PhD in English - Rhetoric, Literacy, and Composition Studies in Durham United States | University of New Hampshire

Established in 1985, our program aims to cultivate specialists in composition theory, research, and teaching methods who can advance the discipline through thorough academic inquiry. Alongside a primary focus on composition studies, participants will cultivate expertise in a complementary field such as applied linguistics, critical theory, ESL instruction, English education, linguistics, or literary studies.

A key advantage of this program is the chance to collaborate directly with renowned composition faculty while building research and instructional skills. While maintaining rigorous standards, we foster a nurturing environment where examinations and curriculum are tailored to each student's academic goals.

Doctoral candidates typically receive graduate assistantships involving one course per term. Teaching assignments may include introductory composition, ESL writing courses, creative nonfiction, technical communication, argumentative writing, as well as critical thinking and literature classes. Additional opportunities exist within the Robert J. Connors Writing Center and the Writing Across the Curriculum initiative.