Best Doctorate Programs in Reading & Literacy

Typically, a completed master's degree is required for admission to a reading and literacy doctoral program. There may be a minimum acceptable grade point average, such as a 3.2 or higher. The admissions department will usually require the submission of a transcript for both undergraduate and graduate education. They may also expect a resume, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. This statement includes information about the applicant's background, research interest, and professional goals. Identifying one's research interests can lay the foundation for dissertation planning later. Test scores may also be required from exams such as the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) and an English language competency exam.

The standard educational prerequisite for admission is the successful completion of a master's degree. Some schools will accept any master's degree, regardless of the field or subject matter. Other schools may have a specific requirement; for example, they may require that the master's degree be related to the field of education in some way. Some examples of such prerequisite educational background include instructional design and technology and special education.

Some amount of professional experience may be required as well. This can be demonstrated through a resume or curriculum vitae (CV). Schools may set a clear minimum expectation; for example, three years of full-time teaching or equivalent experience.

The accreditation process helps to ensure that colleges and universities provide the high-quality education that they promise. In this process, an independent organization (known as the accrediting body) evaluates an educational institution and its programs. This evaluation may include steps such as interviews with students and faculty, policy reviews, campus visits, and more. The accrediting body examines the current program offerings and compares it to their own standards. If the school meets the organization's standards, then it is said to be accredited.

Reading and literacy programs can be accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council, or TEAC. Programs that have met the standards for quality and earn their accreditation then become members of the council.

The amount of time it takes to earn this type of degree can vary; it can be as little as three years or as many as six years. The required number of courses to complete the degree may be around 20 courses or around 42 credit hours. These credits will be achieved through a blend of classroom learning, research projects, and a dissertation. Depending on the policies set by the school, it may be possible to transfer credits from a degree program completed previously. This would accelerate one's timeline toward doctorate completion.

The curriculum for a reading and literacy doctoral degree program consists of a blend of regular classes and research courses. The exact ratio varies by institution. Classes can be expected to cover a variety of perspectives on reading, including social, cultural, and historical analyses. There may also be classes that focus on special issues relating to literacy instruction and leadership.

Then there are courses that emphasize research. Some of these may be traditional classes that cover research principles. Taking these courses ensures that students understand how research is conducted so that they can carry out effective research themselves. Additionally, research competency ensures that, even after graduating, students can keep up to date with the latest studies in their field and apply the results to their work. Other courses will offer students the opportunity to carry out their own research. This provides valuable experience and information to be described in the students' dissertation.

Preparing Your Reading & Literacy Dissertation

A dissertation is a cornerstone of a doctoral degree program. For reading and literacy degrees, the dissertation involves extensive research. The first step in the process is submitting a proposal. The proposal is a document that includes a variety of components intended to explain what the proposed project is, and why it's important. The candidate demonstrates the "what" by including their intended procedures for the study they've designed. They show the "why" through a literature review and an explanation of the need for the study. During this phase, the student also selects their faculty mentor.

Once the proposal is accepted, the candidate can execute their study. They will enroll in a number of sequential courses to earn the academic credits that correspond with the research they're carrying out. Upon completion of the study, the candidate gathers all of the data into their dissertation. They will present this document to a committee of relevant faculty members, who will hear the candidates' defense and evaluate the merits of the dissertation. They may accept the dissertation as is, accept it with conditions of edits, or reject it all together.

Some reading and literacy doctoral degree programs offer concentrations. Students earn a concentration by following a specialized course plan that includes classes that focus on the selected discipline. They may be counted as electives, or they may be included in other required categories. This provides a deeper knowledge and understanding of that particular field.

Two examples of concentrations within the reading and literacy field are literacy and teaching English to speakers of other languages.

