Doctoral Programs

Purpose of Degree Program

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 and Rhetoric (TCR) is designed for students with an interest in rhetoric, writing, technical communication, and composition. The degree in TCR requires 45 hours of graduate work in rhetoric and technical communication beyond the bachelor's degree. An additional 15 hours may be used for a minor in a related field. Credits earned on a master's degree count toward these totals. This degree prepares students for positions in a wide range of college and university writing programs. This degree program requires courses in qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Use these guidelines to determine requirements and to monitor your progress through the program. Contact the Director of Graduate Studies in TCR or your advisory committee when you have questions. Students seeking the PhD at Texas Tech University must also follow the guidelines in the Catalog of the Graduate School. 

Outcomes

Upon completing the PhD-TCR curriculum successfully, students should be able to do the following:

• Employ appropriate research methodologies to produce scholarship that extends knowledge in the disciplines of technical communication and rhetoric.
• Analyze technical communication situations and documents from a variety of theoretical and rhetorical perspectives.
• Participate effectively in appropriate scholarly and professional organizations.
• Prepare scholarship for presentation and publication.

Assessment

Students’ success in meeting the outcomes stated above will be measured through

• annual review by a committee of graduate faculty assembled by the candidate and the Director of Graduate Studies in Technical Communication and Rhetoric
• a qualification examination and a dissertation, both to be evaluated by a committee of graduate faculty assembled by the candidate and the Director of Graduate Studies in Technical Communication and Rhetoric.

Last Updated by Joyce Carter, April 21, 2008