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Rhetoric, Theory and Culture MS, PhD Degree Programs

Grounded in humanistic inquiry and responsive to contemporary challenges, the Rhetoric, Theory and Culture graduate and doctoral programs bring together faculty expertise across fields such as rhetoric, communication and human-machine communication, AI and algorithmic culture, media and digital media studies, writing pedagogy, philosophy and ethics, environmental humanities, social justice, and the arts. Students engage deeply with theory, history, and practice while shaping research that reflects the complexity of today’s cultural and technological landscapes.

Designed for scholars who think across boundaries, the Rhetoric, Theory, and Culture graduate programs prepare students for academic careers as well as professional pathways in education, writing, research, and the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. Through close faculty mentorship and creative, critical interdisciplinary research, students explore how communication, technology, and globalization shape cultural meaning and social life. Whether pursuing the MS or PhD, graduates leave with the intellectual tools to analyze, teach, and produce knowledge that matters in a rapidly evolving world.

Areas of Emphasis

RTC students may elect to take courses in one of two emphasis areas. Though not required, the program offers students the ability to emphasize Communication, Technology, and Media Studies or Rhetoric and Writing Studies.

Communication, Technology and Media Studies

The emphasis in Communication, Technology, and Media (CTM) studies provides students with opportunities to study communication, technology, and media from critical, cultural philosophical and ethical perspectives. The emphasis in CTM offers students scholarly pathways towards a variety of careers, e.g. academia, nonprofits, government, and industry.

HU 5012 - Communication Theory

Traces the development of communication theories. Emphasizes interactions among theoretical, political, historical, and socio-cultural factors.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: On Demand
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

HU 5112 - Theoretical Perspectives on Technology

Philosophical, rhetorical, literary, and/or cultural studies perspectives on technology.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: On Demand
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

HU 5004 - Cultural Theory

Study of major cultural theories such as structuralism, poststructuralism, Marxism, feminist theory, postmodernism, cultural studies, postcolonial studies, and discourse theory.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: On Demand
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Rhetoric, Theory and Culture, Rhetoric & Tech Communication

HU 5100 - Qualitative Humanistic Research

Examination of qualitative methodology and compatible methods, with attention to modes of data collection and analysis, and ethical research practices, such as confidentiality and informed consent. Approaches may include ethnographic; phenomenological; narratological; rhetorical; historical; grounded theory; or standpoint theory.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: On Demand
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

Rhetoric and Writing Studies

The emphasis in Rhetoric and Writing studies provides opportunities to study rhetoric and writing/composition studies, technical communication, rhetorical criticism, writing program administration, writing center studies, and creative writing. Rhetoric and writing studies offers students a scholarly pathway towards a variety of careers in rhetoric and writing studies as well as writing program administration.

HU 5070 - History and Theory of Rhetoric

History and theory of rhetoric, focusing on ancient rhetoric, alternative rhetorics, and/or modern rhetorical theory.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: On Demand
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

HU 5002 - Rhetoric and Composition

This course considers key theoretical, pedagogical, and historical issues and events that have linked the fields of rhetoric, composition, and literacy studies.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: On Demand
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Rhetoric, Theory and Culture, Rhetoric & Tech Communication

HU 5003 - Technical and Scientific Communication

This course considers key historical, pedagogical, and theoretical issues in technical and scientific communication, and technology studies. Considerable attention is paid to the practice and critique of technical communication and technology in academic and non-academic settings.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: On Demand
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Rhetoric, Theory and Culture, Rhetoric & Tech Communication

HU 5105 - Research Methods in Writing Studies

An introduction to methods and methodologies in writing studies. Students become familiar with inquiry and research practices including human subjects, ethics, and processes.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: On Demand
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

Timeline

Find all information regarding coursework, degree requirements, supplementary coursework options, annual student evaluations, and more in the RTC graduate handbook.

Ph.D. Timeline

Years 1 and 2: coursework (3 courses/semester for a total of 36 credits)
- End of second year, choose an advisor and form a qualifying/comprehensive exams committee.
Year 3: Comprehensive exams; Dissertation proposal and defense; Petition to enter candidacy.
Year 4: Dissertation research and writing.
Year 5: Dissertation writing; Job search, Dissertation defense.

M.S. Timeline

Year 1: coursework (3 courses/semester; 18 credits total)
- Summer: Advanced RCR training; if writing a thesis, form an Advisory Committee
Year 2: first semester coursework (3 courses/9 credits)
- Coursework option: second semester (3 courses/9 credits)
- Thesis option: 9 credits (HU 5990): requires an advisor and the formation of an Advisory Committee of 3 faculty.

Program Options

Masters in Rhetoric, Theory, and Culture

MS, Rhetoric, Theory and Culture: Thesis Option

This option requires a research thesis prepared under the supervision of the advisor. The thesis describes a research investigation and its results. The scope of the research topic for the thesis should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a master’s degree in 12 months or three semesters following the completion of coursework by regularly scheduling graduate research credits.

