The Literacy concentration engages doctoral students in a continuum of literacy exploration and study to provide a well-rounded knowledge of literacy research, theory, and practice, as well as expertise in the student's topic of choice. The Literacy concentration seeks to move beyond literacy in the classroom into broader spheres of influence, including leadership, policy, theory, and curriculum development, as well as into language and cultural realms of literacy exploration.

Literacy courses explore history and theory related to literacy instruction and the influential policies shaping the field; develop understanding of major theories and methodologies in literacy research; promote awareness and comprehension of deficit thinking and representation in education; help students counter deficit thinking and foster equity in education; investigate multiple and new literacies and their place in pedagogy and practice; and examine literacies of culturally and linguistically diverse groups.

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Top Careers

• Educational researcher
• Literacy textbook development and sales
• Tenure-track university literacy faculty
• P-12 literacy curriculum developer
• P-12 instructional coach or supervisor
• Community, regional, or state advocacy or leadership roles
• Reading specialist or literacy coach (requires licensure)

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