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Ph.D. in RSTC

• M.A. in RSTC
• Ph.D. in RSTC
• Admission

The Doctor of Philosophy is a research degree that prepares students for faculty positions in our core areas of rhetoric, writing studies, pedagogy, technical communication, technology and culture. The introductory coursework leads to seminars and courses in students’ concentrations, and is complemented with a supporting program of courses offered by other departments at the University of Minnesota related to students' speciality areas.

Like most Ph.D. programs, students take “preliminary examinations,” usually in their third year. These include three written examinations: one in Rhetoric Theory and History; one in either Writing Studies and Pedagogy or Technical Communication and Technology and Culture; and one in the student’s specialty area. The core area exams are built around set reading lists complemented by additional texts; all readings for the specialty exam are determined by students, their advisors, and others on their committees. There is also a preliminary oral exam that covers students’ readings and possible dissertation topics

The final stage of the program is a dissertation. By working closely with their advisor and members of their committee, students pose important and researchable questions that can be answered through focused study and original analysis. The dissertation allows students to bring together an appropriate mixture of theories, methodology, empirical research (qualitative or quantitative), and the work of other scholars.

Students must earn a minimum of 42 credits in coursework, at least 27 of which must be taken in Writing Studies classes and seminars. In addition, students will take 24 dissertation credits for a total of 66 credits. Students with a Masters degree in a field related to rhetoric, scientific and technical communication, or similar fields, typically can transfer 6 credits (2 courses) toward these requirements. The number of credits and the requirements they fulfill are determined by students’ advisors and the Director of Graduate Studies in consultation with the student.

The Ph.D. is a five year program. Students are supported chiefly with a “Graduate Instructorship” that is teaching First Year Writing or Technical and Professional Writing (WRIT 1301 and 3562, respectively) or other undergraduate courses; students teach one section per semester. Support includes a stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance. The University has an eight-year limit from initial enrollment to degree clearance.

Fellowship and summer-research opportunities are available on a competitive basis from the department’s James I. Brown endowment, the College, and the University. Additionally, each year, most students receive funding from the department to present papers at national and international conferences.

Courses

Research methods – each one offered in fall semester in alternate years. 

Core Area Requirements – All students must take one Writing Studies (WRIT) seminar or course from each of our core areas (1, 2, and 3 below). Students must also take at least three courses in their preferred area of focus (1,2, or 3). Given that one course will participate in satisfying both of these requirements, this adds up to a core area requirement of 5 seminars or courses (15 credits). 8000-level seminar topics change and may be repeated. Students must take preliminary written examinations in Rhetoric Theory and History (Area 1) and their choice of either Writing Studies and Pedagogy or Technical Communication, Technology, and Culture (either Area 2 or Area 3).

Specialty Area or Concentration.  Three courses (9 credits); students are encouraged to take one in another department, and should take two in Writing Studies. The third preliminary examination is in this area.

Minor or supporting program. Students are encouraged to enroll in a departmental or interdepartmental doctoral minor, specifically related to their specialty area. Doctoral minors require 12 credits of courses or seminars from one or more outside departments. Students should consult their advisors for doctoral minor suggestions. While students may use one Writing Studies course as part of their supporting program, they must have a total of twelve credits outside the department as part of their formal Degree Plan.   See the Graduate Handbook for details.