Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies - Literacy

The purpose and mission of the Concentration in Literacy is to prepare literacy professionals who will hold research and literacy education positions in universities across the country as well as for roles in local, regional, state, or national educational agencies and corporations. The program of study engages doctoral students in a theoretical and research-based examination of the cognitive, linguistic, social, cultural, political, and economic factors that impact literacy teaching and learning at all levels of development, from early childhood through adult, and emphasizes social opportunity and educational access for all learners. The Concentration in Literacy is designed to provide doctoral students with the knowledge and skills essential for reading and interpreting scholarship in the field, as well as conceptualizing, designing, implementing, and disseminating original research. To that end, students engage in a variety of mentored and guided experiences that integrate theory, research, and practice. The program faculty expects doctoral candidates to provide leadership locally as well as contribute to a national research community. The Concentration in Literacy also offers doctoral students the opportunity to engage in mentored and guided university teaching experiences.The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Educational Studies is geared toward the rigorous preparation of educational researchers who have the knowledge and skills needed to design, conduct, and disseminate high-quality scholarship, and who have a strong foundation in one or more high-demand areas of specialization. The Ph.D. degree emphasizes the scholarly pursuit of the theoretical underpinning and methodological advancement of educational research. Courses provide critical training in the intellectual pursuit of advanced knowledge in educational, social, and behavioral sciences. A distinguishing feature of the program includes research apprenticeships with Graduate Faculty in the School of Education.

Earned Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in areas of concentration or closely related area from an accredited college or university. Students with bachelor’s or master’s degrees in unrelated areas, but with clear evidence of experiences and/or credentials appropriate to the degree and a specific area of concentration may be accepted. Minimum Grade Point Average (GPA). Successful applicants must have at least a cumulative GPAs of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) from their undergraduate coursework and 3.2 (on a 4.0 scale) from previous graduate work.Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is optional. It can be submitted as part of the holistic review of your application, but is not required.Applicants: The program will be using the university's holistic review process for all areas of the PhD. The holistic review involves written responses to selected questions. The questions do not require specific content background or knowledge, but assess preparedness for the writing, analysis, and critical thinking required of a doctoral degree. An admissions committee reviews each application using pre-determined criteria. Applicants should expect a follow up interview with an admissions committee member to complete their application.Speakers of English as Second Language. If an applicant’s first language is not English, he or she must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (