Literacy Studies, PhD

The Ph.D. in Literacy Studies program prepares scholar-practitioners for positions in research universities and other educational organizations with a primary mission related to furthering knowledge in literacy and literacy education.

Students focus on developing their understanding and expertise in particular aspects of the field (e.g., teacher education, pedagogy and curriculum, leadership, policy, urban education, multicultural education, adult and community based literacy in and out of school, literacy in international contexts, etc.) and in learning to conduct research on critical issues and problems in literacy. Students are encouraged to develop one or more areas of concentration. Students choose electives from across the divisions in GSE and from other departments in the university.

For more information: https://www.gse.upenn.edu/academics/programs/literacy-studies-phd

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

The degree requirements include 5 core courses, 3 additional research courses, 1 distribution course, the remainder your choice of elective courses, and dissertation. Up to 8 graduate level CUs taken at GSE, Penn, or another institution, may be transferred into the PhD degree. 

University PhD Benchmarks

In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed:

For more information view the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.

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Required GSE Milestones

Qualifications Evaluation (Also known as Program Candidacy): A Qualifications Evaluation of each student is conducted after the completion of 6 but not more than 8 course units. The evaluation is designed by the specialization faculty and may be based on an examination or on a review of a student’s overall academic progress.

Preliminary Examination (Also known as Doctoral Candidacy): A Candidacy Examination on the major subject area is required.  The candidacy examination is a test of knowledge in the student's area of specialization, requiring students to demonstrate knowledge and reasoning in the key content areas in their specialization as defined by their academic division. This examination is normally held after the candidate has completed all required courses.

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. 

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Candidates for the Ph.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.

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Attempted each term after completing coursework to finish PhD milestones. Students will earn 3 CU's in the term they upload their dissertation and complete all requirements for the degree. Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.

Required Milestones

Qualifications Evaluation (Also known as Program Candidacy)

A Qualifications Evaluation of each student is conducted after the completion of 6 but not more than 8 course units. The evaluation is designed by the specialization faculty and may be based on an examination or on a review of a student’s overall academic progress.

Preliminary Examination (Also known as Doctoral Candidacy)

A Candidacy Examination on the major subject area is required.  The candidacy examination is a test of knowledge in the student's area of specialization, requiring students to demonstrate knowledge and reasoning in the key content areas in their specialization as defined by their academic division. This examination is normally held after the candidate has completed all required courses.

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. 

Assumes transfer of 8 CU's from a previous graduate degree. If a student does not transfer credit, they must take 8 additional courses at Penn to complete the degree. This will mean that they could take 4 CU's each term until they reach dissertation status.