Ph.D. Rhetoric and Composition

Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Composition

The Rhetoric and Composition program at KU represents an impressive range of subdisciplines within the field, including rhetorical theory and criticism, writing studies, rhetorical genre studies, cultural rhetorics, and English language studies. The Ph.D. degree offers the opportunity for advanced and concentrated research to students who hold an M.A. degree in English or a related field, from KU or elsewhere. With faculty guidance, students admitted to the Ph.D. program may tailor their programs to their goals and interests.

Opportunities

A GTA appointment includes a tuition waiver for ten semesters plus a competitive stipend. In the first year, GTA appointees teach English 101 (first year composition) and English 102 (a required reading and writing course). Graduate students may have the opportunity to teach an introductory course in their field after passing the doctoral examination, and opportunities are available for a limited number of advanced GTAs to teach in the summer.