Best Online Doctoral Programs in Reading and Literacy

A Ph.D. in literacy is one of several advanced postgraduate credentials available to education students. Other reading and literacy doctoral programs include doctor of education (Ed.D.) and education specialist (Ed.S.) degrees. Typically, what differentiates Ph.D. programs from these other options is their focus on literacy theory and research.

With an education Ph.D., you can qualify for careers that can profoundly impact student learning experiences. Doctorate-holders often work in education research, seeking new insights into strategies and methods for improving reading-related educational outcomes. Other graduates of these programs secure postsecondary teaching positions, instructing the next generations of educators.

This degree guide explores Ph.D. literacy programs. It explains what to expect at each stage of your learning journey and examines career paths you can pursue after graduation. You can also peruse our ranked list of the best online literacy programs for doctoral students to begin your search for the right school.

Accreditation is an important feature of any program. If your school is not properly accredited, employers and other educational institutions may not consider your degree valid. Make sure any school you’re considering holds up-to-date accreditation. You can perform a check using Department of Education research tools.

The best online literacy programs may also hold specialized accreditations. Though these programmatic accreditations are optional, they can help guide you to programs whose quality has been verified through multiple sources. Agencies like the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, the International Dyslexia Association, and the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation offer programmatic accreditation for education degrees.

Programs that award a Ph.D. tend to emphasize literacy research and theory. This focus differentiates Ph.D. literacy programs from Ed.D. and Ed.S. degrees, both of which usually center on applied practice. Ed.D degrees are typically reserved for leadership-oriented practitioners, while Ed.S. programs often function as terminal professional credentials for classroom-based educators.

Credit requirements for literacy and reading Ph.D. programs vary by school. At the lower end, degrees consist of about 60 credits, while more intensive curricula cover up to 90 credits. Most programs take 3-4 years of full-time study. You may face a longer graduation timeline based on factors like academic requirements and part- or full-time enrollment.

Curricula tend to emphasize instructional theory, qualitative and quantitative research methods, and statistical analysis. In most cases, your dissertation will account for a significant portion of your overall credit requirements. Creating a dissertation typically includes proposing, writing, revising, and defending original research.

For their Ph.D. in literacy programs, schools often require candidates to hold a master’s degree in education. You may also find programs that accept applicants with a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in a closely related area, such as educational or developmental psychology.

Some programs may require standardized test scores like the GRE, while others do not consider these scores at all. Ph.D. programs in reading and literacy may stipulate that applicants hold 2-3 years of relevant professional experience. In other cases, such experience may be preferred or optional but not mandatory.

Other required application materials typically include:

Reading and literacy is already a specialized topic within the field of education. Even so, Ph.D. programs often afford learners the opportunity to build advanced expertise in narrower, more concentrated areas.

These specializations may include:

Depending on the program, you may also be able to design your own concentration or specialization through electives and dissertation research.

Specific coursework requirements for reading and literacy doctoral programs differ between schools. Programs have varying practicum, capstone, dissertation, and endorsement criteria. Students who pursue a literacy doctorate online may encounter courses similar such as:

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) cites the following average graduate school tuition costs for the 2021-22 school year:

Use these averages as indicators for estimating the costs you may face. Note that some of the best online literacy programs may cost less than their campus-based counterparts. For instance, some public schools charge all learners in-state tuition regardless of student state residency. Other schools may offer a lower online-only tuition rate.

As an online learner, budget for additional costs like:

If you need help funding your Ph.D. in literacy, start by researching scholarships, grants, and other sources of aid that do not require repayment. Many schools offer funding to Ph.D. students — including teaching and research assistantships that offer tuition remission and a stipend — so investigate these options at each school on your list. As a last resort, you can apply for federal and private loans.

Students who complete an online doctorate in literacy education can qualify for work in various fields. Some Ph.D. or Ed.D. graduates continue their classroom work as reading specialists or resource teachers, while others become elementary, middle, or high school principals.

Some graduates apply their specialized knowledge of literacy acquisition and curriculum design to careers as instructional coordinators. Others become trainers for businesses or government agencies.