Doctor of Philosophy in English
Dr. Jeffrey Richards, Graduate Program Director
The PhD in English at Old Dominion integrates writing, rhetoric, discourse, technology, and textual studies. Offering opportunities for creative reinterpretation of these fields within the discipline of English, we emphasize research that examines texts in a variety of overlapping and sometimes competing language-based worlds. Our focus is on how the creation and reception of texts and media are affected by form, purpose, technology of composition, audience, cultural location, and communities of discourse. Students may pursue full- or part-time study through on-campus course offerings or part-time study through distance learning.
Curriculum (39 hrs + dissertation)
Program of Study Advising Sheet (pdf file)
Core classes (15 hrs). Students begin their studies with a cluster of core courses that focus on texts, technology, research methods, instructional design, cross-cultural communication, and major debates in English:
- Engl 801: Texts and Technologies
- Engl 805: Discourse and Rhetoric Across Cultures
- Engl 810 Major Debates in English Studies: Writing, Language, Literature
- Engl 820: Pedagogy and Instructional Design
- Engl 840: Empirical Research Methods and Project Design
For other Ph.D. level courses, see Course Catalogue.
Fields of Specialization (12 hrs). Students complete a field concentration that allows for intensive specialization in one of two tracks:
1) Rhetoric and Textual Studies track has been designed for those interested in applying the analytic tools provided by rhetoric, linguistics, and critical/literary theory to the study of verbal, graphic, and visual texts. Emphasis is placed on how texts are composed, constructed, produced, as well as how they function within and promote the formation of (inter)personal, social, cultural, and political sites. The program prepares students for placement and advancement in careers related to the study and teaching of rhetorical theories/practices, as well as rhetorical approaches to composition, discourse, literature and culture.
2) Professional Writing and New Media track is designed for those in education and industry who wish to study the connections between discourse and technology. Emphasis is placed on analyzing professional writing and new media from historical, theoretical, pedagogical, practical, and research perspectives. Courses examine advanced document design, usability studies, and digital literacy issues. Through theoretical exploration and experiential learning, the program prepares graduates for leadership roles in technical and professional communication, composition instruction and administration, and software development.
Electives (9 credit hours). Students are encouraged to use their electives to enhance their interdisciplinary knowledge of a field concentration and to enhance their understanding of theoretical modeling, quantitative/qualitative research methods, or history and culture.
Dissertation Seminar (3 credit hours). This course supports students in preparing their dissertation proposals and generating an annotated bibliography. It sets up writing groups for cohorts of students entering the dissertation stage of their graduate studies.
Dissertation Credits (minimum of 9 credit hours).
Admission Requirements
- A completed master's degree (or its equivalent) in English or in an appropriate field (such as rhetoric, composition, English Education, communication, or computer science) from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
- A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) overall for the master's degree.
- GRE general exam (taken within the last five years).
- A 1000-word statement of the applicant's academic and professional goals and a discussion of how the PhD in English will contribute to the achievement of those goals.
- Three letters of reference from sources capable of commenting on the applicant's readiness for advanced graduate study in English.
- A writing sample of at least 20 double-spaced pages on a topic related to the applicant's expertise. If the applicant's native language is not English, a current score for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOFEL) of at least 600 and/or an interview in which the applicant's comprehension and fluency in English can be assessed.
Distance Learning Students and Residency
Students interested in the distance learning component should go to the Online Student Orientation website. Distance learning students will need high speed internet access (e.g. cable modems or DSL), a web cam, and specialized video conferencing software.
Residency requirements can be fulfilled by two semesters of study on campus or by attending two Summer Doctoral Institutes.
Applications
Applications for the Fall 2006 semester are available from the Admissions Office.
Assistantships and Financial Assistance
The Department awards three teaching assistantships per academic year to PhD students. When students apply to the program, they should note their interest in being considered for an assistantship. For information on other forms of financial assistance contact the Financial Aid Office.
