Institution The University of Texas at San Antonio State Texas Academic Level Graduate Issue Area Academic Program Website https://future.utsa.edu/programs/doctoral/english/ Key Personnel Kenny Walker Program Focus Discipline/Subject Overview The Ph.D. in English contributes to the mission and strategic directions of the university by emphasizing Latina/o literature, including the cultural and literary production of U. S.-based Latina/o. To our knowledge, UTSA continues to have the only Ph.D. in English program in the country that requires at least 6 hours in Latina/o studies coursework (most students take at least 12). The curriculum and the students’ programs of study prepare the next generation of faculty in English for institutions of higher learning across the country. Since our program's inception, Latinx students have comprised 46 to 52% of our graduates. Program Description The Ph.D. in English is helping shape the future of the profession with its focus on Latina/os and writing. The Ph.D. in English program exists to help fill a void of Latina/o college and university professors and to promote teaching Latina/o literature and cultural studies. Thus addressing the lack of opportunities for minority students to learn to teach, research, and write as college or university faculty members. Its unique nature arises from its structure of requiring all doctoral students to take courses in Latina/o Studies and Rhetoric/Composition and is the only U.S. Ph.D. in English program requiring at least 6 hours in Latina/o Studies. All graduates are qualified to teach in Latina/o literature and cultural studies, rhetoric/composition, as well as their dissertation-area specialty. Most students complete a service-learning component in programs at community grassroots organizations. They also have the opportunity to teach courses in Mexican American and multi-ethnic literature as well as in women’s studies and queer studies. The students are engaged in research that is already shaping the scholarship in the field of Latina/o studies. Their publications and presentations at professional national conferences such as NACCS, ASA, MLA, and CCCC demonstrate that their work is of the highest caliber. They have taken tenure track jobs at a variety of institutions of higher education. Outcome The program has graduated a total of 20 Ph.D.s, 12 of them are Latina/o students. In 2019, 50% of our students completing the PhD were Latina/o/x. 85% of dissertations are in Latina/o studies. Learn more about Latino College Completion in Texas Return to Growing What Works Database
