Literacy Education Specialization
Literacy is a core value embedded in societies and relates to academic performance, professional career and citizenship. At the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (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 related field.
| PhD in Education, Literacy Studies Concentration, Literacy Education Specialization | Credit Hours |
| TPTE 600 | 24 |
Research Area (must include TPTE 640)
|
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
|
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 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
Minimum 72 graduate credit hours (minimum 48 graduate coursework credit hours plus minimum 24 credit hours of dissertation)
Meet Our Faculty
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
Literacy education faculty host free virtual literacy series (#UTLitSeries)! Sessions occur once a Month and have a one-hour duration. Topics address literacy development and instruction (e.g., phonological awareness components with practices, oral language). Be sure to check out our social media pages for more information on topics and faculty hosts. All sessions are offered via Zoom, and are open to educators, parents, and policymakers. You may also access previous recordings at
Contact Information
If you have questions about the program or the course of study, please contact: Zoi A. Traga Philippakos at zphilipp@utk.edu
A222 Jane & David Bailey Education Complex
1126 Volunteer BoulevardKnoxville, TN 37996
Phone: 865-974-1920
