Mar 29, 2024  
2021-22 Graduate Catalog 
    
2021-22 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Literacy Studies, Literacy Instruction and Staff Development Concentration, Ph.D.


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Amy Elleman, Program Director
(615) 
904-8434
literacy@mtsu.edu

The Ph.D. in Literacy Studies with a concentration in Literacy Instruction and Staff Development 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 bachelor’s or 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. Applicants holding a master’s degree may transfer up to 15 credit hours with approval.

A student with a bachelor’s degree interested in obtaining a master’s degree in Psychology (M.A.) or  Literacy (M. Ed.) while pursuing the Ph.D. will need to consult with the program director and the respective departments to understand the additional requirements. Applicants lacking necessary foundational coursework in previous degrees will be required to complete some remedial courses as part of their program of study in addition to the degree requirements.

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 or 2.75 for a post-bachelor’s applicant.

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

Application Procedures


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

Applicant must submit

  1. application with the appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php). Once this initial application has been accepted, the applicant will receive directions on how to enter the graduate portal to be able to submit other materials.
  2. official transcripts certifying coursework from each college or university attended (a minimum GPA of 3.5 in master’s coursework or 2.75 for a post-bachelor’s applicant is required for admission to program);
  3. a current curriculum vitae showing at least three (3) years of documented professional experience;
  4. a 700 - 1000 word essay explaining how background and objectives relate to the program’s purpose;
  5. three (3) letters of recommendation from professionals who can address the applicant’s interest in literacy and potential for successfully completing a doctoral program;
  6. recent GRE scores (within the last five years); preferred minimum scores are Verbal 156, Quantitative 144, and a 4.5 on Analytical Writing.

Degree Requirements


The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Literacy Studies with a concentration in Literacy Instruction and Staff Development requires completion of a minimum of 75 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, Literacy Instruction and Staff Development


The following illustrates the minimum coursework requirements.

Electives (15 hours)


Choose 15 hours in consultation with the academic advisor.

Dissertation (12 hours)


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