The Language and Literacy Studies Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program focuses on the study of literacy and the English Language Arts. This includes important developmental skills such as reading, writing, and related fields. The program emphasizes the relationships among language, literacy, culture, identity, and social justice.
As one end goal, the Ph.D. program strives to prepare teachers, teacher educators, and researchers who have the commitment and capacity to use literacy as a tool for social change. Degree plans are individually designed to increase your knowledge of curriculum and instructional issues both broadly and in a gradually focused way, based on your background and goals. The program includes coursework in language and literacy studies as well as research methods, foundational courses, and electives within the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.
Our program includes clinical work within our teacher education programs and many research opportunities, including collaborations with faculty. To ensure that you experience the full quality and range of experiences in the program, one year of residency as a full-time student is strongly encouraged. Upon graduation, you will be prepared to be professors in colleges and universities, advanced degree teachers of your subject in elementary and secondary schools, and literacy supervisors or coordinators in school districts.
Applicant Requirements
Applicants to the Language & Literacy Studies Ph.D. program must be certified teachers with at least three years of teaching experience. Those seeking employment (e.g., teaching assistantships, undergraduate intern supervisors) during their degree program, PreK-12 teaching experience in the USA is necessary for most of the work opportunities in the department.
Semester Start: Fall
Deadline to Apply: December 1
GRE Required? No
Location: On Campus
Schedule: Flexible
Length of Program: 60 months, 66 hours
Faculty
Studies children's literature and researches the home literacy practices of families with young children in under-resourced communities.
Dr. Flores' research focuses on Latina mothers and daughters language and literacy practices, the teaching of young writers in culturally and linguistically diverse classrooms, and family and community literacies.
Brings her experience in literacy education to UT with a specialization in preparing secondary teachers to work in urban schools.
Studies literacy, language, and multicultural education, especially involving new media and globalization.
Examines literacy teacher preparation, specifically the role of coaching and mentoring that occurs inside programs.
Focuses on secondary English and literacy education in urban contexts, including among transnational youth.
Literacy teacher preparation, coaching and mentoring, equity and justice in literacy instruction
General C&I Requirements (Minimum 21 hours)
Foundation Requirements (9 hours required)
- EDC 380F Sociocultural Foundations
- EDC 381F Introduction to Teaching and Teacher Education
- EDC 383F Curriculum Theory
Research Methodology Requirements (12 hours minimum)
To be taken in sequence:
- EDC 381R Introduction to Systems of Human Inquiry
Step 2 (6 hours in any order)
- EDC 385R Introduction to Quantitative Research
- EDC 386R Introduction to Qualitative Research
- EDC 387R Advanced Quantitative Research
OR - EDC 388R Advanced Qualitative Research
Directed Research (Minimum: 12 hours)
EDC 396T Directed Research in Curriculum & Instruction (6 hours minimum)
Two additional courses that include a substantial research component approved by the advisor.
Please Note: EDC 396T can be taken more than once for credit.
- EDC 396 Research in English Language Arts
- EDC 396 Research in Reading
- EDC 396T Directed Research (two sessions, 6 hours total)
Specialization Requirements (Minimum 21 hours)
You will take 21 hours of which 9 need to be taken in Language and Literacy Studies. The remaining hours should be classes related to your program of study which will be selected with the assistance and approval of the area program advisor. You are encouraged to select courses from other clusters in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction that align with your career goals.
Courses Outside the Department (Minimum: 6 hours)
Coursework from sections General Requirements, Directed Research, and Special Requirements may fulfill this requirement (thus hours in this section may already be counted as credit towards total hours).
Dissertation (Minimum 6 hours)
You are required to continuously register for at least three credits of dissertation once they have advanced to candidacy.
You must register in X99W (399, 699 or 999W) in each semester of candidacy until you graduate.
Please Note: Students receiving fellowships, assistantships, or other financial aid, may be required to take 9 hours of dissertation credit each semester.
Additional Resources
Program Coordinator
Tracey Flores
Ph.D. Program Advisor
Denise Dávila
Tell us a bit about yourself and what programs you are interested in. We’ll be in touch with information soon!
