Texas Tech University

PhD Degree Requirements

About the Program

The PhD requires at least 60 hours of graduate courses beyond the bachelor's degree and at least 12 additional hours of English 8000 (Doctor's Dissertation). The course requirements include 48 hours in technical communication and rhetoric (TCR) and 12 hours for pre-qualification exam (7000) hours. These hours may include hours earned for the master's degree if the credits earned are eligible for transfer. 

Students must demonstrate proficiency in research methodology. Students with minimal prior coursework or experience in technical communication and rhetoric may be advised to complete undergraduate leveling courses or additional graduate courses.

Required Courses (9 Hours)

Research

  • 5363 Research Methods in Technical Communication and Rhetoric

Rhetoric

  • 5361 Introduction to Rhetorical Theory

Foundations

  • 5371 Foundations of Technical Communication

Specialization (Up to 30 hours)

  • Students may choose from any TCR specialized course offered. 

Research Hours (Up to 12 hours)

Students must enroll in 7000 hours after coursework is complete in preparation for their qualification exams. Students may take up to 12 hours. 

Minor (Up to 15 hours)

The minor is mostly comprised of transfer work from your MA degree or other prior graduate work. Transfer work must be approved by the TCR-DGS and may reduce the number of specialization hours a student is required to take. Individualized degree plans are created for each student before their first semester to customize their experience. 

 

Research Methods (9 hours)

Research methods courses enhance a student's ability to complete and to evaluate research. In addition to ENGL 5363, Research Methods in Technical Communication and Rhetoric, students are required to complete nine graduate hours in research methods courses with a grade of B or better in at least two of the three: ENGL 5362, 5379, 5388, 5394, and 5389.