MA in Communication and Culture to PhD in Rhetoric and Composition?

[happiest werther]

Hi all—

 

It looks like I'm about to start a MA in Communication and Culture with a concentration in rhetoric and public culture, but I'd ultimately like to be able to study/teach rhetoric and composition.

 

I applied for several rhet/comp MAs, but I either haven't been accepted, or am not funded, and I can't stand the idea of deferring or reapplying to more programs next year.

 

So all that being said—does anybody know how hard it is to go from a MA in Communication and Culture (with a focus on rhetoric) to a PhD in English (rhetoric and composition)? Or if it's even possible?

 

Any insight or experience would be appreciated.

 

Thanks!

[smellybug]

Sure, it's possible, especially when the two programs are so closely connected. It might be harder to move from biological science to a PhD in the humanities (although even that is do-able), but sounds like your MA will help prepare you for a PhD in rhetoric/comp well enough.  

[sf210]

I agree. I went from a BA in Communications to an MA in English to now a PhD program in Rhetoric & Prof. Comm. I've heard if your background is varied, but connected, it's actually sometimes looked at as an advantage. Just my two cents for what it's worth!

[ComeBackZinc]

In fact, some rhet/comp programs are housed inside of Comm departments. I think that's true of MSU, and while at URI they have a separate Writing & Rhetoric department, that department is moving to the Harrington School of Communication. It's an interdisciplinary field; our most recent hire came up through informatics and library science. You'll be fine!

[happiest werther]

Thanks for the responses, guys!