Writing and Rhetoric Studies

The PhD will require that each student successfully complete 30 credit hours beyond the MA/MS/MFA, with a normal load of three courses (nine credits) per semester, in addition to a minimum of 14 dissertation research hours.

• Meanwhile, for students who have received an MS/MA degree from our own program, of the required 30 credit hours 15 will be coursework (five courses) and the rest (the other 15) will be comprised of dissertation hours.

Students must maintain a 3.0 grade average throughout coursework and receive grades of B- or higher in all courses that are counted toward the degree.

At least 24 credit hours must be University of Utah credits.

Depending on the number of courses taken per semester, students are expected to complete the PhD (coursework, qualifying examination, dissertation, and dissertation defense) in eight semesters.

• In accordance with Graduate School regulations and guidelines, all PhD work must be completed within seven consecutive calendar years.

In addition, students will be required to demonstrate either "standard proficiency" in two languages other than English or "advanced proficiency" in one language other than English.

• Students may achieve these proficiencies through -

  • Placement exams in a variety of languages offered and administered by the Department of World Languages and Cultures

  • Other standardized placement exams (with permission from the Director of Graduate Studies)

  • Coursework by demonstrating "standard proficiency" with grades of B or higher in a second-semester language course or by demonstrating "advanced proficiency" with grades of B or higher in a fourth­ semester language course.

• The degree of proficiency in foreign language(s) required of candidates is determined by the policy of the academic departments.

• In some instances, language proficiency may be verified by individual departments if appropriate procedures have been approved in advance by the Dean of the Graduate School. In most cases, however, fulfillment of the language requirements must be verified by the Department of World Languages and Cultures.

• The Language Verification form for certification is available in the Department of World Languages & Cultures.