Rhetoric programs: where to apply?

[Miss Jones]

If I had the world and time I’d be applying to comparative studies and EGS-esque type programs, but having been told that rhetoric is “where the jobs are”, I’ve decided to take a more practical route.

I am currently looking at programs that:

A: Will accept me despite my bipolar academic history

Depressive- my GPA is a pathetic 3.0. Manic- this last semester I took a graduate English class ( A-), I also presented a conference paper at OSU, and I’ve got excellent letters of recommendation. (My fingers are crossed that these three positives will provide me the one-two punch I need to get over my GPA deficit.). Aside: I’m currently studying for the GRE, I’ll be taking Kaplan’s course in June.

B: Are directly influenced by critical theory and cultural studies. UT’s Rhetorical, Critical, and Cultural Studies program looks like a dream—but is it out of my league?.

C: Have a decent record for placing graduates (it doesn’t necessarily matter where, just that they are getting placed)

I’m focusing my search mainly on large public research universities. I’m including a list of a few schools whose rhetoric programs have sparked my interest. If anyone has any advice about any of these schools in regards to what I’m looking for or otherwise, please share. Also, I’m finding it difficult to discern what the acceptance rates are for most of these programs, so if anyone can provide insight to what I’m up against, that would be great. If there is a school I haven’t listed that you think is worth considering, I’d love to hear it.

These aren’t necessarily in any order yet, however, U of T is the current apple of my eye .

University of Texas-Austin

Carnegie Mellon University

University of Washington

University of Massachusetts

University of Minnesota

University of Pittsburgh

Michigan State

University of Nebraska

University of Arizona

Florida State

Arizona State

[Waytooyoungtheorist]

You have to realize the difference between "Rhetoric" in the English Departments, and "Rhetoric" in the Communication (Which is UT's one) Department.

That being said, UT does have a good program in Comm Studies. However, be aware, that the Rhetoric subfield's job market isn't that great (In Comm Studies, not in English). Of course, it's still loads better than a regular English Ph.D, so w/e.

Edit:

About your GPA,

A 3.0 could keep you from getting looked at by top programs (Make sure to get a good GRE score).

I would definitely throw in a few MA programs as backup options, preferably ones which guarantee funding.

Edited May 17, 2010 by Waytooyoungtheorist

[Miss Jones]

You have to realize the difference between "Rhetoric" in the English Departments, and "Rhetoric" in the Communication (Which is UT's one) Department.

That being said, UT does have a good program in Comm Studies. However, be aware, that the Rhetoric subfield's job market isn't that great (In Comm Studies, not in English). Of course, it's still loads better than a regular English Ph.D, so w/e.

Edit:

About your GPA,

A 3.0 could keep you from getting looked at by top programs (Make sure to get a good GRE score).

I would definitely throw in a few MA programs as backup options, preferably ones which guarantee funding.

Thanks for the help.

What exactly is at stake when considering a Comm Rhetoric program over an English Rhetoric program, (outside of my assumption that a Comm degree excludes employment within English departments) when a tt position in any department is desired? Gender Studies is where I shine, however, I'm not so naive as to think that a PhD in that field will end in employment. My thinking at this point is to head into Rhetoric with a specialization in gender and media/technology studies, given what seems to be the drive to inculcate technological trends within curriculum across the board. Would a Comm degree ultimately widen my range of possibilities or limit them?

[Riotbeard]

Thanks for the help.

What exactly is at stake when considering a Comm Rhetoric program over an English Rhetoric program, (outside of my assumption that a Comm degree excludes employment within English departments) when a tt position in any department is desired? Gender Studies is where I shine, however, I'm not so naive as to think that a PhD in that field will end in employment. My thinking at this point is to head into Rhetoric with a specialization in gender and media/technology studies, given what seems to be the drive to inculcate technological trends within curriculum across the board. Would a Comm degree ultimately widen my range of possibilities or limit them?

If you are willing to go Comm Studies/ Rhetoric route U. Alabama has a decent program to get a masters. They have a lot of money too if you can coach forensics. I have a friend who got a master's degree there and loved it. Really Comm. studies would allow you to look at a wider-variety of types of rhetoric than English/Rhetoric... Somebody at UA was doing their master's thesis on Video Game Rhetoric...