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Applying to the Ph.D. Program in Rhetoric and Composition

We welcome your application to our doctoral program in Rhetoric and Composition.  You will be considered for admission after completion of a BA in English or an MA in English with a focus in rhetoric and composition, rhetoric and writing studies, or professional writing and rhetoric. You may also be considered if you have a BA/MA/MFA in a related field, such as literature, English education, creative writing, communications, or linguistics.  If you enter the program with a BA, you will first enroll in the Master's program in Rhetoric and Writing Studies offered by the English department. Upon finishing the MA degree, you will complete the additional coursework required in the Ph.D. program.

You should first apply to the program through the ³ÉÈËÍ·Ìõ ³ÉÈËÍ·Ìõ School's online application. To be considered for admission, you must meet the described in the University of Texas at El Paso ³ÉÈËÍ·Ìõ Studies Catalog. A complete application will include the following:

Submitted to the ³ÉÈËÍ·Ìõ ³ÉÈËÍ·Ìõ School

Submitted through online application:

• Letters of recommendation from at least three faculty members or other references who can attest to your ability to undertake doctoral coursework.
• A statement of purpose that explains your interest in doctoral work in rhetoric and composition in general and at ³ÉÈËÍ·Ìõ in particular.  You can also discuss how your previous experiences (such as teaching and/or workplace writing) have informed your plans, and any other relevant information and insights.
• A CV that includes the following elements: earned degrees including GPAs; a list of publications and presentations; teaching and other professional positions; relevant community service; and a list of any honors, scholarships, prizes, or professional organization membership.

GRE Scores are not required for your admission packets.

• Official transcripts of all prior undergraduate and graduate academic work (directly from the institutions).

Two writing samples:

• One essay demonstrating analytical thought and research skills.
• Another composition of your choice, such as a digital project.
• Your application will be evaluated according to your previous academic record, the strength of your letters of recommendation, your interests in rhetoric and composition, and the quality and appropriateness of your writing samples. A key criterion is the compatibility between your interests and the expectations and the objectives of the doctoral program