Literacy

A literacy concentration is a fitting option for someone who wants to pursue a career such as a professor of literacy; a literacy specialist, consultant, or supervisor; or a literacy leader in a school district. This specialization focuses on teaching literacy skills to students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Courses in this track cover the theories and strategies necessary to successfully teach literacy in the classroom, as well as the methodologies, materials, and evaluation techniques that can be used. A practical element is also included. Not only does this specialization cover the learning process, but also the digital and technological resources that can be utilized to improve student success.

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

English language teachers are sought around the world. They can work with immigrant populations within the United States or teach English in other countries. In addition to teaching English language learners directly, career options include training other teachers, designing curriculum and materials, and serving as the administrator at an educational program or institution. A TESOL concentration includes specialized courses that address the unique experience of learning a second language. These courses cover learning principles, developmental techniques, and linguistics concepts. Upon completion, students are prepared to engage with linguistically diverse learners.

The International TESOL Association sets the professional standards for teaching English to speakers of other languages. A quality specialization track should equip students to meet those standards and cultivate student success.

You don't have to wait until you reach the doctoral level to begin your studies in reading and literacy. Degree programs in this field exist at a variety of levels. Reading and literacy education is available from associate degrees through master's degrees. Earning one or more degrees in this field prior to enrollment in a doctoral degree program will ensure a strong foundation of knowledge and skills. You can build upon that foundation through your doctoral studies.

Reading & Literacy Associate Degrees

At the associate degree level, reading and literacy are prominent components of education programs. They may be offered as an Associate of Arts or as an Associate of Applied Science degree. An associate degree in education covers developmental psychology, classroom management techniques, and effective teaching skills. Part of these skills include cultivating literacy in students. Courses will also address how to meet the diverse needs of a wide range of students, including exceptional and/or bilingual learners.

Reading & Literacy Bachelor's Degrees

At the bachelor's degree level, reading and literacy education may stand alone as its own program, or be included as part of an education degree. It may be offered as a Bachelor of Arts degree or a Bachelor of Science degree. Like an associate degree, courses in this program will examine the process of literacy acquisition. A variety of teaching methods and materials will be presented. This helps the degree holder to evaluate the progress of their students and build on their pre-existing knowledge in effective ways.

Reading & Literacy Master's Degrees

Reading and literacy programs are common at the master's degree level. They may be offered as a Master of Education degree or as a Master of Arts degree. These programs focus on literacy education specifically, so their courses take a deep dive into the strategies that are most effective when teaching students how to read well. Linguistics may be covered in dedicated courses, as well as specific strategies when addressing the needs of learners with reading difficulties.

Reading & Literacy Graduate Certificates

Despite similar names, a graduate certificate is not the same thing as a certification. A graduate certificate is an honor awarded by a college or university that denotes the completion of a specific academic track (in this case, a reading and literacy track). A certification, on the other hand, refers to an honor awarded by an entity, such as the government or a professional organization, that demonstrates adherence to stated criteria.

Certificate programs in the reading and literacy field incorporate the same literacy principles seen in degree programs. They may also cover how to use cutting edge techniques and resources to create engaging and effective lessons for students. Other examples of education-based certificates include educational leadership, teaching and special education.

Reading and literacy professionals can work in a variety of settings, and with a variety of students. Preferences regarding the work environment and population to be served can influence one's career choice. For example, a reading instructor works in a school system and can specialize in a particular age group if they prefer. A reading specialist works in a school system or government office and works with fellow educators. A TESOL teacher may work with children or adults. Other potential careers include textbook writer, program administrator, lecturer, and more.

Become a Reading Instructor

A reading instructor works with adult learners to build up their literacy skills. A common goal among this group of adult learns is to improve their career prospects, which often includes earning their high school equivalency credential. This credential is an examination that's offered to people who did not finish their high school education. By passing the test, these students demonstrate that they have the equivalent skillset. Earning a doctoral degree is an exciting step toward becoming a reading instructor.

Often employed by a community-based organization or community college, an adult basic education and secondary education professional makes an average of $55,350 per year according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The amount of job openings for this particular type of instructor is expected to decline in the coming years. Openings will primarily be to replace an instructor who has retired or changed careers.

