The Graduate Studies in Composition and TESOL doctoral program offers a cutting-edge curriculum that guides students to theoretical and pedagogical expertise in composition, TESOL, and applied linguistics. All courses are offered in the academic year (Fall and Spring) and in the Summer (in June and July). Academic year students typically take three courses each semester. Summer students typically take four courses (two in each Summer session). Students may begin the program in the Fall or in the Summer. Only 800-level courses count toward the Ph.D.
Requirement 1: Opening Required Courses — 9 Credit Hours
(These courses are to be taken in a student’s first Fall semester or first Summer semesters, prior to submitting the qualifying portfolio.)
- ENGL 800 Introduction to Research
- ENGL 825 Second Language Literacy
- ENGL 833 Theories of Composition
Requirement 2: Other Required Courses — 6 Credit Hours
(These courses are to be taken after a student's first Fall semester or first Summer semesters, prior to a student's final Spring semester or final Summer semesters.)
- ENGL 803 Language and Cognition OR ENGL 805 Language and Social Context
- ENGL 808 Technology and Literacy
Requirement 3: Electives — 12 Credit Hours
Any Composition and TESOL course may be taken as an elective for the program. In select cases students may be approved to take one doctoral course in another IUP program with approval ahead of time from the C and T program director. Students are not permitted to transfer credits from outside IUP or from IUP master’s programs.
Requirement 4: Closing Required Courses — 9 Credit Hours
(These courses are to be taken in a student’s final Spring semester or final Summer semesters.)
- ENGL 815 Qualitative Research
- ENGL 830 Teaching Writing
- ENGL 848 Advanced Topics in Linguistics
Requirement 5: Dissertation — 12 Credit Hours
In the semester that follows your last course, you must submit a Research Topic Approval Form and register for one Dissertation credit (ENGL 995) each semester (fall and spring but not summer) until you graduate. Once you reach 12 credits, you must continue to register for one Extended Credit each semester until you graduate.
Additional Requirements
In the semester that follows your last course, you must submit a Research Topic Approval Form and register for one dissertation credit (ENGL 995) each semester (Fall and Spring but not Summer) until you graduate. Once you reach 12 credits, you must continue to register for one extended credit each semester until you graduate.
Seven-Year Time-to-Completion Deadline
From the time a student begins taking courses in the Composition and TESOL program, the student has seven years to complete the degree requirements and graduate. All students are expected to make steady progress toward the degree without interruption.
Residency Requirement for Composition and TESOL Doctoral Students
For Academic-Year Cohort Students
Academic year cohort students will take three courses in each of the Fall and Spring terms. The exception to the three courses each semester requirement relates to students final Spring semester when they may take the number of courses required to complete the required 36 hours.
For Summer Cohort Students
Summer cohort sutdents may take up to five courses in each summer. This includes a maximum of one pre-session course, and no more than four courses in combined Summer Sessions I and II.
Total Credit Hours: 48 (Including Dissertation)
Course Descriptions
General English course descriptions are available from the Graduate Catalog.
Course Details and Schedules
Specific course offerings by semester are available from the English Graduate Office and are posted elsewhere on this website. Always check for the most up-to-date information on URSA before registering for classes.
