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

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 75-87 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. In addition, a maximum of 24 hours of dissertation research may be required to fulfill degree requirements.