phd in teaching reading

Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction with

Reading & literacy.

Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction: Emphasis in Reading & Literacy

The program offers a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Reading and Literacy. In addition to taking a core curriculum shared with all students of Curriculum and Instruction, students will complete courses specific to the Reading and Literacy program. Students also have the option to pursue a  Reading Specialist Certification .

To be admitted to a graduate program, you must apply to the department of Teaching, Learning & Culture and Texas A&M University .

Program Details

Degree:  Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction Emphasis: Reading & Literacy Degrees Offered:  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Credit Hours: 64

Select College of Education and update credit hours.

For a better understanding of your total cost of attendance (COA), please visit our cost and tuition rates webpage ( https://aggie.tamu.edu/billing-and-payments/cost-and-tuition-rates ). This webpage will provide you with an opportunity to review estimated COA information for undergraduate, graduate and professional students, as well as other resources such as the tuition calculator and billing and fee explanations.

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Contact Advisors

Sydney Zentell

Academic Advisor IV

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Contact Faculty

Emily Cantrell

Clinical Professor

Kausalai Wijekumar

Associate Professor

Sharon Matthews

Associate DH for Undergraduate Studies

William Rupley

Susan Fields

Clinical Assistant Professor

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Ramona Pittman

Frequently asked questions, which doctoral degree is right for me, ph.d. or ed.d..

Please visit our web page at https://tlac.tamu.edu/academics/online-ed-d/#program-comparison to view the key components of the Ph.D. and Ed.D. programs.

I still have further questions—who can I contact to help me answer those?

Please feel free to contact our Graduate Advising Office with any questions you may have. Our office information can be found at https://tlac.tamu.edu/student-services/graduate-advising .

Can you guide me through the application process?

Please visit our web page at https://tlac.tamu.edu/admissions/masters-admissions or https://tlac.tamu.edu/admissions/doctoral-admissions for step-by-step information about applying for our master’s and doctoral programs.

How to Apply: Master’s Application Information | Doctoral Application Information

How soon can I apply?

Prospective students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible!

I live out of state. Do you accept out-of-state applicants?

Yes, we accept in-state and out-of-state applicants.

Is there any opportunity for financial assistance?

Yes, there are opportunities for financial assistance through the Office of Scholarship and Financial Aid at https://financialaid.tamu.edu .

What are the typical program costs?

You can base the cost of attendance on 64 graduate credit hours (for doctoral students).

Is the GRE required?

GRE is only required for Ed.D. applicants.

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Doctorate in Reading and Literacy Program Guide

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A doctorate in reading and literacy will provide you with literacy and research knowledge, unlocking careers in postsecondary education, educator training, administration, or curriculum development. This degree is ideal for aspiring teachers, administrators, or anyone seeking career advancement or specialized training in reading and research skills.

What Is a Reading and Literacy Degree?

A doctoral degree in reading and literacy can take anywhere from 2-6 years to complete, depending on various factors, including whether you enroll as a full- or part-time student and what the program demands. Both online and on-campus programs are available and typically require you to take a mix of required and elective courses. Program specifications vary by institution and may require anywhere from 40-80 credits to graduate.

The curriculum covers subject areas, including literacy leadership, contemporary literacy issues, and foundational literacy research. You’ll usually have to complete a dissertation and possibly a practicum.

Additionally, you may have the option to tailor your degree to align with your career goals, with specialization options such as early childhood, adult literacy, and teaching English as a second language (TESOL).

Related Online Education Doctorate Programs You May Be Interested In

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Doctorate in Reading and Literacy Courses and Concentrations

Reading and literacy courses usually cover various topics, spanning foundational concepts, literacy and research-specific courses, and specialized topics such as K-12 education, digital literacy, and bilingual and special education.

Programs commonly require both core and elective courses, sometimes specializing in an area such as literacy, teaching English as a second language, early literacy, or curriculum construction. A dissertation is also part of a doctoral program’s requirements.

