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 submit

1. application with the appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php);
2. official transcripts certifying coursework from each college or university attended (a minimum GPA of 3.5 in master’s coursework 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 his/her 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

Once admitted to the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Literacy Studies 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:

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 entry into the program;
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.