College of Arts and Sciences
Rhetoric and Professional Communication (Ph.D.)
College of Arts and Sciences
Rhetoric and Professional Communication (Ph.D.)
Shape Discourse, Lead Transformation — Earn Your Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Professional Communication
Step into the cutting edge of communication with NMSU’s Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Professional Communication. As one of the oldest programs of its kind in the U.S., it blends rigorous theoretical grounding with practical immersion across four core areas: rhetoric, composition, technical and professional communication, and critical/cultural studies.
Admission Deadlines
February 1 for fall admission
- Total credits: 60
- Internship hours: 15
Delivery Format
In-person
Career Pathways
A Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Professional Communication from NMSU opens doors to a wide array of careers where expert communication and critical insight make all the difference. Graduates lead in higher education as professors and program directors; craft strategic messaging in nonprofits, government, and tech; guide policy and advocacy campaigns; and consult on user-centered design, writing program administration, intercultural initiatives, and digital media. Whether setting research agendas in academia or shaping narratives in professional arenas, you'll emerge as a skilled leader in shaping how ideas are conveyed and understood.
- Research associate
- Content strategist
- Academic publisher
- Public relations manager
- High school teacher
Degree questions, answered
Have questions about the Doctor of Philosophy in Rhetoric and Professional Communication? Fill out our inquiry form.
Where Theory Meets Practice: Advance Your Career in Rhetoric & Professional Communication
With 60–90 graduate credits — featuring core coursework, research methods, customized specialization, internships, and dissertation research — this program is designed in close partnership with faculty advisors to match your unique interests and career goals.
No GRE Required
We’re removing barriers to graduate education, which is why we don’t require the GRE.
Students in the doctoral program will develop individualized plans of study in consultation with advisors. Students are required to take 60 hours of graduate-level coursework including the doctoral proseminar in the first semester, courses in research methods, core courses in composition, professional and technical communication, and rhetoric, additional coursework in an area of specialization determined in consultation with an advisor; an internship; and a dissertation.
The Ph.D. also requires a qualifying portfolio, a comprehensive examination and an oral examination. The dissertation must be completed and approved within 5 years after the comprehensive exam.
Take classes like:
- ENGL 664 - History and Theory of Composition Studies
- ENGL 610 - Proseminar in Rhetoric and Professional Communication
- ENGL 519 - Graduate Study in Modern Rhetorical Theory
- ENGL 610 - Proseminar in Rhetoric and Professional Communication
GPA: A minimum GPA of 3.5 is required for admission.
Application: The application includes a statement of purpose, transcripts, writing samples that reflect academic work or strong research potential, and three letters of recommendation. If you would like to be considered for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship, you will also be required to submit a CV/resume and a statement of teaching interest.
Ready to take the next step?
Request Information
Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.