Doctor of Philosophy in English - Rhetoric, Literacy, and Composition Studies

The English Ph.D. program is designed to prepare you for roles in teaching and scholarship in the fields of literature and language. We offer two concentrations: (1) Literature and (2) Composition, Literacy, and Rhetoric (CLR). In the literature program, you’ll develop your competency in literary study while focusing on a specific area of interest. In the Composition, Literacy, and Rhetoric program, you’ll develop expertise in allied fields and subfields of composition and rhetoric such as (but not limited to): English teaching, writing and literacy pedagogy, linguistics, disability studies, English as a second language, transnational writing rhetoric, multilingual writing, composition research methods, and feminist rhetorics. With small classes and a supportive environment that is keenly focused on excellence across research, teaching, and administration, our graduates experience a remarkable rate of job placement and professional success.

Transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions must be submitted and applicants must disclose any previous academic or disciplinary sanctions that resulted in their temporary or permanent separation from a previous post-secondary institution. If it is found that previous academic or disciplinary separations were not disclosed, applicants may face denial and admitted students may face dismissal from their academic program.Letters of recommendation: 3 requiredRecommendation letters submitted by relatives or friends, as well as letters older than one year, will not be accepted. Personal Statement/Essay QuestionsPrepare a brief but careful statement regarding:Reasons you wish to do graduate work in this field, including your immediate and long-range objectives.Your specific research or professional interest and experiences in this field.