Department of EnglishPhD in Technical Communication and Rhetoric

Overview

The PhD in Technical Communication and Rhetoric (TCR) qualifies students to conduct independent research by various methods and thus to contribute to knowledge in technical communication, user experience, rhetorical studies, and writing and literacy studies. The PhD is usually a qualification for a professorial position in a university or helps you to develop theoretical frameworks and research methods for industry research. The aims of study are broad knowledge of the literature on technical communication, user experience, rhetoric, and writing and literacy studies; specialized knowledge of some aspect of technical communication, user experience, rhetoric, or writing and literacy studies as reflected in the dissertation research; and ability to conduct ongoing independent research using one or more methods.

The PhD in TCR is designed for students with an interest in technical communication, user-centered design, user experience, rhetoric, writing, and composition. The degree in TCR requires 48 hours of graduate work in rhetoric and technical communication beyond the bachelor's degree, 12 hours of Qualification Exam research, and a minimum of 12 hours of Dissertation research for a total of 72 hours. Credits earned on a master's degree may count toward these totals.

The degree prepares students for wide array of positions at colleges, university writing programs, and industry positions. The keystone to our success is our specialized courses in qualitative and quantitative research methods taught by the largest TCR faculty program in the world.