Become a Reading Specialist

A reading specialist develops, implements, and evaluates the success of literacy curricula. Those who become a reading specialist will work in schools and school systems from the elementary level through the collegiate level. Sometimes reading specialists work for local or state governments. Reading specialists evaluate the current available metrics, such as test scores, to understand students' performance. They will host training sessions, workshops, and/or conferences to ensure reading teachers are utilizing best educational practices.

On average, an instructional coordinator such as a reading specialist makes $66,970 per year, or around $32 per hour, according to the BLS. The highest salaries for these specialists can be found in the following states: Washington D.C., Connecticut, Oregon, Virginia, and New Jersey. The demand for this type of role is expected to increase over the next ten years.

Become a TESOL Teacher

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) programs are useful for those who are learning English, such as immigrants to the United States or people who grew up speaking a different language. TESOL teachers, like reading instructors, are commonly employed by community-based organizations or community colleges, though they may also be hired by schools that teach a younger age range. Because TESOL students can come from all sorts of diverse backgrounds, the instructor may not speak the same language as their students. This creates a challenge, but TESOL instructors find creative ways to address it.

TESOL teachers make an approximate average salary of $26 per hour, or around $55,000 per year, according to the BLS. Their job placement rate is expected to decline over the next decade. The states with the highest salaries for this type of position are California, Oregon, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island.

Licensure requirements for reading and literacy professions vary from state to state. States may require licensure for a specific type of position (one example being a reading specialist) and/or for a specific age group (such as preschool through twelfth grade). There may be a cost involved. These licenses are intended to ensure competent educators are providing quality literacy lessons to students within the state.

There are also some certifications available. For example, the Structured Literacy Classroom Teacher Knowledge Certificate is offered by the Center for Effective Reading Instruction. This certification demonstrates that the bearer has met objectively evaluated education, professional, and knowledge standards. They are familiar with specific relevant concepts, and they adhere to ethical standards.

Some reading and literacy programs, especially master's degrees, incorporate the certification process into their curriculum. This is a good thing to consider when researching and selecting a specific degree program. Schools that include certification in their standardized coursework offer an advantage to students who want to pursue employment positions where certification or licensure are necessary.

There are several professional organizations available to those with a career in reading and literacy. For example, the International Literacy Association (ILA) is a global organization with more than 300,000 members. These members are professionals in positions of education, research, and expertise. The ILA provides its members with resources and practical guides, professional development opportunities, awards and/or grants, and access to a network of peers. They also advocate on behalf of literacy education in schools and set standards for various programs in their field.

Another example of a professional organization in this field is the TESOL International Association. Membership in this organization provides a range of benefits including professional development through educational conferences and certifications; published opportunities in TESOL venues; access to a network of peers; awards, grants, and scholarships; and resources for advocacy. Their organization is open to a host of relevant positions, including not only educators but also curriculum developers, consultants, content writers, teacher trainers, and administrators.

To determine the cost of a degree, one must consider a few different factors. The primary factor is the cost of tuition. This may be presented as a cost per credit (for example, between $1,200 and $1,500 per credit) or as a cost per semester (for example, around $20,000 for the semester). There are also a variety of fees to consider. These fees will vary at each institution and may even change from year to year. They're usually listed on the website of the school.

The first step toward unlocking scholarships and other funding options for a doctoral degree is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Completing this form is necessary for the financial aid department at your chosen school to connect you with the full range of financial aid options available to you. This may include federal grants or loans, state grants or loans, and scholarships or grants offered by the school itself. Some schools offer a complete scholarship for a certain number of doctoral semesters. In some cases, this may also include a stipend and even health insurance for a specified length of enrollment.

Outside organizations may also provide scholarships or grant money to doctoral students. While some scholarships may be targeted toward the specific field of study, there may also be grants offered for doctoral students in general, regardless of their program's subject matter. Others are offered by demographics, such as scholarships for students who identify as racial minorities.