Literacy Studies, EdD
The Ed.D. in Literacy Studies features a strong commitment to educational practice and preparing practitioner-scholars. Ed.D. applicants are required to hold a master’s degree and are expected to have experience in educational practice. This Ed.D. program trains practitioner-scholars for positions involving the practice of education in schools, school districts, colleges and universities, government agencies, foundations, entrepreneurial ventures, and consulting organizations. Students construct individual programs of study with their advisor to suit their interests, combining core courses with additional coursework in research methodology and electives. The program emphasizes the interrelationships and integration of theory, research, policy, and practice.
For more information: https://www.gse.upenn.edu/academics/programs/literacy-studies-edd
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2026 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.
Curriculum
8.0 CU's can be transferred in to the program.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| EDUC 7323 | Multicultural Issues in Education | 1 |
| EDUC 8334 | Critical Literacy: Reading the self, texts and the world | 1 |
| EDUC 7337 | Research in Teaching Writing | 1 |
| EDUC 7324 | Literacy: Social and Historical Perspectives | 1 |
| EDUC 6369 | Participatory Methods in Education (Research Course) | 1 |
| EDUC 9320 | Proposal Writing Seminar (Research Core) | 1 |
| EDUC 9950 | Dissertation 1 | 3 |
| Research Course | ||
| Research Course (Attribute = GDRW) | 1 | |
| Distribution Course | ||
| Select 1 Distribution Course 2 | 1 | |
| May be waived for a research requirement | ||
| Electives | ||
| Select 12 electives (5000 level and above) | 12 | |
| Total Course Units | 23 | |
Required Milestones
Qualifications Evaluation (Also known as Program Candidacy)
The purpose of program candidacy is to provide rigorous review and feedback to Ed.D. students regarding their academic progress within the first two years of study. Program candidacy is a prerequisite to doctoral candidacy.
Preliminary Examination (Also known as Doctoral Candidacy)
The preliminary examination is a test of knowledge in the candidate’s area of specialization. The examination requires students to demonstrate knowledge and reasoning in the key content areas in their specialization as specified by the academic division. The format of the examination varies from program to program, but must include at least six hours of examination, at least three hours of which must be written.
Oral Proposal
All doctoral candidates must present their dissertation proposals orally and in person to the dissertation committee.
Final Defense of the Dissertation
The final dissertation defense is approximately two hours in length and is based upon the candidate’s dissertation.
- 1
Attempted each term after completing coursework to finish EdD milestones. Students will earn 3 CU's in the term they upload their dissertation and complete all requirements for the degree. Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.
- 2
Candidates for the Ed.D. degree must demonstrate knowledge of the field of education beyond the area of specialization. This requirement is met by satisfying the distribution requirement. To meet the distribution requirement, students must complete one graduate level (5000 and above) GSE course outside of Literacy Studies, earning a grade of "B" or better. Students should check with their program manager for a list of courses approved to fulfill the distribution requirement. Further requirements regarding these courses may be specified by each division.
Required Milestones:
Qualifications Evaluation (Also known as Program Candidacy)
The purpose of program candidacy is to provide rigorous review and feedback to Ed.D. students regarding their academic progress within the first two years of study. Program candidacy is a prerequisite to doctoral candidacy.
Preliminary Examinations (Also known as Doctoral Candidacy)
The preliminary examination is a test of knowledge in the candidate’s area of specialization. The examination requires students to demonstrate knowledge and reasoning in the key content areas in their specialization as specified by the academic division. The format of the examination varies from program to program, but must include at least six hours of examination, at least three hours of which must be written.
Oral Proposal
All doctoral candidates must present their dissertation proposals orally and in person to the dissertation committee.
Final Defense of the Dissertation
The final dissertation defense is approximately two hours in length and is based upon the candidate’s dissertation.
Dissertation Supervision Registration
For students registered after the sixth semester of the program, registration for consecutive semesters is required in the form of dissertation supervision (EDUC 9950). Applicable Penn tuition and fees will apply.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Course Units | |
| EDUC 7324 | Literacy: Social and Historical Perspectives | 1 |
| Research Course | 1 | |
| Elective | 1 | |
| Transfer Credit | 8 | |
| Course Units | 11.00 | |
| Spring | ||
| EDUC 6369 | Participatory Methods in Education | 1 |
| Electives | 2 | |
| Course Units | 3.00 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| EDUC 7323 | Multicultural Issues in Education | 1 |
| EDUC 8334 | Critical Literacy: Reading the self, texts and the world | 1 |
| Distribution | 1 | |
| Course Units | 3.00 | |
| Spring | ||
| EDUC 7337 | Research in Teaching Writing | 1 |
| EDUC 9320 | Proposal Writing Seminar | 1 |
| Elective | 1 | |
| Course Units | 3.00 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| EDUC 9950 | Dissertation | Attempting 3 |
| Course Units | 0.00 | |
| Spring | ||
| EDUC 9950 | Dissertation | Attempting 3 |
| Course Units | 0.00 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| EDUC 9950 | Dissertation | Attempting 3 |
| Course Units | 0.00 | |
| Spring | ||
| EDUC 9950 | Dissertation | 3 |
| Course Units | 3.00 | |
| Total Course Units | 23.00 | |
Plan assumes 8 CU's of transfer credit from previous graduate degree. If a student is not transferring in 8 CU's, then they would need to take four courses per term to finish in four years.