Rhetoric and Writing - Doctor of Philosophy at Michigan State University

Michigan State University

United States of America, East Lansing

University Rank:#161

The Rhetoric and Writing - Doctor of Philosophy at Michigan State University is a Full Time PhD program offered at the university's main campus in East Lansing , United States of America. The program is delivered on campus in English and can be completed in 5 years. Students develop academic knowledge and practical skills that prepare them for future careers in this field. The next available intake starts on July 5, 2027.

About Rhetoric and Writing - Doctor of Philosophy

The doctoral degree in rhetoric and writing provides students with the critical skills necessary to do scholarly research in rhetoric and writing and prepares students for faculty and administrative positions in university-level writing and literacy programs. Students interested in becoming rhetoric or composition scholars take courses in composition pedagogy and rhetorical theory and elect one of several available concentrations in American cultural rhetorics, critical and community literacies, digital rhetoric and professional writing, and teaching English to speakers of other languages. This degree also prepares students to study writing practices in the workplace and to research, develop, and administer a variety of academic, workplace, civic, government, nonprofit, publishing, and digital writing projects. In addition, students will be prepared to design writing curricula and training programs, do advanced document development, conduct usability studies and publish results.

Students with specific interest in educating prospective teachers of literacy in university-level positions in English education or literacy education programs can choose to concentrate in critical studies in literacy and pedagogy, which prepares literacy educators who: (1) draw on critical theories and critical understanding of language, literacy, and discourse to shape pedagogies of multiliteracies; (2) develop curricular practices that support students’ ability to read and write multiple texts, (3) understand multiple uses of print, digital and visual rhetorics in order to engage students in critical consumption production, and design; and (4) undertake qualitative research in school, university, and community settings.

The College of Arts and Letters recognizes the high importance of development among its doctoral candidates of a proficiency in college teaching and it strives to provide teaching experience in the form of graduate assistantships along with organized discussion of the ends and means of the teaching career.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Rhetoric and Writing - Doctor of Philosophy at Michigan State University

Entry Requirements

To be considered for to the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Rhetoric and Writing an applicant must:

Specify the concentration the applicant wishes to pursue.
Include in the letter required by the college, a statement of purpose and a statement of instruction philosophy.
Submit two writing samples (major research paper, summary of master’s thesis, or digital documents).

To be admitted to the program on regular status, an applicant must have a master’s degree or the equivalent, a minimum grade-point average of 3.5 in graduate-level courses, and at least three letters of recommendation from persons qualified to assess the applicant’s ability to pursue advanced graduate study.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and the College of Arts and Letters, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Rhetoric and Writing

The student must:

English Requirements

PTEMin 53
IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 79

English Program Requirements

Due to cancellations of many international English language proficiency tests, MSU will be temporarily accepting the following tests for international students applying for fall semester 2022. In addition, MSU will be expanding the ability for students to receive provisional admission. If a provisionally admitted student is able to take a test that meets our regular admission standards prior to enrollment, we will update their admission status to regular.

Tuition and Fee Information for Rhetoric and Writing - Doctor of Philosophy at Michigan State University

How to Apply for Rhetoric and Writing - Doctor of Philosophy at Michigan State University

Plan for application fee

The $75 application fee is required to officially submit your application for admission.

Have official transcripts sent from your school

Request that all secondary schools, colleges, universities attended and/or examination boards send original or attested copies of all transcripts, marks sheets, certificates and diplomas earned directly to the Office of Admissions at Michigan State University. These can be sent through the online services listed below or by mail. If sending by mail, any hard copy of academic records must be sent in an official, sealed envelope.

Online services:
Parchment
Common App
Coalition for College
Naviance
eScrip-Safe
National Student Clearing House

Mail:
Office of Admissions
Hannah Administration Building
426 Auditorium Road, Room 250
East Lansing, MI 48824-2604

In addition, if the original documents are not issued in English, an official translation of each document must be provided along with the original language documents. Translations may be done by the school, college or university attended or an authorized/official translator in the country of study. Review MSU's International transcript requirements for country-specific transcript information.

Note: Documents submitted to MSU as part of the application process will not be returned.

Select your major preference

As a freshman you do not have to officially declare your major yet, however you will be asked to select your major preference on the application. If you are undecided, select the "Exploratory preference" option.

Changing your major preference
After submitting the application, fall freshman applicants have until May 1 to change their major preference in their account. Any student who applies, or is admitted, after May 1 cannot change their major preference until they meet with an academic adviser at New Student Orientation (NSO).

Indicate any college-level course work completed

If you anticipate the completion of any college-level course work prior to attending MSU, it is recommended that you indicate this on your application or contact the Office of Admissions to let us know.

Submit English language proficiency test results

Have the testing agency (TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, MSUELT or MELAB accepted) provide proof of English proficiency directly to MSU if your first language is not English. MSU's TOEFL code is 1465. MSU is test optional, which means international students are encouraged, though not required, to submit SAT or ACT scores. The SAT code is 1465; the ACT code is 2032.

Review our full overview on English language proficiency for details on temporary exceptions due to the impact of the novel coronavirus — including additional tests being accepted and expanded opportunities for provisional admission.

Student visa requirements

In order to obtain the documents needed to file for a student visa (I-20 or DS-2019), admitted students must show adequate proof of financial support. Upon acceptance, admitted students will be required to upload a signed affidavit of support and bank statement with the name of the account holder in English through your admissions account. Please do not send financial documents in paper form at the time of application.

Do not send letters of recommendation

Do not send letters of recommendation, photographs, portfolios or additional personal essays. Doing so will delay processing of your application.

Rhetoric and Writing - Doctor of Philosophy at Michigan State University

Michigan State University

United States of America, East Lansing