digital writing projects. In addition, students will be prepared to design writing curricula and training programs, do advanced document development, conduct usability studies and publish results. Students with specific interest in educating prospective teachers of literacy in university-level positions in English education or literacy education programs can choose to concentrate in critical studies in literacy and pedagogy, which prepares literacy educators who: (1) draw on critical theories and critical understanding of language, literacy, and discourse to shape pedagogies of multi literacies; (2) develop curricular practices that support students’ ability to read and write multiple texts, (3) understand multiple uses of print, digital and visual rhetorics in order to engage students in critical consumption production, and design; and (4) undertake qualitative research in school, university, and community settings. The College of Arts and Letters recognizes the high importance of development among its doctoral candidates of a proficiency in college teaching and it strives to provide teaching experience in the form of graduate assistantships along with organized discussion of the ends and means of the teaching career. Complete at least three courses, a minimum of 9 credits, in one of the following concentrations: Critical Studies in Literacy and Pedagogy, Cultural Rhetorics, or Digital Rhetoric and Professional Writing. A list of courses eligible for each concentration is available from the program director. Courses used to fulfill core requirements may not be used to satisfy concentration requirements. Other concentrations may be approved the student’s guidance committee.