College of Education, Department of Curriculum & Instruction Literacy Education (Ed.D)

This is a rigorous and respected program that aims to advance literacy research locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. 

Graduates of the literacy education doctoral program are prepared to be:

• Literacy education professors in university contexts;
• Literacy researchers;
• Leaders in literacy roles in schools and communities.

Delivery method: In-person

Credit hours:

Department of Curriculum & Instruction

Through research experiences, coursework, and scholarly mentoring, the literacy doctoral program in the College of Education’s Department of Curriculum and Instruction will prepare literacy scholars to:

• Extend literacy content knowledge
• Explore and contribute to theories and theoretical models related to literacy instruction
• Use theories to analyze, design, and conduct research
• Critically evaluate past and present research
• Disseminate knowledge of language and literacy development, and its typical degree of variation, to inform instruction and research
• Develop the ability to teach and mentor others about literacy (e.g., teach preservice and in-service teachers, provide professional development, educate scholars, and/or inform policymakers).
• Cultivate professional dispositions (e.g., develop scholarly habits of mind, value diversity, communicate effectively, demonstrate professional ethics, etc.)
• Demonstrate literacy leadership in varied contexts

You'll be guided by a major professor and an advisory committee throughout your program and enjoy a collegial relationship with program faculty.  

All doctoral students complete:

• A minimum of 42 credit hours beyond the master’s degree
• A qualifying examination consisting of written and oral components  
• A written dissertation proposal that is defended orally
• Conduct an original research study, which leads to a written dissertation that is also orally defended

Literacy Program faculty continuously monitor doctoral students and provide continuous support throughout the program.  Doctoral students also have the opportunity to collaborate with literacy faculty on research projects.