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The Ph.D. in Literacy Studies at Middle Tennessee State University is designed to address one of education’s most pressing needs, the shortage of scholars, practitioners, administrators and policy-makers who can help bridge the gap between the rapidly expanding body of scientific research relevant to the development of literacy and the knowledge base on which educational practice, policy and professional preparation are based.  The interdisciplinary program provides a flexible framework of courses, field experiences, and opportunities for original research that will equip professionals with knowledge, insights, and skills essential to effectively address the literacy crisis in Tennessee and throughout the United States.

Program Structure

A common set of core courses is followed by specialized work in one of four areas—Literacy Instruction & Staff Development, Reading Disabilities/Dyslexia, Measurement & Analysis, Administration.  The core courses provide a comprehensive understanding of literacy within biological, psychological, linguistic, and social contributions to human development, learning, and motivation.  Students will develop an understanding of how changing social and political perspectives and evolving scientific knowledge affect how literacy is defined, assessed and taught.  Courses in the specializations provide training related to students’ chosen areas of practice.

Residency Requirements

Ph.D. students must be enrolled in full-time study (Nine [9] credit per semester) for two summers to fulfill the residency requirements before taking the comprehensive exams.

Service Learning Experiences

Service learning is an integrated component of this program.  Candidates will complete four (4) service-learning field experiences to gain practical knowledge in work settings dedicated to the advancement of literacy.  These experiences are embedded in the core courses and the practicum.  Experiences in core courses ensure that all students will have experience in assessment, consultation, and curriculum evaluation.  The service learning experience attached to the practicum will be appropriate to a student’s chosen area of specialization.

Anticipated Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Ph.D. in Literacy Studies will possess the knowledge, insights, and professional skills necessary to stimulate and support the paradigm shift to research-based practices in the development of literacy.

Specialists in Literacy Instruction & Staff Development – As pre-service or in-service teacher trainers or consultants to schools our graduates will help ensure a highly-qualified workforce of literacy teachers.

Specialists in Reading Disabilities/Dyslexia – As college or university faculty, materials or test developers, consultants to schools/school systems and state departments of education, our graduates will help to ensure effective instruction for learners with special needs.

Specialists in Literacy Measurement & Analysis – As university faculty or consultants to federal, state, and local education agencies, or publishing companies, our graduates will be able to oversee testing, analyze and interpret data to inform programmatic decisions.

Specialists in Administration & the Study of Literacy – As leaders in literacy reform at school or school system and state levels, our graduates will be able to provide guidance in the application of research findings to school-wide models for change in literacy instruction.

College of Graduate Studies
MTSU Box 42
Murfreesboro, TN 37132