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Program checklist · Ph.D.

Communication and Rhetoric Ph.D.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute · Troy, NY

A checklist is the list of requirements to complete this program and receive the award, as the college publishes it in its catalog. It is the same for everyone. It does not say what you have completed; that comes from applying your own record.

Program
Award
Ph.D.
Credential class
ceterms:DoctoralDegree
Catalog edition
Rensselaer Catalog 2026-2027
Checklist type
degree-program
Description
The Ph.D. in Communication and Rhetoric (CMRT) is distinguished by its commitment to the integrated, interdisciplinary study of media, communication, and society. Situated within the country’s oldest technological university, the CMRT Ph.D. is a unique and flexible program that draws from numerous disciplines across the humanities, arts, and social sciences.
Identifiers
IPEDS UNITID
194824
CourseShelf checklist
CK_194824_342be80e
CollegeTransfer.Net
Institution Transfer Profile
Source
CourseShelf publish 61

Requirements to complete

Every course or condition the catalog lists, in the catalog's order.

For students entering without a master’s degree in a relevant field

0 items

    Required Coursework

    6 items
    1. Successful completion of the M.S. in Communication and Rhetoric degree at Rensselaer, of which 27 credits of coursework will be applied to the Ph.D. in Communication and Rhetoric degree; credit from Capstone/Thesis Requirement (COMM 6940 or COMM 6990 ) is required to complete the MS but is not applied to the Ph.D. Please see Communication and Rhetoric M.S. template in the Catalog for details on M.S. in Communication and Rhetoric degree requirements.
      Not resolved to a course
    2. The three (3) course required core draws upon 6000-level IHSS graduate seminars, often taught by C&M faculty but with a broad foundational approach that will prepare students for a variety of dissertation topics:
      Not resolved to a course
    3. IHSS 6410
      Ethnography
      Not resolved to a course
      3
    4. IHSS 6570
      Research Methods
      Not resolved to a course
      3
    5. IHSS 6790
      Media Studies
      Not resolved to a course
      3
    6. Substitutions of required coursework must be approved by the advisor and GPD
      Not resolved to a course

    Electives

    0 items

      Directed Research

      0 items

        Dissertation

        2 items
        1. COMM 9990
          Dissertation
          Not resolved to a course
          1-16
        2. A minimum of 27 dissertation credits is required 1
          Not resolved to a course

        For students entering with a master’s degree in a relevant field

        0 items

          Required Core

          4 items
          1. IHSS 6410
            Ethnography
            Not resolved to a course
            3
          2. IHSS 6570
            Research Methods
            Not resolved to a course
            3
          3. IHSS 6790
            Media Studies
            Not resolved to a course
            3
          4. Substitutions of required coursework must be approved by the advisor and GPD.
            Not resolved to a course

          Electives

          0 items

            Directed Research

            0 items

              Dissertation

              2 items
              1. COMM 9990
                Dissertation
                Not resolved to a course
                1-16
              2. Students are required to complete a minimum of 21
                Not resolved to a course
                1

              Footnotes

              4 items
              1. Students may register for Dissertation credits during the semester of their Comprehensive Exam and in subsequent semesters until graduation.
                Not resolved to a course
              2. No more than 15 credits at the 4000-level are to be allowed. Additionally, credit(s) from 1000- and 2000-level coursework cannot be applied to the Plan of Study.
                Not resolved to a course
              3. At least one course with COMM and WRIT subject code must be completed.
                Not resolved to a course
              4. A maximum of 12 credits of Independent Study, including both Directed Research and other independent studies. Exceptions if approved by Graduate Program Director.
                Not resolved to a course
              Source. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, catalog Rensselaer Catalog 2026-2027 — https://catalog.rpi.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=34&poid=10046&returnto=938. Captured page pages/0125.html.gz. Assembled from the institution's published catalog as captured; every record names its captured page and source URL. Assembled, not asserted.