Rhetoric and Writing - Doctor of Philosophy

Complete a minimum of 27 credits of graduate course work. No more than 6 credits of 400-level course work will count toward the degree.
All of the following core courses (18 credits):
Rhetoric Theory and History
Workshop in Rhetoric and Writing
Research Methodologies in Rhetoric and Writing
Composition Studies: Issues, Theory, and Research
Contemporary Theories of Rhetoric
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.
Complete the language requirement through one of the following:
Demonstrate second-year proficiency in a foreign language including American Sign Language.
Complete two courses in language variation.These courses can not be courses used to fulfill the core or concentration requirements.
Complete two courses in African American vernacular English and rhetoric. These courses cannot be courses used to fulfill the core or concentration requirements.
Complete two courses in teaching English to speakers of other languages. These courses cannot be courses used to fulfill the core or concentration requirements.
With the approval of the guidance committee and as appropriate to the student’s research interests, demonstrate proficiency in a specialized symbolic system, such as a computer language, statistics, etc.
Pass two written comprehensive examinations: one on the core and one on the areas of concentration.
Pass a pre-dissertation examination consisting of an oral examination based on a written prospectus and a preliminary bibliography for the dissertation project.
Pass a final oral examination in defense of the dissertation.