The minimum requirements are as follows:

Total Credit Requirements
Option Parts	Credits
Coursework (minimum)	20 Credits
Thesis research	6-10 Credits
Total (minimum)	30 Credits

Distribution of Coursework Credit
Distribution	Credits
5000-6000 series (minimum)	12 Credits
3000-4000 (maximum)	12 Credits

Programs may have stricter requirements and may require more than the minimum number of credits listed here.

MS, Rhetoric, Theory and Culture: Coursework Option

This option requires a minimum of 30 credits be earned through coursework. A limited number of research credits may be used with the approval of the advisor, department, and Graduate School. See degree requirements for more information.

A graduate program may require an oral or written examination before conferring the degree and may require more than the minimum credits listed here:

Distribution of Coursework Credit
Distribution	Credits
5000-6000 series (minimum)	18 Credits
3000-4000 (maximum)	12 Credits

MS, Rhetoric, Theory and Culture:Report Option

This option requires a report describing the results of an independent study project. The scope of the research topic should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a master’s degree in twelve months or three semesters following the completion of coursework by regularly scheduling graduate research credits.

Of the minimum total of 30 credits, at least 24 must be earned in coursework other than the project:

Total Credit Requirements
Option Parts	Credits
Coursework (minimum)	24 Credits
Report	2-6 Credits
Total (minimum)	30 Credits

Distribution of Coursework Credit
Distribution	Credits
5000-6000 series (minimum)	12 Credits
3000-4000 (maximum)	12 Credits

Programs may have stricter requirements and may require more than the minimum number of credits listed here.

Ph.D. in Rhetoric, Theory, and Culture

To complete a doctoral degree, students must complete the following milestones:

Complete all coursework and research credits (see credit requirements below)
Pass Qualifying Examination
Pass Research Proposal Examination
Prepare and Submit Approved Dissertation
Pass Final Oral Defense

The minimum credit requirements are as follows:

Total Credit Requirements
Degrees	Credits
MS-PhD (minimum)	30 Credits
BS-PhD (minimum)	60 Credits

Individual programs may have higher standards and students are expected to know their program's requirements. See the Doctor of Philosophy Requirements website for more information about PhD milestones and related timelines.

Additional Program Requirements

Responsible Conduct of Research

The Graduate School requires all graduate students to complete two Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) courses. The Basic course is offered during the new graduate student orientation prior to the start of classes each semester. The course is also offered online. The Advanced RCR requirement can be fulfilled by taking one of the courses offered by various departments. (All are 1 or 2 credits. There are also 3-credit courses that have been authorized as Advanced RCR courses. The department offers a Research Integrity Workshop each summer that fulfills this requirement.

Annual Student Progress Evaluation

The annual Student Progress Evaluation Form verifies that students are making timely progress toward degree completion and provides students with feedback concerning degree progress from their advisor and from the program. This form does not record an evaluation of a student’s academic performance. Continued funding and/or enrollment in the RTC program is based on satisfactory progress. This form ensures that students are informed of any concerns that might affect the department’s assessment of their progress and that they are given ample opportunity to remedy those concerns.

Application Process and Admissions Requirements

Applications are reviewed on an individual basis using a holistic approach. Fill out our free graduate application online to apply to any of our programs. Official transcripts and scores are not required for the initial application, although you will need to upload them later.

Graduate School Admissions Process

Applying to Graduate School is free (no application fees) and fast (no official transcripts or test scores are needed to start). The application process involves three easy steps. International applicants are required to pay a non-refundable $10 processing fee per application.

See Admissions Steps

Applications are not complete until the following items are received. These documents need to be uploaded to the Michigan Tech Application Portal.

MTU Graduate School Application
Statement of Purpose: This document should articulate your research interests and the faculty in the RTC program with whom you would like to work. Awareness of our program’s faculty and their scholarship is important. Begin your statement by identifying where you are now and offer a vision of your imagined trajectory as a graduate student. Please make clear why you want to pursue a degree in the RTC program. You should address the relationship between your writing sample and your research area(s). Please identify scholars outside our program that you admire and the theoretical texts and methodologies that have engaged to date and/or that you plan to study. Please also trace your accomplishments as a scholar: essays you have written, courses you have taught, any publications and conference presentations.
Personal Statement: Briefly discuss your unique qualifications, skills, and/or relevant experience related to your interest(s) in graduate study.;
Writing Sample: Please limit submissions to 15-30 pages, including footnotes and works cited. The essay should be a double-spaced single essay. The writing sample should demonstrate your intellectual interests and show an awareness of existing scholarship in your field.
Three (3) letters of Recommendation: Please give your recommenders at least one month’s notice before your application deadline. Ideally, these letters should reflect on your research interests and scholarship. If you have teaching experience, we welcome any comments on your teaching. Ideally, letters should come from current and former faculty with whom you have studied.
Curriculum Vitae (CV/Resume)
Your official TOEFL scores if you are an International Applicant.
If applicable, GRE scores.

