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About the Program
Texas Tech’s PhD Program in Technical Communication and Rhetoric requires a minimum of 60 hours of graduate courses beyond the bachelor’s degree, 7000 courses (Pre-Qualification Exam), and at least 12 additional hours of English 8000 courses (Doctor’s Dissertation). Credit hours may include hours earned for the master’s degree if credits earned are eligible for transfer.
Students must demonstrate proficiency in research methodology. Students with prior coursework or experience in technical communication and rhetoric may be advised to complete undergraduate leveling courses or additional graduate courses.The program mandates 48 hours in technical communication and rhetoric (TCR) courses. A list of the required courses and brief description follows.
Requirements and Description
Required Course 9 Hours
Research
- 5363 Research Methods in Technical Communication and Rhetoric
Rhetoric
- 5361 Introduction to Rhetorical Theory
Foundations
- 5371 Foundations of Technical Communication
Specialization Up to 30 Hours
Students may choose from any TCR specialized course offered.
Qualification Exam Research Hours Up To 12 Hours
Students must enroll in 7000 hours after coursework is complete in preparation for their qualification exams. Students may take up to 12 hours.
Minor Up to 15 Hours
The minor is mostly comprised of transfer work from your master’s degree or other prior graduate work. Transfer work must be approved by the TCR-Director of Graduate Studies and may reduce the number of specialization hours a student is required to take. Individualized degree plans are created for each student before their first semester to customize their experience.
Research Methods Up to 9 Hours
Research methods courses enhance a student’s ability to complete and to evaluate research. In addition to ENGL 5363, Research Methods in Technical Communication and Rhetoric, students are required to complete nine graduate hours total in research methods courses with a grade of B or better in at least two of the three: ENGL 5362, 5379, 5388, 5394, and 5389.