What to Know About Earning a Ph.D. in Reading and Literacy

Educators with a Ph.D. in reading and literacy degree can pursue various career paths depending on their professional interests and objectives. They can apply their expertise in the curriculum and development, education administration, teacher training, or research fields.

Literacy remains a fundamental component of education and learning at any level. Educators with a specialization in this area can look forward to various high-paying career opportunities with ample room for professional growth and personal fulfillment.

Why Get a Ph.D. in Literacy?

Advanced leadership and top research jobs in education usually require a doctorate. A Ph.D. in reading and literacy opens career paths primarily in academia and educational research. However, the degree can also qualify learners for practice-oriented jobs, depending on their work experience and professional interests.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), professionals with a doctoral or professional degrees earn a higher median weekly salary than master's degree holders — $2,109 and $2,206 versus $1,737. Doctoral and professional degree-holders also enjoyed the lowest unemployment rate (1.6%) and (1.2%) among all workers, including master's-trained practitioners (2.0%) and graduates holding a bachelor's degree (2.2%).

What to Expect From a Reading and Literacy Graduate Program

Evidence-based literacy training in Ph.D. programs prepares candidates to produce academic research. Ph.D. programs cover literacy policies, curriculum design, and teaching methods to enhance reading and writing outcomes. Unlike Ed. D. or Ed.S. programs, which are geared toward future teachers and practitioners, a Ph.D. program focuses on research to make you an expert in literacy.

Completing a Ph.D. typically takes around 4-6 years and involves writing a dissertation. Both the Ed.D. and Ed.S. degrees take around three years to earn and involve a practical dissertation that requires applying theory and research to a literacy problem. A doctorate in reading and literacy requires students to earn about 40-80 credits.

Explore Admission Requirements

If you want to apply to enter a Ph.D. program in literacy, you typically need a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from an accredited institution. Programs typically set a minimum GPA requirement of 2.75-3.0. GRE scores may be required for Ph.D. candidates who do not meet GPA requirements or do not hold accredited degrees. Applicants must submit their materials by the deadline. These usually include:

• A short personal statement
• Resume
• Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts
• 2-3 professional or academic letters of recommendation
• An application fee

Learn More About Degree and Specialization Options

Literacy Ph.D. degree programs can empower candidates to design their learning experience according to their original research interests. They may explore early childhood education, early literacy interventions, and elementary, adolescent, and adult literacy.

Programs frequently offer opportunities to specialize in certain reading and writing areas, like literacy leadership training or teaching English as a second language. Other literacy Ph.D. programs examine literacy through a cultural, social, and/or political lens.

Discover Popular Courses

Foundation courses in a well-developed Ph.D. in reading and literacy program give students the chance to deepen their knowledge in the field and develop research, analytical, and communication skills. Most schools also grant Ph.D. candidates the opportunity to enroll in courses supporting their specific career objectives.

Understand Accreditation

Higher education accreditation refers to institutional and programmatic accreditation. The Department of Education and Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognize private agencies that accredit degree-granting colleges and universities. Attending an accredited Ph.D. literacy program means your doctoral degree meets certain standards, and you can receive federal financial aid.

Some organizations also accredit specific degree programs or departments within colleges. Ph.D. literacy programs may hold accreditation from CHEA-recognized educator preparation agencies such as the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation or the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Search CHEA's directory to verify your school or program's accreditation status.

How Much Will an Online Ph.D. in Literacy Cost?

The cost of a Ph.D. in literacy program can vary due to many factors. Programs may offer partial or full funding. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a doctoral degree in education costs an average of nearly $10,000 in tuition and fees as of 2020.

Private schools typically charge more than public schools. And attending a public school in your state of residence is typically cheaper than attending an out-of-state institution.

You can pay for your Ph.D. in literacy out of pocket or use federal financial aid. Loans, grants, and scholarships can help students offset costs.

What Can You Do With a Ph.D. in Reading and Literacy?

While a Ph.D. does not necessarily train you for an administrative role in education, you can become an expert in literacy and assume leadership positions. After graduating from a literacy Ph.D. program, you can become a college professor, researcher, or educational policy analyst.

According to Payscale, reading specialists earned an average annual salary of $58,640 as of May 2024. Per the BLS, postsecondary teachers or higher education administrators earn significantly more — making median annual salaries of $84,380 and $102,610, respectively.

According to the BLS, there were 73,240 postsecondary education teachers in the country as of May 2023. Postsecondary teachers in the lowest 10% income bracket earn $49,440, whereas those in the highest 10% earn more than $182,710 as of May 2023. Postsecondary teachers at four-year private colleges and universities earned the highest median annual salary at $88,090, while junior college instructors earned a median annual salary of $64,950.

Frequently Asked Questions About Earning a Ph.D. in Literacy

What is a Ph.D. in literacy?

During a literacy Ph.D. program, candidates spend considerable time interpreting existing reading and writing theories and developing practical applications in teaching. Ph.D. candidates conduct quantitative and qualitative research, almost always collaborating with university faculty on original research projects.

What can I do with a Ph.D. in literacy?

A Ph.D. in literacy enables you to conduct research and apply for roles in academia. This terminal degree can also help you pursue research positions at private companies.

What is the difference between a Ph.D., Ed.D., and Ed.S.?

Ed.D. and Ed.S. programs prepare graduates for work in the field, while Ph.D. programs equip candidates with the skills to perform research and teach in academia. Ed.D. and Ed.S. degrees are popular among current administrators and educators as they are less focused on research.

How long does it take to earn a Ph.D. in reading and literacy?

Expect to spend about 3-6 years completing a Ph.D. in reading and literary program. Keep in mind that doctoral programs that offer full scholarships may only cover the first 3-4 years of your studies. When candidates are unable to finish their dissertations, Ph.D. programs often take longer.

Is an online Ph.D. recognized by employers?

Employers generally respect the academic rigors of a Ph.D. program, regardless of the learning modality. Make sure you attend an accredited college, whether it's online or in person.