Doctor of Philosophy in Literacy

Offered on campus or online, the PhD in Literacy program prepares you for research and teaching positions in universities, colleges, community colleges, research institutions, policy centers, state education departments and P-12 school districts. Coursework explores literacy theory, research, practice and policy, focusing on areas such as literacy and language acquisition and development, curriculum and instruction, assessment, children’s literature, disciplinary literacies, community engagement, critical literacies, and teacher education. You will also complete a sequence of research courses to understand and implement research. Ultimately, you investigate your own research questions under the guidance of your dissertation chair. Potential areas of inquiry are developed with your advisor, and may include a wide array of topics such as teacher preparation and literacy education in families, groups, communities, schools, workplaces and other settings.