The purpose of the Ed.D. degree is to prepare professionals who can lead the development and improvement of literacy education.  These professionals will contribute to the application and creation of knowledge through the analysis of literacy learning and/or teaching or through the analysis of issues related to program development.

The program requires 72 credits of study beyond the bachelor of arts degree.  Students develop a broad understanding of literacy issues, develop a repertoire of research tools, develop an understanding of how their work relates to the work of other disciplines both within and outside the Graduate School of Education, and pursue an inquiry in an area of special interest. In addition to course work, students are required to write a qualifying paper, pass a qualifying exam, propose and complete an original research project, and complete and defend a dissertation based on that research.

Each student will be assigned an academic advisor upon being into the program. Students should meet with their advisors each semester and should work with them to develop the student's Proposed Degree Programs, which must be filed within the first 18 credits after matriculation. Students may request a new advisor at any time prior to filing a Proposed Degree Program. Please note: the academic advisor does not have to serve as the chair of the dissertation committee.