Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education

Literacy Education Specialization

Literacy is a core value embedded in societies and relates to academic performance, professional career, and citizenship. At UT, we support educators who strive to make a difference in their learners’ lives and future careers. Thus, we work with educators and administrators to enhance their understanding on how reading and writing develop, and on ways to support learners from the initial stages of reading, spelling, writing, and thinking acquisition to later stages of critical thinking through technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and applications, writing, while promoting self-regulation, motivation, and a growth mindset.

Note: Acceptance to the program requires a Master’s degree in Literacy, Teacher Education, Special Education, Psychology, or a related field.

PhD in Education, Literacy Studies Concentration, Literacy Education Specialization	Credit Hours
TPTE 600	24
Research Area (must include TPTE 640) TPTE640: Theoretical Analysis and Theory Construction EDPY577: Introduction to Statistics (I) OR STAT537: Statistics for Research I EDPY677: Statistics in Applied Fields II  OR EDPY659: Advanced Qualitative Research in Education EDPY559: Introduction to qualitative research PSYC580: Research Questions and Designs Other Alternatives:ESM 667: Multilevel Modeling  OTHER in consultation with advisor)	15
Core Requirements
One seminar in each of the three primary concentrations: TPTE 617, REED 602, SPED 601 or EDDE 601. Or other course from each of the three departmental PhD concentrations as selected in consultation with and approved by doctoral committee and advisor	9
TPTE 604	1
TPTE 605	1
TPTE 612	1 minimum
Concentration: Literacy Education (REED) courses These courses are the core for the Literacy Specialist Certificate REED529 REED537 REED540 SPED516 REED605 Alternative choices if the certificate is earned or if the candidate holds a literacy specialist degree: REED609 REED651 REED603 Required REED courses (If candidate has a Master’s or Certificate as a Literacy Specialist from another institution): REED605 and  REED529	15
Cognate	6

Ph.D. Program – Literacy Education Specialization

Special Course Requirements:
Odd Years: SPED601 – Seminar in Education of Exceptional, Diverse, and At-Risk Learners
Even Years: REED603 (3) – Advanced Studies of Reading

Year/Semester	Course
Year 1 – Fall	TPTE604 (1): Transdepartmental Seminar TPTE617 (3): Advanced Studies in Education EDPY559 (3): Introduction to Qualitative Research I ANTH531 (3): Ethnographic Research Methods OR ELPS617: Case Study Methods in Educational Research REED529 (3): Assessment and Instruction of PreK–3 Learners TPTE594 (1): Supervised Readings (How to read, analyze, and critique research)
Year 1 – Spring	TPTE612 (1): Internship in Educational Research TPTE640 (3): Theoretical Analysis and Theory Construction EDPY577 (3): Introduction to Statistics I OR STAT537: Statistics for Research I REED602 (3): Seminar in Literacy Development and Differences REED537 (3): Assessment and Instruction of Intermediate Learners (Grades 3–5) TPTE594 (1): Supervised Readings Literacy Program Exam 1
Year 2 – Fall	REED602 (3): Literacy and Educational Policy EDPY677 (3): Statistics in Applied Fields II REED605 (3): Transforming, Supporting, and Coaching for Effective Literacy Instruction PSYC580 (3): Research Questions and Designs Choice (3 credits)
Year 2 – Spring	REED603 (3): Advanced Studies of Reading (Even years only) EDPY659 (3): Advanced Qualitative Research in Education OR ESM667: Multilevel Modeling REED651 (3): Writing Theories, Processes, and Research in Education Choice (3 credits) Comprehensive Exams Note: Students receive comprehensive exam topics in May (End of Year 2). Comps are submitted the first week of classes in August. Results are given by end of August. If needed, revisions are due by October (Fall of Year 3).
Year 3 – Fall	Choice (3 credits) Choice (3 credits) TPTE595 (3): Grant Writing & Submission Choice (3 credits) *Goal: Submit grant application to relevant field (e.g., ILA, AERA)
Year 3 – Spring	Prospectus Due: February 15 Choice (3 credits) Choice (3 credits) Choice (3 credits) Choice (3 credits) **Students may begin taking dissertation credit (TPTE600 – 24 hours required) from Fall of Year 4 or earlier, only after passing comprehensive exams and with committee approval.
Year 4 – Fall & Spring	TPTE600: Dissertation Credits

Graduation

Minimum 72 graduate credit hours (minimum 48 graduate coursework credit hours plus minimum 24 credit hours of dissertation)

Additional Program Information

Click here to view the graduate catalog.

Meet Our Faculty

Zoi Phillippakos, Ph.D.
Associate Professor

Stergios Botzakis, Ph.D.
Professor

Marianne Rice, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor

Samantha Cooper, Ph.D.
Clinical Assistant Professor

Amanda Hufstedler
Lecturer

Contact Us

If you have questions about the program or the course of study, please contact:

Zoi Traga-Philippakos, associate professor and team lead

Email: zphilipp@utk.edu