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PhDRecommended
PhD of English Rhetoric and Composition
- Louisville, United States
- 5 years
- English
- On campus
- PhD
About the program
Doctorate in the history and theory of rhetoric and composition research.
Program highlights
- Internship available: yes
- Placement support: yes
- Work during study: yes
- Post-study work rights (1 year): yes
- PR pathway friendly: no
What you will learn
- Design and carry out independent research in English Rhetoric and Composition. Evaluate relevant scholarly literature and communicate research findings. Relevant syllabus content includes: teaching college composition
- Research methods
- Rhetorical theory and practice
- And an area of literary study
- Followed by dissertation.
Career outcomes
- University research
- Academic teaching
- Research and development roles related to English Rhetoric and Composition
- Appointments depend on qualifications and experience.
Curriculum
- 42-credit programme. Teaching college composition
- Research methods
- Rhetorical theory and practice
- And an area of literary study
- Followed by dissertation. The full required course list
- Electives and plan of study are published on the catalog programme page.
Entry requirements
Academic
- Bachelor degree from an accredited institution (credential evaluation for foreign degrees)
- Minimum GPA 2.75 for unconditional admission (programmes often higher
- E.g. 3.0)
- Two recommendation letters
- English IELTS 6.5
- TOEFL iBT 79 or Duolingo 105 unless exempt
- Programme-specific requirements.
Minimum GPA
2.75
Accepted academic background
Bachelor or master degree from an institutionally accredited institution with credential evaluation for foreign degrees, Two recommendation letters, Programme-specific requirements
Language tests
- IELTS 6.5
- TOEFL iBT 79 (4.0 on new 1-6 scale
- Duolingo 4.0 per skill
- PTE Academic tests from 2026-01-21)
Documents you’ll need
- University Transcripts
- Personal Statement
- Recommendation Letters
How to apply
- Check the programme page for deadline and requirements. Apply online through the Graduate School
- or the programme's centralised service where listed (NursingCAS
- CSDCAS
- SOPHAS)
- pay the 65 USD fee (30-40 USD for centralised services). Upload official transcripts with notarized English translation and credential evaluation (NACES/AICE) for foreign degrees
- recommendation letters and English test scores. Complete any programme-specific items. Receive the offer
- then the I-20 and apply for the F-1 visa with proof of funds.
Other costs
| Tuition per year | $32,624 USD |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $65 USD |
| Deposit | _ |
Program details
| Campus | Belknap Campus |
|---|---|
| Faculty or school | College of Arts and Sciences |
| Department | English |
| Teaching language | English |
| Credit value | 42 |
| Study pace | _ |
| Post-study stay | 1 year |
| Scholarship note | Students may be considered for available scholarships or funding if they meet the relevant award criteria, Availability and eligibility should be confirmed with the institution. |
Intakes and deadlines
Program starts
August 2027
Apply by
No deadline listed
Frequently asked questions
The program takes 5 years.
Tuition is $32,624 USD per year. The application fee is $65 USD. The estimated living cost is $13,446 USD.
The minimum GPA is 2.75. Accepted language tests: IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 79 (4.0 on new 1-6 scale, Duolingo 4.0 per skill, PTE Academic tests from 2026-01-21).