Doctor of Philosophy in Composition and Cultural Rhetoric

The Composition and Cultural Rhetoric Doctoral Program emphasizes research on the dynamic interaction of rhetoric and writing in a variety of cultural and historical contexts. As the first independent writing program in the country to offer a doctorate in Rhetoric and Composition studies, and with doctoral education as our sole focus, the CCR program offers a unique environment with a highly favorable faculty to student ratio.

Our research and teaching centers entirely around writing and rhetoric, with faculty and students whose interests span a broad range of contemporary and historical specializations, including:
American Ethnic Rhetorics
Authorship Studies
Composition Studies and Pedagogies
Digital Rhetorics, Pedagogies, and Technical Communication
New Literacies
Rhetoric: Histories, Theories, and Pedagogies
Studies of Gender and Sexuality
Transnational Rhetorics and Globalization

The program is designed to be completed in 4 years

Applicants should have satisfactorily completed a master's degree in a language-related or cognate discipline (counted as 30 credits) and demonstrated a strong commitment and talent in rhetoric and composition. In making decisions about admissions, the faculty considers an applicant's academic record, career plans and scholarly interests, GRE scores, a scholarly writing sample, and letters of recommendation. Prior teaching experience or practice in communication fields is desirable.

In addition to completing the regular application for graduate study, CCR applicants must submit an essay on their intellectual history and academic interests, as well as a statement on teaching interests and practical experience.


Three letters of recommendation: References should be solicited from those who can assess the applicant's most recent academic work and/or professional achievement, especially in areas relevant to composition and rhetoric.
Exam scores: CCR does not require the GRE for application. (TOEFL is required of all international applicants, and must be sent directly by testing agent.)
Financial documents: (international students only)
Personal statement : Not required of CCR applicants. Replaced by Intellectual History statement (see item 1 below. Instructions also appear in the Graduate School application form).

An essay on your intellectual history and academic interests (replaces the personal statement of general academic plans required in the application form). In an essay of about 600-800 words, outline the intellectual history that informs your decision to pursue graduate study in Composition and Cultural Rhetoric and explain your goals in the doctoral program.
What questions and concerns motivate your study of composition and rhetoric? How have your academic background, work experience, or other life experiences generated these questions and concerns and prepared you to study composition and rhetoric? What inquiries do you hope to pursue specifically in the CCR program at Syracuse, and why? Can you specify your interests or goals in terms of particular texts, rhetorical practices, interdisciplinary connections, teaching or work settings, or modes of inquiry? What kind of career do you envision pursuing with this degree?
A statement about teaching interests and practical experience. Although formal teaching experience is not a requirement for admission or appointment as a teaching assistant, graduate students in CCR with teaching assistantships or fellowships can expect to teach some time in Writing Studies, Rhetoric, and Composition's undergraduate writing curriculum, which includes lower and upper division writing courses, courses within our Writing and Rhetoric Major, as well as other teaching roles.
In a statement of about 500 words, please explain your interest in teaching at Syracuse University as part of your graduate program and describe the skills and experiences that could make you an effective and committed teacher. Explain any other practical experiences that are relevant or that you want to include in your graduate education.