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Students
Tuition Fee
Start Date
Medium of studying
Duration
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
PhD
Major
Speech and Rhetorical Studies
Area of study
Humanities
Course Language
English
About Program

Program Overview


Duquesne University's Ph.D. in Rhetoric program equips students with a comprehensive understanding of rhetoric, its theoretical foundations, and practical applications. Through a core curriculum and specialized emphasis areas, students develop expertise in communication ethics, integrated marketing, and rhetoric of technology. The program prepares graduates for careers in academia, government, and the private sector, where they can effectively use language to influence, inform, and persuade.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:


Program Objectives:

  • Train students in the nuances of classical rhetoric, modern rhetorical theory, political rhetoric, and how rhetoric comes to bear in the digital, cultural, and political landscapes of our time.
  • Develop expertise in the art and study of using language effectively and persuasively to influence, inform, or persuade an audience.
  • Foster a deep understanding of how different forms of communication can be used to create meaning and influence.
  • Explore the ways in which language and communication shape our perception of the world and how we interact with others.
  • Provide a broad liberal arts foundation in communication research and development, technical and professional communication, preparing students for life after graduation.
  • Create an environment attentive to narrative ground and the historical moment, where students learn to discern and offer answers to questions confronting the human condition from the perspective of a humanities-grounded rhetoric and philosophy of communication.
  • Prepare students for a life of intellectual pursuit, academia, and rhetorical exploration as the next generation of communication professors educating undergraduate students.

Program Description:

The Ph.D. in Rhetoric program at Duquesne University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of rhetoric and its applications in various fields. The program emphasizes the theoretical foundations of rhetoric, as well as its practical applications in communication and persuasion. Students will gain expertise in classical rhetoric, modern rhetorical theory, political rhetoric, and the digital, cultural, and political landscapes of our time. The program is structured around a core curriculum that provides students with a solid foundation in the history, theory, and practice of rhetoric. Students will also choose one of three areas of emphasis: Communication Ethics & Crisis in the Public Sphere, Integrated Marketing Communication/Corporate Communication, or Rhetoric of Technology/Media Ecology.


Outline:


Core Curriculum:

  • COMM 609 Rhetorical Theory
  • COMM 604 Communication Ethics
  • COMM 659 Philosophy of Communication
  • COMM 611 Rhetoric & Hermeneutics

Emphases:

  • Communication Ethics & Crisis in the Public Sphere:
  • COMM 626 Rhetoric & Philosophy of Free Speech
  • COMM 616 Rhetoric & Philosophy of Interpersonal/Intercultural Communication
  • COMM 614 Rhetoric & Philosophy of Crisis Management
  • Integrated Marketing Communication/Corporate Communication:
  • COMM 636 Rhetoric & Philosophy of Integrated Marketing Communication
  • COMM 617 Rhetoric & Philosophy of Organizational Communication and Leadership
  • COMM 605 Rhetoric & Philosophy of Public Relations and Advertising
  • Rhetoric of Technology/Media Ecology:
  • COMM 628 Rhetoric & Philosophy of Technology
  • COMM 610 Rhetoric & Philosophy of Cyberspace
  • COMM 618 Rhetoric & Philosophy of Humanities and the Marketplace

Course Schedule:

Students will typically take two courses per semester, with the core curriculum being completed in the first two years of the program. The third and fourth years will be dedicated to coursework in the chosen emphasis area and the completion of the dissertation.


Assessment:

Students will be assessed through a variety of methods, including:

  • Written assignments: Students will write essays, research papers, and other assignments that demonstrate their understanding of rhetorical theory and practice.
  • Oral presentations: Students will give presentations on their research and other topics related to rhetoric.
  • Comprehensive examination: Students will take a comprehensive examination that covers the core curriculum and their chosen emphasis area.
  • Dissertation: Students will write a dissertation that makes an original contribution to the field of rhetoric.

Teaching:

The Ph.D. in Rhetoric program is taught by a team of experienced faculty who are experts in the field. The faculty are committed to providing students with a supportive and challenging learning environment.


Careers:

Graduates of the Ph.D. in Rhetoric program have gone on to careers in academia, government, and the private sector. They work as professors, researchers, speechwriters, public relations professionals, and marketing executives.

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Duquesne University


Overview:

Duquesne University is a Catholic university with a Spiritan tradition, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It boasts a national reputation for academic excellence and has been recognized as a "first-tier university," "top 100 undergraduate school," and "Most Popular." The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across ten schools of study.


Services Offered:


Student Life and Campus Experience:

Duquesne University is situated in the heart of Pittsburgh, a city known for its diverse neighborhoods and vibrant atmosphere. Students have access to Fortune 500 companies, non-profit organizations, startups, and three major league sports teams, all within a short distance from campus.


Key Reasons to Study There:

    Academic Excellence:

    Duquesne University is renowned for its high-quality academic programs and its commitment to innovation.

    Real-World Experience:

    The university's location in Pittsburgh provides students with numerous opportunities for real-world experience through fieldwork, clinicals, research projects, and internships.

    Strong Alumni Network:

    Duquesne University has a strong alumni network that provides support and connections for students and graduates.

    Vibrant Campus Life:

    The university offers a vibrant campus life with a variety of student organizations, clubs, and events.

Academic Programs:

    Undergraduate Majors:

    Duquesne University offers over 85 undergraduate majors leading to bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

    Graduate Programs:

    The university offers over 110 graduate and certificate programs designed to enhance professional skills and knowledge.

Other:

  • Duquesne University is an R2 institution, which means it is a high-research activity university.
  • The university is ranked #3 in the Northeast for R2 institutions producing the most high-earning female alumni under 40 in the U.S.
  • Duquesne University is committed to providing students with a strong foundation in ethics and service.
  • The university has a strong focus on experiential learning and preparing students for successful careers.

Total programs
243
Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements:

  • Students must complete the online application demonstrating undergraduate and graduate study sufficient and appropriate to undertake doctoral study in the field of rhetoric and philosophy of communication.
  • Submission of official transcripts, recording all baccalaureate and graduate work, and substantiating receipt of degrees.
  • Students must have a valid master's degree from an accredited institution, or its professional equivalent.
  • Students must submit sufficient GRE scores (verbal and analytical scores are of greater concern than quantitative scores).
  • Students must submit three letters of recommendation, at least two of them to speak to your academic career.
  • Completion of a statement describing why the Ph.D.
  • Program in Rhetoric at Duquesne University is appropriate for your educational development as a teacher/scholar (not more than 500 words).
  • Students should include a writing sample produced for an audience (a course paper or a published article).
  • A TOEFL score submission is only required for international students where English is not your first language.

Language Proficiency Requirements:

  • In addition to satisfactory completion of all required coursework, you must demonstrate language proficiency by completing the following:
  • Reading knowledge of one language.
  • Six semesters of COMM 632: Hermeneutic Phenomenology (0 credit).
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