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The Ph.D. degree prepares students to fill positions in a wide variety of settings: higher education, schools, agencies, and private practice. Students in the language and literacy Ph.D. program take a minimum of 60 semester hours beyond their master’s degree. At the end of their course work, students take a comprehensive examination, write a proposal, conduct research, compose a dissertation, and defend their work to program faculty.

Learning Outcomes

• Foundational Knowledge. Candidates have knowledge of the foundations of reading and writing processes and instruction.
• Instructional Strategies and Curriculum Materials. Candidates use a wide range of instructional practices, approaches, methods, and curriculum materials to support reading and writing instruction.
• Assessment, Diagnosis, and Evaluation. Candidates use a variety of assessment tools and practices to plan and evaluate effective reading instruction.
• Creating a Literate Environment. Candidates create a literate environment that fosters reading and writing by integrating foundational knowledge, use of instructional practices, approaches and methods, curriculum materials, and the appropriate use of assessments.
• Professional Development. Candidates view professional development as a career-long effort and responsibility.

Admission

In addition to The Graduate School’s application requirements, applicants must submit a letter of intent.

Degree Requirements (60 Post-Masters Hours)