English (Writing, Rhetorics and Literacies), PhD
Program Overview
The PhD program in English (Writing, Rhetorics and Literacies) at Arizona State University equips students with advanced research skills and knowledge in writing, rhetoric, and literacy studies. The program emphasizes theoretical and applied aspects of these fields, offering transdisciplinary study opportunities and encouraging exploration of their intersections and tensions. Students complete 84 credit hours, including core courses, concentration courses, electives, and a dissertation, preparing them for careers in academia, communication, or research-related fields.
Program Outline
English (Writing, Rhetorics and Literacies), PhD
Degree Overview:
Objective:
The PhD program in English with a concentration in writing, rhetorics and literacies aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to conduct research and analysis regarding strategies, production, distribution, and interpretation of various forms of texts, across disciplines. The program emphasizes theoretical and applied aspects of writing, rhetoric, and literacy studies, offering transdisciplinary study opportunities and encouraging students to explore the intersections and tensions within these fields.
Description:
This program delves into the history, theories, methods, and social actions of rhetoric, writing, and literacy, drawing upon diverse methodologies from historical and contemporary contexts. Students acquire advanced research skills, knowledge of rhetorical strategies, and an understanding of communication's role in creating knowledge, driving action, and influencing interpretation. Additionally, students explore the construction, circulation, impact, and repurposing of communication across time and space.
Outline:
Course Requirements:
The PhD program in English (Writing, Rhetorics and Literacies) requires completion of 84 credit hours, encompassing:
- Required Core: 8 credit hours
- ENG 501 Approaches to Research (3 hrs)
- Concentration: 27 credit hours
- Required courses:
- ENG 551 Rhetorical Traditions (3 hrs)
- ENG 552 Composition Studies (3 hrs)
- ENG 556 Theories of Literacy (3 hrs)
- 9 credit hours of electives in the concentration area
- Focus Area: 9 credit hours of electives in a specific area of interest
- Electives or Research: 48 credit hours of electives or research courses
- Other Requirements: 3 credit hours of writing for publication/scholarly writing coursework
- Culminating Experience: 12 credit hours of ENG 799 Dissertation
Structure:
The program offers a blend of core courses covering foundational concepts, concentration courses exploring specific aspects of writing, rhetoric, and literacy, and elective or research opportunities for individual exploration or specialization. Culminating in a dissertation, the program prepares students for careers in academia, communication, or research-related fields.
Other:
Admission Requirements:
- Completion of a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 for the bachelor's degree, or 3.5 for a master's degree.
- Official transcripts, statement of purpose, resume, references, and writing sample.
- Visit the program description in detail.
- Contact the Graduate Program Coordinator at enggrad@asu.edu, or call 480-965-3168
Arizona State University: A Comprehensive Overview
Overview:
Arizona State University (ASU) is a top-ranked research university located in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. It is known for its innovative approach to education, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. ASU is recognized for its commitment to inclusivity, serving learners at all stages of life and fostering a diverse and welcoming community.
Services Offered:
ASU provides a comprehensive range of services to support student success, including:
Academic Support:
Tutoring, advising, and academic success resources.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, financial aid programs, and tuition assistance.Student Life:
Housing and dining, clubs and activities, health and wellness services, and transportation.Career Services:
Job and career resources, internship opportunities, and career counseling.Student Life and Campus Experience:
ASU offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide array of clubs, organizations, and events, fostering personal growth and development. The university's diverse student body creates a rich cultural environment, promoting global perspectives and intercultural understanding.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Top-Ranked Programs:
ASU boasts numerous top-ranked programs, including 82 programs ranked in the top 25 nationally, with 37 in the top 10.Innovative Learning Environment:
ASU embraces a flexible and personalized approach to learning, allowing students to customize their academic journey.World-Class Faculty:
Students benefit from instruction led by renowned professors and researchers, many of whom are leaders in their fields.Global Impact:
ASU is consistently ranked among the top universities for global impact, demonstrating its commitment to addressing global challenges.Diverse and Inclusive Community:
ASU fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment, embracing students from all backgrounds and promoting a sense of belonging.Academic Programs:
ASU offers over 800 degree programs across a wide range of disciplines, including:
Undergraduate:
More than 400 undergraduate degrees in fields such as engineering, journalism, business, sustainability, nursing, education, and more.Graduate:
Over 450 graduate degrees, including master's and doctoral programs.Other:
ASU is known for its commitment to research and innovation, with a strong focus on addressing real-world challenges. The university is also a leader in sustainability, promoting environmental responsibility and social justice.
Entry Requirements:
EU Home Students:
- Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
- Applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- statement of purpose
- resume or curriculum vitae
- three letters of recommendation
- academic writing sample relevant to the field
International Overseas Students:
- Same requirements as EU home students.
- Additionally, applicants must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. Official scores must be sent directly to ASU.
- The statement of purpose should explain the applicant's scholarly background and training, career goals, proposed research specialization, any secondary field of interest, and why they wish to pursue a PhD in English with a concentration in writing, rhetorics and literacies at Arizona State University.
- Applicants applying for funding must also submit a statement of teaching philosophy.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
Acceptable proof of English proficiency includes:
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Minimum score of 88 overall, with minimum scores of 22 in listening, 23 in writing, 24 in reading, and 28 in speaking.
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Minimum score of 7.0 overall, with minimum scores of 6.5 in each band.
- Applicants with bachelor's or master's degrees in fields such as anthropology, applied linguistics, cognitive science, communication, comparative languages and literatures, English literature, education, history, law, linguistics, modern languages, philosophy, political science, psychology, religion, rhetoric, composition, sociology, and speech and hearing science will be considered.
- The program encourages transdisciplinary study, and its flexible requirements enable students to pursue those aspects of the disciplines that interest them the most.
- When approved by the student's supervisory committee and the Graduate College, this program allows 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree to be used for this degree. Students who do not hold a master's degree are required to take additional elective and research credit hours to reach the 84 credit hours required for this program.
