Language and Literacy Studies
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Designed For
This Ph.D. program is designed for PK-12 educators and curriculum specialists who are aspiring researchers seeking to advance their expertise in literacy and English Language Arts while strengthening their understanding of language development, reading, writing and instructional practice.
Career Objective
Graduates are prepared to serve as leaders in education as university faculty or literacy education leaders in school districts. The program equips scholars with the knowledge and research skills needed to improve teaching and learning outcomes while contributing to the field of literacy education.
At a Glance
Program Starts: Fall
Deadline to Apply:
December 15
Length of Program: 48-60 months
Schedule: Flexible
Program Location: On Campus
GRE Required? No
Advance Literacy Research and Instructional Excellence
The Language and Literacy Studies (LLS) Ph.D. program offers a comprehensive and customizable academic experience rooted in the study of reading, writing and the broader field of English Language Arts. Students explore the complex relationships among language, literacy and culture, gaining both theoretical knowledge and practical application skills.
With individually designed degree plans, the program allows students to progressively refine their focus based on personal interests and professional goals. Coursework includes foundational studies, advanced research methods and specialized electives within the department. This flexible structure ensures a strong grounding in curriculum and instructional practices while supporting deeper scholarly inquiry.
In addition to rigorous academics, the program emphasizes hands-on clinical experience and collaborative research opportunities with faculty. Students are encouraged to complete at least one year of full-time residency to fully engage in the program’s dynamic learning environment and academic community.
Ph.D. Program Advisor
Denise Dávila
Program Coordinator
Tracey Flores
Graduate Admissions Coordinator
Stephen Flynn
Program Details
Application Requirements
In addition to meeting the department’s general admission requirements, applicants to the LLS Ph.D. program must have at least three years of teaching experience.
We welcome applicants whose interests, academic backgrounds and professional experiences align with the program’s strong commitment to literacy education and literacy teacher preparation.
While employment opportunities are available within the LLS program, most positions support licensure courses for undergraduate education majors and require Pre-K–12 teacher certification from a state agency.
Questions? Contact the Graduate Admissions Coordinator.
Program Requirements
General Requirements (Minimum 21 Credit Hours)
- EDC 380F Sociocultural Foundations
- EDC 381F Introduction to Teaching and Teacher Education
- EDC 383F Curriculum Theory
To be taken in sequence:
Step 1 (3 credit hours)
- EDC 381R Introduction to Systems of Human Inquiry
Step 2 (6 credit hours in any order)
- EDC 385R Introduction to Quantitative Research
- EDC 386R Introduction to Qualitative Research
Step 3 (3 credit hours, one course topic from either category or an advisor-approved advanced research course)
- EDC 387R Advanced Quantitative Research
OR - EDC 388R Advanced Qualitative Research
Directed Research (Minimum 12 Credit 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.
LLS candidates are required to take:
- 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 Credit Hours)
While the Ph.D. program of work specifies taking 18 specialization hours, an additional 3 hours are needed to reach the full 60 hours required by the LLS program. LLS faculty recommend the following approach to selecting your specialization hours:
- Minimum 9 hours in Language and Literacy Studies
- 12 additional hours related to your program of study from other programs in Curriculum and Instruction, selected with your program area advisor
Coursework should be completed within 6 years of advancing to candidacy. You may choose from the following:
- EDC 395L Family and Community Literacies
- EDC 385G Sociolinguistics in Research and Teaching
- EDC 385G Literacy Leadership for Change
- EDC 385G Literacy and Social Change
- EDC 385G Classroom Discourse and Teacher Research
- EDC 385G Reading Difficulties
- EDC 385G Research on Adolescent Literacy In and Out of School
- EDC 382S Secondary English & Reading
- EDC 380T Teaching Composition
- EDC 380T Writing Process & Pedagogy
- EDC 390T Children’s Literature
- EDC 390T The Art of the Picture Book
- EDC 390T Young Adult Literature
- EDC 382E Issues and Trends in Literacy
- EDC 385G History of Reading Instruction
- EDC 385G Literacy and Culture
- EDC 385G Orality, Literacy and Technology
- EDC 385G Literacy Acquisition
Courses Outside the Department (Minimum 6 Credit Hours)
Coursework from the General Requirements, Directed Research, and Special Requirements sections may be used to fulfill this requirement; as a result, hours in this section may already count toward the total required hours.
Students may also choose courses from other departments within the College of Education or from another college at the University of Texas at Austin.
Dissertation (Minimum 6 Credit Hours)
Students 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.
Faculty
Focuses on historical and contemporary issues and discourses concerning African American students in schools and society.
Accepting new students
Researches civic education, early childhood/elementary education, and teacher education to examine the role of relationships, community, and justice to make classrooms democratic and equitable spaces.
Dr. Salinas is a member of the Social Studies Education program area and is an affiliate faculty member in the Bilingual/Bicultural and the Cultural Studies in Education program areas. Her focus in the social studies includes critical historical inqu...
Additional Information
The application opens in early August. Apply and check MyStatus for updates.
