R1 Ranked

NDSU is among the nation’s top research institutions

Top 2%

NDSU researchers are among the top two percent of scientists in the world

96%

Recent graduates employed full-time

Top 100

Public research university in the country with $190 million in research expenditures

Elevate your expertise and transform your career with NDSU’s Doctor of Philosophy in rhetoric, theory and culture — an innovative, interdisciplinary program designed for passionate scholars and professionals. This regionally unique program blends rhetorical, textual and cultural studies, providing you with cutting-edge skills in professional and technical communication. As demand for experts in technical communication continues to outpace supply, NDSU graduates are uniquely positioned for impactful careers.

Explore the Curriculum

Shape Your Future

NDSU students are encouraged to collaborate with an advisor and develop a unique program of study that meets their specific interests.

Comprehensive Curriculum

The program provides a well-rounded education with a robust core in theory, methods and pedagogy, as well as opportunities in research.

Real-World Experience

With a focus on experiential learning, you’ll gain six credits of hands-on experience, from teaching discipline-specific writing to interning with nonprofits and local industries.

Meaningful Mentorship

Work one-on-one with faculty who have professional expertise in specialized areas such as pedagogy; writing assessment; writing program administration; curriculum development; technical and professional writing; usability and user experience; medical rhetoric and disability studies; and feminist rhetoric.

Professional Development and Leadership

Broaden your horizons and expand your experience outside of the classroom through student organizations, including the English Graduate Organization, an organization that has the goal of furthering graduate student development and professionalization. Participation in extracurricular activities help build strong connections with peers and allow you to develop leadership skills.

Tuition and Funding

NDSU offers a high-quality, academically rigorous education at an affordable cost. To help you cover tuition and expenses, various departments offer graduate assistantships designed to support your academic and professional goals.

Admission Info

At NDSU, we welcome students from all backgrounds who are seeking to further their education within a supportive, welcoming community.

No matter your academic path, we're committed to making your application process straightforward and stress-free. Find the specific requirements and steps for your graduate application.

Graduate students are huddled around a laptop at a table.

Elevate your expertise and achieve your goals with graduate studies at NDSU.

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Additional Resources

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NDSU Graduate School