Graduate School Admissions Options

Michigan Tech offers several admissions options in order to meet the educational needs of students from a variety of backgrounds. Students should review the options available to them and apply for the program that will best help them achieve their personal educational goals.

See Admissions Options

Graduate School Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Graduate School as a degree- or certificate-seeking student, you need to:

have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution, and
be prepared for advanced study in your chosen field, as demonstrated by your previous degree and your scholastic record.

See additional application requirements, including required materials:

Student Statements

Official Transcripts

Program Specific Requirements

Program Specific

3 Letters of Recommendation
Résumé / Curriculum vitae
Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale
Previous example of academic writing, 15 to a max of 30 pages
No GRE required
Applicants should demonstrate their ability to articulate an area of proposed research and a research question in their student statement.

International Students

TOEFL: Recommended Score of at least 100 iBT
IELTS: Recommended Overall Band Score of at least 7.0

Michigan Tech requires a minimum 79 overall TOEFL or 6.5 overall IELTS score.

Admissions Decisions

Made on a rolling basis for Spring and Summer.

Fall admissions and funding decisions are typically released by February 15th.

Recommended Deadlines

Fall Semester: January 15 for full financial consideration

Spring and Summer applicants will not be considered for funding

International Student Requirements

International Students must apply and be accepted into a degree-granting program in order to earn a graduate certificate. A non-refundable $10 processing fee per application is required.

See International Applicants

College of Sciences and Arts

The College of Sciences and Arts is a community of faculty, staff, and students committed to excellence and driven by our passion for education, outreach, research, and creativity across the social and natural sciences, humanities, and the arts. Uniquely situated in the heart of Michigan's R1 flagship technological university, we specialize in human-centered potential and discovery-based learning designed to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. Knowing that every student at Michigan Tech will pass through our doors, our college strives to be at the forefront of interdisciplinary collaborations that lead to breakthrough solutions.

Our students gain a profound understanding of social and cultural contexts through experiential learning and innovative research. We welcome you to be part of our caring, expansive college community, with 32 undergraduate and 24 graduate degrees to choose from.

The opportunities in Michigan Tech's College of Sciences and Arts are limitless. Transform into a civic leader ready to contribute to a sustainable future. Lead and participate in action-based experiences that are critical to the start of a fulfilling career. Job-shadow at a local hospital or veterinary clinic while preparing for a career in health. Design sound and lighting for a regional production. Conduct community forums on the implications of artificial intelligence. Work to purify vaccines. Study the impact of social media on society. Research the mysteries of space and galaxies beyond our universe. Explore transforming abandoned iron and copper mines into giant batteries. Understand freshwater ecosystem health. Document the nature of changes in cognitive function and motor behavior in aging and dementia.

At Michigan Tech, your academic growth is supported by a variety of learning centers, along with our Humanities Digital Media Zone and Writing Center. Model climate in the only cloud chamber of its kind. Take part in interdisciplinary health research in our state-of-the-art H-STEM Complex. Create amazing sights and sounds in our visual art, sound, and theatre performance spaces.

Michigan Technological University is located within Ojibwa (Chippewa) homelands and ceded-territory established by the Treaty of 1842, the shared lands and waters of Native American nations in Gakiiwe'onaning (Keweenaw Bay), Gete-gitgaaning (Lac Vieux Desert), Mashkii-ziibing (Bad River), Odaawaa-zaaga'iganing (Lac Courte Oreilles), Waaswaaganing (Lac Du Flambeau), Miskwaabikong (Red Cliff), Wezaawaagami-ziibiing (St. Croix), Zaka'aaganing (Sokaogon Mole Lake), Nagaajiwanaag (Fond du Lac), Misi-zaaga'iganiing (Mille Lacs), and Gaa-mitaawangaagamaag-ininwag (Sandy Lake).

Funding Opportunities

The Rhetoric, Theory, and Culture program endeavors to support all students needing financial assistance. Doctoral students have priority over Master's students because of the longer time commitment involved.

Decisions on financial support and contract offers for the upcoming academic year are made in spring semester, after applications to the program have been reviewed and acceptances determined.

External Funding Announcements

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Departmental Opportunities

The primary source of funding available for RTC graduate students is payment for teaching. Students serve primarily as Graduate Teaching Instructors (GTIs) and are instructors of record in the courses they teach.

The load is three courses per year (one fall course and two spring courses the first year, two fall courses and one spring course thereafter). GTIs typically teach Composition and Technical Communication—though qualified graduate students may occasionally be offered teaching opportunities in other disciplines, as well as administrative support positions or research assistantships.