Program Overview

PhD in Technical Communication and Rhetoric

The PhD in Technical Communication and 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.

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.

Areas of Emphasis

The program prepares students for a 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

• 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
  • 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.

Degree Requirements

The degree 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.

Annual Review

No specific details provided.

Qualifying Exams and Dissertation Process

No specific details provided.

Dissertation Archive

No specific details provided.

Department of English Programs

The Department of English offers various programs, including:

• BA in English
• BA in Writing, Design, and Technical Communication
• MA in English
• MA in Technical Communication
• PhD in Technical Communication & Rhetoric
• Bachelor's degrees in:
  • Literature and Language
  • Creative Writing
  • English Teaching
  • Writing, Design, and Technical Communication
• Master's degrees in:
  • Literature
  • Creative Writing
  • Linguistics
  • Technical Communication
• PhD degrees in:
  • Literature
  • Creative Writing
  • Linguistics
  • Technical Communication & Rhetoric
• Undergraduate Certificates in:
  • User Experience
  • Writing
• Graduate Certificates in:
  • Book History and Digital Humanities
  • Grants and Proposals
  • Linguistics
  • Teaching Technical Communication

Student Involvement

The Department of English offers various opportunities for student involvement, including:

• Student Organizations:
  • Book History Club
  • Graduate English Society
  • Harbinger Magazine
  • Iron Horse Literary Review
  • Sigma Tau Delta
  • Creative Writing Series
• Labs and Studios:
  • Digital Humanities Lab
  • Letterpress Studio
  • Media Lab
  • Phonetic and Phonology Linguistics Lab
  • Studio E
  • UX Lab

Degree Resources

The Department of English provides various resources for students, including:

• Undergraduate Resources:
  • Advising & FAQ
  • Courses: Fall 2025
• Graduate Resources:
  • Advising & FAQ
  • Courses: Summer 2025
  • Courses: Fall 2025