Technical Communication and Rhetoric - PhD

The Technical Communication and Rhetoric (TCR) doctoral program defines technical communication as communication that facilitates action in the world. Facilitating action requires that communication be effective and persuasive–or intentionally rhetorical. Our program is known for addressing issues of social justice, community engagement, diversity, and service learning–issues that can be explored with partners from a variety of fields and backgrounds. Our students have opportunities to craft and pursue their own field-specific research agendas and to gain teaching experience as the instructors of record for a range of undergraduate courses in technical communication. For up-to-date information, including advice for submitting a competitive application, refer to the Technical Communication and Rhetoric pages. Please note that the application deadline for Fall admission is January 10th. For more comprehensive information about graduate program policies in the English Department, refer to the Graduate Student Handbook. To apply, go to the graduate school admission page. 

The Faculty

In the English department, doctoral students work alongside winners of prestigious national awards, experienced journal editors, and field leaders. The core faculty in TCR are experts in areas such as rhetorical theory, genre theory, online education, technology, editing, social justice, and qualitative methods. Our faculty’s research interests include topics such as the effects of technologies on ethical behaviors and social justice, technical communication in humanitarian organizations, emergent technologies and human agency in gaming culture, and crisis communication. 

Length of Program

From the date of matriculation (i.e., from the time a student is accepted into the program), the USU School of Graduate Studies allows students eight years to finish their doctoral degree, but this program is designed to be completed in four years. Additional time may be requested by the student’s committee and submitted to the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies for review. Coursework over eight years old at the time of degree completion may not be used for a graduate degree unless it is revalidated. 

Residency Requirements

PhD students will establish residency in their first year. They must remain in residence at least until achieving doctoral candidacy (ABD) and be engaged as active members of the USU academic community. Please note that students must be Utah residents to maintain their GI-ship.