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 26, 2023)
Stories of Healing from Those Impacted by IncarcerationMend journal, an initiative started by writing and rhetoric professor Patrick W. Berry, celebrates the launch of its first issue.

(May 31, 2023)
A Blueprint for Engaged Humanities: Maggie Sardino Featured in Humanities for AllMaggie Sardino's '23 blog post has been featured in Humanities for All.

(May 15, 2023)
Project Mend Builds Community Through Writing for Those Impacted by the Justice SystemMend journal showcases the experience of incarceration.

(March 28, 2023)
Uniting the Community in the Pursuit of Environmental JusticeThe Environmental Storytelling Series of CNY brings together faculty, students and local community partners to address the climate crisis through creative outlets.