富二代视频app University’s online Doctor of Education in Literacy Studies offers a dynamic learning community that explores communicative practices in the 21st century. Because literacy is integral to all learning, students from diverse disciplines find relevance in the program. The curriculum is built on a strong core of theory, research and practice to advance the field of literacy and promote culturally responsive, effective practices for learners of all backgrounds. As leaders of their classrooms, institutions and communities, graduates of SU’s Ed.D. program are creating change that matters.
The Department of Leadership and Literacy Studies in 富二代视频app University’s Seidel School of Education proudly celebrates the success of its doctoral candidates in the Literacy Studies program who defended their dissertations during the Fall 2024 semester.
A doctorate in education prepares students for careers both in and outside of academia. Ed.D. graduates advance their careers in higher education, prek-12 education, and community contexts. Students work with their advisor to ensure a focus throughout their learning that aligns with their career goals.
Why Choose a Doctor of Education at 富二代视频app University?
SU offers an Ed.D. program that is nationally recognized and provides the individualized attention you need to achieve success in your field, no matter what your goals. At SU, we embrace your unique journey. The course framework builds the foundation of your study, but you decide the area of focus. Experienced faculty guide and mentor your research, but you choose the destination. Research completed by program graduates includes such diverse topics as the composing practices of multiracial college students, after school writing clubs in elementary contexts, disciplinary literacy in medical lab science, historical storytelling in museums, and the reading lives of secondary English teachers.
Some key strengths of our program include:
A supportive and diverse community. SU’s Ed.D. program is designed as a cohort model – so even though you are taking courses online, you are connected with a community of peers to keep you engaged and help you grow as a professional. Our students come from diverse settings and build strong relationships with each other as they work collaboratively throughout their doctoral journey.
Dedicated faculty and individualized mentorship. Our faculty are known as outstanding teachers and engaged researchers. They provide extensive advising, working with students to prepare them for success in their chosen career paths. Even in an online setting, you will receive the individualized attention you need to achieve your goals.
Rich opportunities for experiential learning. Our students gain real-world experience by joining research partnerships with experienced faculty in diverse educational contexts. They also have the opportunity to gain teaching experience in higher education in SU’s graduate and undergraduate programs.
A distinguished program. Our Ed.D. program is a proud member of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate, a national consortium of institutions that works together to ensure the Ed.D. is a rigorous and relevant degree that prepares educators to be agents of change. What this means for our students is they learn and grow in a program that is involved at a national level, while they receive attention to their local professional context.
Faculty with Scholarly Expertise and Applied Professional Experience
With a strong history of involvement in public education from PreK-college, our faculty understand the multiple challenges facing today’s educators They are national leaders in literacy learning and research. In addition to publishing innovative research and presenting at national conferences, they also serve as journal editors and editorial board members. Most importantly, they are focused on serving their students by providing rich educational opportunities.
Meet Melissa – Ed.D. in Literacy Studies
Learn how SU students are using their research to create change in their communities.
We encourage students to explore their own inquiries rather than working toward 'the single correct answer.’ We support students negotiating diverse perspectives to interpret literacy research and pedagogy in dialogue with their own literacy experiences.
Dr. Koomi KimProfessor Department of Leadership and Literacy Studies
Program Admission
Our application process includes a holistic review of all your application materials. We admit a cohort of students once a year. The program begins in the summer.
July 1 - Application opens for online EdD program.
December 1 - Early Decision deadline and first review date. Applicants who apply by this deadline will be notified of a decision by December 15. Admitted students who accept the offer of admission and matriculate by January 15 may be eligible to receive a $500 scholarship toward the first class. Admitted students are also eligible to apply for the Christopher scholarship.
March 15 - Priority deadline and second review date. Applicants who apply by this deadline will be notified by April 6. Admitted students are eligible to apply for the Christopher scholarship.
May 1 - Final deadline to apply. Applicants will be notified by May 15.
The Ed.D. is an advanced degree, and candidates must hold a master’s degree in literacy, education, or a closely related field with a GPA of 3.5. Preference is given to applicants who have at least three years of applicable professional experience.
The program admits one cohort each year to begin study in the summer semester. Admission is competitive and potential students are encouraged to begin the application process early.
Admission to the Ed.D. program requires applicants to submit the following items:
Application for Graduate Admission at 富二代视频app University, which can be done by visiting our .
Statement of interest.
Upload a two-page statement of intent that provides the admissions committee with information regarding why you believe a program in literacy is an appropriate fit for you, its relevance to your career goals, and potential literacy research interests.
Writing sample
Upload a writing sample (no longer than 25 pages) that demonstrates your ability to be successful with graduate level writing. Examples include:
Master’s program paper
National Board portfolio sample
Published editorial
Sample of professional development delivered at your school
Advocacy materials you have developed
Conference paper
Curriculum vita or resume
Official transcripts from each college or university you attended. (Applicants with coursework on file at SU do not need to provide official transcripts for SU credit hours). Transcripts should be sent to:
Paper: Graduate School 富二代视频app, 1101 Camden Avenue, 富二代视频app, MD 21801
Submit three professional letters of recommendation, usually from persons such as professors, employers, supervisors, professional colleagues, and community associates.
Applicants will enter the following information for each of your recommenders: Name, address, business email address, phone number, institution or employer, and title.
It is important to enter all recommenders’ business email addresses correctly so they receive the automated email instructing them how to proceed with their recommendation through the online process. Please note that a business (and not a personal) email is required for all recommenders.
Financial Information and Scholarships
Please see the following financial aid resources available for doctoral study in our program.
Christopher Scholars Program provides competitive scholarships to incoming doctoral students in the Literacy Studies doctoral program. To be eligible, the student must submit their application by the priority deadline.
Diane D. Allen Scholarship
The Diane D. Allen Scholarship supports dissertation research in the Literacy Studies doctoral program. The scholarship is awarded to a current student in the program. Award notification will occur in the summer.
Judith K. Franzak Literacy Studies Endowment
The Judith K. Franzak Literacy Studies Endowment provides financial support to doctoral students who present their research at national or international conferences.
Holmes Scholars Program
The 富二代视频app University Holmes Scholar program in the Seidel School of Education offers academic support, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to graduate students studying for degrees in education who self-identify as racially and ethnically diverse.
The Literacy Studies doctoral program offers two Graduate Assistant (GA) positions. Assistants are eligible to receive a stipend and tuition waiver of up to 18 credits per fiscal year. To be eligible, students must be enrolled full time. A full-time assistantship requires a time commitment of 20 hours per week.
To check for additional Graduate Assistantship opportunities at 富二代视频app University, please visit the Graduate Assistantships page.
Demonstrate the ability to ground professional practice in literacy theory and research.
Be able to write about literacy and education in relation to equity and social justice for multiple audiences.
Demonstrate the ability to identify, contextualize, and develop solutions that address problems of literacy practice in varied educational and community contexts.
Demonstrate the ability to use data to critically understand and evaluate the effects of developed innovations on problems of literacy practice.
Demonstrate the ability to apply critical inquiry to and through formal and informal contexts.
Demonstrate the ability to evaluate and make recommendations to improve the quality of services within literacy contexts through applied research and evaluation of local, state, and national policies and practices.
Demonstrate the ability to broadly disseminate research that has the potential to resolve critical problems of literacy practice.
Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of equity and social justice in shaping their approach(es) to solving problems of literacy practice.
