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The Department of Specialized Programs in Education's Literacy Studies Program provides two doctoral options: an Ed.D. in Literacy Studies and a Ph.D. in Literacy Studies.
These literacy programs consist of five key elements:
Fulfilling matriculation prerequisites.
Meeting qualification standards.
Completing required coursework.
Passing a candidacy paper that serves as a comprehensive exam equivalent.
Successfully defending an original dissertation that showcases advanced conceptual abilities in literacy research, contributing new knowledge about language, literacy, and learning.
These programs cater to literacy professionals in academic institutions, public schools, and community organizations. Ideal candidates exhibit outstanding academic achievement and a dedication to literacy education, equity, and social justice.
Doctoral studies in literacy are collaborative from the start. Students engage immediately in research projects connected to their professional contexts, with personalized guidance to shape their academic journey according to their research priorities.
The curriculum emphasizes five fundamental literacy domains:
Literature, literacy, and creative thinking.
Language-based approaches to literacy (sociolinguistic and psycholinguistic).
Literacy instruction methodologies.
Literacy's role in societal power structures.
Historical and cultural dimensions of literacy.
While exploring all five areas through seminars, students specialize in one or two concentrations, developing unique theoretical approaches to literacy research under faculty mentorship.
Our faculty and global visiting scholars facilitate rigorous engagement with contemporary literacy discourse—examining epistemological foundations, theoretical frameworks, and teaching practices. This prepares students to contribute meaningfully to literacy conversations across diverse settings, from local communities to international forums.