PHD IN TCR

Overview

Areas of Emphasis

The Online PhD

Degree Requirements

Annual Review

Qualifying Exams and Dissertation Process

Dissertation Archive

 

Overview

The PhD qualifies people to conduct independent research by various methods and thus to contribute to knowledge. The PhD is usually a qualification for a professorial position in a university. The aims of study are broad knowledge of the literature on technical communication and rhetoric, specialized knowledge of some aspect of technical communication or rhetoric as reflected in the dissertation research, and ability to conduct ongoing independent research using one or more methods.

The PhD in Technical Communication & Rhetoric (TCR) is designed for students with an interest in rhetoric, writing, technical communication, 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 an additional 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. 

Application Requirements

APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR FALL 2026 ADMISSION: JANUARY 10, 2026

All applicants:

• Transcripts (BA and MA* required)
• Curriculum Vitae/Resume
• 500-700-word statement of purpose outlining your interest in our graduate program
• 3 letters of recommendation. (Recommenders send their letters directly through the TTU Graduate School application portal via a prompt generated by the system)

Onsite applicants only:

• [Optional] If applicable, please describe any prior teaching experience** you may have.

*MA must be "in hand" and official transcripts submitted to TTU Graduate School before start of fall semester.

**Prior teaching experience is not required. However, onsite TCR PhD students work as Graduate Part Time Instructors (GPTI) as part of their appointment. Applicants should indicate what, if any, formal or informal experience they have teaching in any capacity. Note: Applies to onsite students only. GPTI Fellowships are not available for online students.

Contact

Dr. Beau Pihlaja
Program Director and Advisor
english.tcr@ttu.edu