Examples of potential courses include:

• Language foundations for learning
• History of education
• Texts and teaching in literacy learning
• Research perspectives in literacy
• Dissertation seminar

How to Get a Doctorate in Reading and Literacy

A doctorate in reading and literacy can take 2-6 years to complete and requires a master’s degree and relevant teaching or work experience.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Doctorate in Reading and Literacy?

An in-person or online doctorate in reading and literacy can be completed in 2-6 years, depending on whether you enroll part time or full time. It also depends on if you have any program-specific graduation requirements, such as a dissertation or internship. You will need to complete approximately 40-80 credit hours of coursework.

For the possibility of earning your degree faster, consider an accelerated program or online options with self-paced, asynchronous courses for flexible scheduling.

How to Apply for a Doctorate in Reading and Literacy Program

Admissions requirements vary from program to program, but certain similarities exist across applications. Most programs will require you to have a master’s degree, a certain level of relevant teaching or work experience, and a minimum undergraduate GPA.

Application materials you may need include:

• Academic transcripts
• An updated resume
• A personal statement
• Letters of recommendation
• Academic writing samples

How Much Does a Doctorate in Reading and Literacy Cost?

The cost of a doctorate varies depending on program length, location, and type. The average annual tuition and required fees for a graduate degree was $20,513 in the 2021-2022 academic year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics . This figure drops to $12,596 annually for public institutions and rises to $29,931 for non-profit, private institutions.

Additionally, it is essential to factor in the cost of a degree beyond tuition, including living expenses and books. The total cost of a doctoral degree may be offset by financial aid , including scholarships and grants .

What Can I Do With a Reading and Literacy Degree?

A degree in reading and literacy can open the door to various career paths or unlock promotions or salary raises in an existing job. Careers for professionals with doctorates in reading and literacy include roles in post-secondary education, curriculum development, adult literacy, and nonprofit work.

Reading and Literacy Degree Jobs

Careers for professionals with doctorates in reading and literacy include library media specialists, adult literacy teachers, and instructional coordinators. According to the BLS, jobs for social and community service managers and postsecondary teachers will grow 9% and 8%, respectively, between 2022 and 2032, more than double the average projected growth rate for all occupations.

How Much Money Can I Make With a Reading and Literacy Degree?

Salaries differ between jobs but can range between $60,560 for adult literacy teachers and $84,380 for postsecondary teachers. Some employers may also offer an increased pay scale for advanced degrees.

Continuing Education in Reading and Literacy

If you decide to work in education, you must continually update your training and certification to work with students. Public elementary and secondary school educators are required to maintain state licensure. Many postsecondary institutions offer licensing and certification programs for students interested in working with children.

Degree programs related to reading and literacy, such as curriculum and instruction , educational administration , and higher education , are often available at the master’s and doctoral levels. Choosing between these levels depends on your desired level of education and the time you can dedicate to the program. It also depends on how much you would like to spend on your education.

What to Consider Before Choosing a Reading and Literacy Program

Before committing to a reading and literacy degree program, consider several factors, including cost, program length, and program format.

The total cost of a program is influenced by factors such as institution type, location, and eligibility for resident tuition. Costs vary between private and public schools and online versus in-person programs. You should also consider additional expenses, including room and board and potential moving costs.

Program Length

Make sure to research how long a potential program could take and if there are any accelerated options. Doctoral programs in reading and literacy typically consist of 40-80 credits and may take you anywhere from 2-6 years to graduate. The program’s length can impact the overall cost of the degree and how soon you are about to start your career.

Accreditation

Programs with accreditation allow you to apply for financial aid and transfer credits to other institutions. Accreditation is important for assessing the credibility and quality of a degree program. Additionally, you should verify if the program you are interested in holds programmatic accreditation from reputable accrediting agencies.

