Mar 28, 2024  
2012-13 Graduate Catalog 
    
2012-13 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Literacy Studies, Ph.D.


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Jwa Kim, Program Director
(615) 898-8419
Jwa.Kim@mtsu.edu

The Ph.D. in Literacy Studies is an interdisciplinary program drawing on faculty from the Colleges of Education, Behavioral and Health Sciences, and Liberal Arts. The program offers a flexible framework of courses, field experiences, and research opportunities designed to provide professionals in various spheres of influence with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively address the literacy and learning crisis in the United States.

Applicants with master’s degrees in a variety of disciplines are eligible for admission. Typically, a successful student will hold formal qualifications related to some area of PK–12 educational practice with three or more years of professional experience in their specializations.

Admission Requirements


Admissions are based on a comprehensive assessment of a candidate’s qualifications including Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, undergraduate and graduate grade point average, letters of recommendation, prior professional experiences, and application essay.

Applicants are expected to have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.50 in master’s coursework.

Application Procedures


All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.

Applicant must

  1. submit application with the appropriate fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php);
  2. submit a letter of intent including a primary interest area, current curriculum vitae, and indicate a choice of full- or part-time study;
  3. submit a 700–1,000 word essay explaining background and objectives relative to the program;
  4. submit three letters of recommendation from professionals who can address the applicant’s interest in literacy and potential for successfully completing a doctoral program;
  5. document at least three years of successful professional experience;
  6. submit official scores on the GRE with preferred minimum scores of Verbal 156 (current scale) or 550 (former scale), Quantitative 144 (current scale) or 500 (former scale), and 4.5 Analytical Writing;
  7. have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.50 in master’s coursework.

Degree Requirements


The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Literacy Studies requires completion of 60 hours.

Once admitted to the program, candidates must complete at least 60 semester hours with at least 70 percent at the 7000 level. Candidates are required to complete and successfully defend a research-based dissertation.

Curriculum: Literacy Studies


 Candidate must complete 60 hours in the following course of study:

Required Core (27 hours)


Specialization Area (12 hours)


Selected with advisor:

  • Reading Disabilities/Dyslexia
  • Literacy Instruction and Staff Development
  • Literacy Measurement and Analysis
  • Administration/Policy

Electives (9 hours)


Selected with advisor

Dissertation (12 hours)


Program notes


Currently, the program admits students in Fall semester only. All students in the graduate program will be expected to satisfy a residency requirement.

Candidate must

  1. file a degree plan in the College of Graduate Studies prior to the completion of 30 credit hours;
  2. file a Notice of Intent to Graduate form in the College of Graduate Studies within the first two weeks of the term in which candidate intends to graduate.

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