PhD - Doctor of Philosophy in Language and Literacy Studies

The Language and Literacy Studies Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program focuses on the study of literacy and the English Language Arts. This includes important developmental skills such as reading, writing, and related fields. The program emphasizes the relationships among language, literacy, culture, identity, and social justice.As one end goal, the Ph.D. program strives to prepare teachers, teacher educators, and researchers who have the commitment and capacity to use literacy as a tool for social change. Degree plans are individually designed to increase your knowledge of curriculum and instructional issues both broadly and in a gradually focused way, based on your background and goals. The program includes coursework in language and literacy studies as well as research methods, foundational courses, and electives within the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. Our program includes clinical work within our teacher education programs and many research opportunities, including collaborations with faculty. To ensure that you experience the full quality and range of experiences in the program, one year of residency as a full-time student is strongly encouraged. Upon graduation, you will be prepared to be professors in colleges and universities, advanced degree teachers of your subject in elementary and secondary schools, and literacy supervisors or coordinators in school districts.