Program Format

You should determine whether you want a fully online, in-person, or hybrid degree, and whether you want to enroll full time or part time. Asynchronous online courses can be beneficial if you want to continue working while enrolled. Enrolling as a full-time student may be the best option if you want to graduate in a shorter time frame.

Note: The insights on this page were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed July 23, 2024.

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Online Ph.D. in Literacy

Devote yourself to advancing literacy education.

Request more information.

100% online

2.5 years of courses + dissertation project to complete

2 specializations

61st Best Online Education Graduate Programs 1

Literacy is the foundation of all learning. Prepare to help students from diverse backgrounds overcome barriers to reading proficiency and succeed throughout their entire educational career with the Ph.D. in Literacy program at St. John’s University—one of the nation’s only online doctorate programs in literacy.

Graduate in as little as three years ready to enhance learning across all subject areas in partnership with students, teachers, and administrators.

Plus, you can enter the field confident that your training meets or exceeds that of your peers. The School of Education at St. John’s University is a member of the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation , American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education , and University Council for Educational Administration .

“The information I am learning in the program is priceless. I truly appreciate the direction that is given by my professors. They are very helpful and knowledgeable. I believe this program will prepare me to advocate for both teachers and students in my field.” – Annamaria Miller, ESL Teacher/Instructor

Customize Your Learning

Take your career in a new direction by focusing your education in one of two areas:

Ph.D. in Literacy: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

Combine your passion for literacy with specialized skills teaching English to speakers of other languages. This curriculum meets the International TESOL Association’s highest standards.

Ph.D. in Literacy: Literacy

Support literacy as the backbone of education from kindergarten to high school graduation, gain first-hand experience with expert faculty, and build a foundation for student success.

Find Your Future in Literacy

Equip yourself with a repertoire of literacy strategies that enhance teaching in a variety of environments, from the classroom or special education department to learning resource rooms and ESL teams.

Depending on your specialization, prepare for job titles such as:

Curriculum Focused on Reaching Diverse Learners

The entire 42-credit curriculum, through research, implementation, and instruction, is built around a holistic focus on helping students overcome the obstacles they face in literacy, no matter their background. You will:

• Broaden and increase your depth of knowledge on literacy for all learners, including diverse and at-risk populations.
• Develop your abilities as a literacy educator who sees diversity as an advantage.
• Gain forward-thinking perspectives on literacy research, theory, practice, and evaluation.
• Expand your capacity to conduct advanced research and inquiry.

The online Ph.D. in Literacy encourages proactive research to find solutions for literacy difficulties and advocates for equity and social justice. Through an independent research project, you address a critical area in literacy and harness what you learn to make an impact in this field.

Work with Dedicated Faculty

Learn from faculty with decades of experience in literacy education and take advantage of a dedicated advisor who supports your success throughout the program. Annual reviews of your progress, and mentorship from the program coordinator, ensure you make the most of your time at St. John’s University.

If you have any questions about St. John’s University’s online Ph.D. in Literacy, contact us at 844-393-1677 or request more information today!

• U.S. News & World Report, 2019
• O-Net Online. (2018) Education Administrators, Elementary & Secondary School. Retrieved on February 13, 2019, from https://www.mynextmove.org/profile/ext/online/11-9032.00 .
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2017 May) Adult Basic and Secondary Education and Literacy Teachers and Instructors. Retrieved on February 13, 2019, from https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes253011.htm .
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2017 May) Occupational Outlook Handbook: Post-Secondary Education Administrators. Retrieved on February 13, 2019, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/postsecondary-education-administrators.htm .
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2017 May) Occupational Employment Statistics. Retrieved on February 13, 2019, from https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes252059.htm .

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Literacy studies, doctor of philosophy (ph.d.), you are here, a research-focused doctoral program for scholarship on reading, writing, and literacy. .

The Ph.D. program in Literacy Studies is committed to furthering knowledge in literacy and literacy education. Doctoral students construct an individualized program of study based on their areas of interest, to develop their understanding and expertise in particular aspects of the field.

