PhD in English, Rhetoric and Composition

Georgia State University in downtown Atlanta is a large, dynamic public research university with a strong commitment to student success. With a wide range of programs across business, arts, sciences, education and health fields, GSU combines academic rigor with practical, career-oriented opportunities. Its urban campus places students at the heart of a major metropolitan economy, offering unparalleled access to internships, industry partners and cultural institutions.

International students benefit from comprehensive support services, personalized advising and numerous scholarship and financial-aid options that help make study more accessible. GSU’s faculty are active researchers and practitioners who integrate real-world projects into the curriculum, while the city’s business ecosystem supports hands-on learning and networking. Student life is lively, with multicultural organizations, career fairs and experiential learning embedded across disciplines.

Graduates from Georgia State enter the workforce with practical experience, professional connections and industry-relevant skills. The university’s emphasis on community engagement and social impact also prepares students to lead change locally and globally. For students seeking an affordable, well-connected urban university with broad program choices and strong career pathways, GSU presents a compelling option.

The PhD in English, Rhetoric and Composition at Georgia State University is a 5-year program for students who want to study English and Rhetoric. It's a PhD degree in the English discipline, taught in English.

The curriculum includes courses in history and theory, academic research and publishing, and rhetoric and composition. You'll develop skills in writing, teaching, and research, and have the opportunity to combine areas of interest across historical periods and current composition studies. You'll also have internship opportunities with department publications and Atlanta-based organizations.

Graduates of this program can go on to become University Professors, Writing Center Directors, Publishing Editors, Technical Writers, or Communications Specialists. They can work in universities, publishing companies, non-profit organizations, or private companies.