Comp/Rhet PhD Programs in the US

[Aneesha]

Hello,

I have been following rhet/comp graduate program posts on gradcafe for a while. I'm posting here for the first time..

I wanted to ask if anyone knows of Composition and Rhetoric PhD programs that have a primary strength in/focus heavily on Composition Pegagogy or programs that have consistently placed graduates in teaching jobs.

I am looking for programs that are invested in/aim to churn out teachers of writing/composition or where teaching graduates how to teach composition is at least as much of a focus as conducting research. I want to be able to work full-time as composition instructor in (primarily) two-year colleges, liberal arts colleges, (undergraduate) teaching-focused institutions. I have come across a few programs that I am interested in that I am listing below, along with why they fit my interests.

1. Syracuse University: Independent Writing Program, its mission, focus on community engagement and outreach, small cohorts, are very appealing to me. Placements align well with my professional goals.

2. University of Utah: Independent Writing Program (like Syracuse), focus on social justice and activism, boasts a 100% placement rate for graduates. Placements align well with my professional goals.

3. Purdue University: Big reputation, large program, has access to a lot of resources and large alumni network, allows specialization in secondary areas; program boasts collegiality and close-knit community-building between graduate students despite the large cohort. . Primarily though, the program's stated mission of churning out writing teachers is a big draw for me.

4. Miami University of Ohio: Offers a wide range of administrative opportunities for doctoral students in writing center administration, and in Writing across the Curriculum/Writing in the Disciplines programs, including Assistant Directorships of Composition, Assistant Directors and consultants for the Center for Writing Excellence. Boasts a 100% placement rate for graduates in full-time positions over the past ten years. Placements align with my professional goals.

5. Bowling Green State University: Program is focused on the preparation of graduates as faculty and administrators, graduate student body is diverse, inclusive, non-ageist. Placements listed on program website fit my professional goals, though I'm unsure of overall placement rate (since the program does not explicitly state/advertise it).

It would be very helpful for me if anyone could come up with/knows of more programs that could/would align with my professional goals. Sorry for how long-winded this is. Thank you all!

[StormChild]

On ‎1‎/‎31‎/‎2020 at 7:46 PM, Aneesha said:

Hello,

I have been following rhet/comp graduate program posts on gradcafe for a while. I'm posting here for the first time..

I wanted to ask if anyone knows of Composition and Rhetoric PhD programs that have a primary strength in/focus heavily on Composition Pegagogy or programs that have consistently placed graduates in teaching jobs.

I am looking for programs that are invested in/aim to churn out teachers of writing/composition or where teaching graduates how to teach composition is at least as much of a focus as conducting research. I want to be able to work full-time as composition instructor in (primarily) two-year colleges, liberal arts colleges, (undergraduate) teaching-focused institutions. I have come across a few programs that I am interested in that I am listing below, along with why they fit my interests.

If your interest is pedagogy and composition, I don't think you will find a better fit than Purdue. Some other programs to look at: IU-Bloomington, University of Oklahoma, UW-Madison, and Auburn. 

IU-Bloomington claims to have a 100% placement for Rhet/Comp students (into tenure-track positions) for the last 6 years.