This program was previously known as Reading/Writing/Literacy Ph.D. Beginning in Summer 2024, this program will be titled Literacy Studies Ph.D.

What Sets Us Apart

About the program.

In the Ph.D. program in Literacy Studies, doctoral students customize their course of study to their individual interests. Of 20 required courses, 10 of them are electives, allowing students to work with their advisors to develop a program that is best suited to the individual’s areas of interest.

4 courses per semester (fall/spring)

Culminating experience Comprehensive examination and dissertation

Duration of program 4–6 years

Transfer courses accepted Up to 8 courses with approval

The Ph.D. program in Literacy Studies emphasizes the interrelationships and integration of theory, research, policy, and practice. Doctoral students construct individual programs of study with their advisor to suit their interests, combining core courses with additional coursework in research methodology and electives.

In addition to the core doctoral courses, students focus on developing their understanding and expertise in particular aspects of the field. These aspects might include teacher education, pedagogy and curriculum, leadership, policy, urban education, multicultural education, adult and community-based literacy in and out of school, or literacy in international contexts. Throughout the program, students learn to conduct research on critical issues and problems in literacy.

In the Ph.D. program in Literacy Studies, students create individual programs of study. They are encouraged to develop one or more areas of concentration. Options include, but are not limited to:

• Teacher education and professional development
• Literacy policy and leadership
• Postsecondary learning environments
• Adult literacy education
• Reading, writing, and literacy across elementary, middle, and secondary curricula
• Children’s and adolescent literature
• Literacy practices with families, schools, and communities
• Urban education
• Digital literacies and technologies for teaching and learning
• Critical literacies

Students in the program benefit from the vast resources of the University of Pennsylvania. We encourage our doctoral students to choose electives from our program's courses, from other Penn GSE programs, and from across the University of Pennsylvania. 

The program includes six required courses, four research courses, and 10 electives. For more information on courses and requirements, visit the  Literacy Studies Ph.D. program in the University Catalog .

Our Faculty

Our faculty are renowned scholars and researchers who are committed to educational practice and to supporting scholar-practitioners.

"Their willingness to push to find the right solution for me ended up reshaping how I approach a lot of work I do, and gave me a unique angle with how I was coming at education and literacy."

T. Philip Nichols

Our graduates.

The Ph.D. program in Literacy Studies prepares scholar-practitioners for careers in research and teaching at colleges and universities and other educational organizations with a primary mission related to furthering knowledge in literacy and literacy education.

Alumni Careers

• Assistant Professor, Baylor University
• Assistant Professor, California State University
• Assistant Professor, North Carolina State University
• Assistant Professor, University of Connecticut
• Assistant Professor, Texas Tech
• A ssistant Professor, University of Florida
• A ssistant Professor, University of California, Davis
• Director of Undergraduate Research, University of Connecticut
• Professor, Reading Area Community College
• Visiting Assistant Professor, University of Pittsburgh

Admissions & Financial Aid

Please visit our Admissions and Financial Aid pages for specific information on the application requirements , as well as information on tuition, fees, financial aid, scholarships, and fellowships.

Contact us if you have any questions about the program.

Graduate School of Education University of Pennsylvania 3700 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 (215) 898-6415 [email protected] [email protected]

Tamika Easley Program Manager (215) 898-3245 [email protected]

Kemba Howard  Administrative Assistant  (215) 898-8525 [email protected]

Please view information from our Admissions and Financial Aid Office for specific information on the cost of this program.

All Ph.D. students are guaranteed a full scholarship for their first four years of study, as well as a stipend and student health insurance. Penn GSE is committed to making your graduate education affordable, and we offer generous scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships.

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You May Be Interested In

Related programs.

• Education, Culture, and Society Ph.D.
• Literacy Studies M.S.Ed.
• Literacy Studies Ed.D.
• Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education Ph.D.
• Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education Ed.D.

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