Graduate Program
The Composition and Cultural Rhetoric (CCR) Doctoral Program
The SU Composition and Cultural Rhetoric doctoral program emphasizes research on rhetoric and composition in a wide variety of cultural contexts. Our nationally and internationally recognized faculty and students pursue lively trajectories in research and pedagogy. With doctoral education as our sole focus, we offer intellectually responsive preparation for careers as researchers, curricular experts, and writing program administrators. Our graduates also pursue other careers that benefit from expertise in writing and rhetoric across communities.
Since 1997, we’ve worked to develop a diverse graduate student community and to support each other in developing distinctive work that is intrinsically connected to our commitments in scholarly, disciplinary and community contexts. Our graduate students work closely with faculty on research, teach across the curriculum, participate in community partnerships, and serve on department committees. Our alumni have a strong record of successful job placements throughout the country and they remain part of our community, forming a strong professional network.
Questions? Contact the Director of Graduate Studies, Prof. Krista Kennedy, at krista01@syr.edu

(July 29, 2022)
Supporting a Pathway to Success for Resettled Refugee Youth in CNYA CNY Community Foundation grant helps expand programming through the Engaged Humanities Network and North Side Learning Center.

(April 14, 2022)
Humanities Center Fellowships and Grants Support Graduate Student Research in the HumanitiesThanks to this support, recipients are positioned for success in their fields.

(Feb. 28, 2022)
Finding Her VoiceEmmy-winning alumna AJ Willingham credits the WRC program with sparking her passion for writing.

(Aug. 5, 2021)
Narratio Fellows Learn the Art of Storytelling Through Poetry and PhotographyNarratio Fellowship partners with National Geographic and the Metropolitan Museum of Art to help CNY-area refugees, including SU students, express themselves on the world stage.