Reading/Writing/Literacy, EdD

The Ed.D. in RWL 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.

Curriculum

20.0 CU's are required for the EdD.

8.0 CU's can be transferred in to the program.

Core Courses
EDUC 7323Multicultural Issues in Education1
EDUC 8334Theories of Reading1
EDUC 7313Responding to Literature: An Interdisciplinary Perspective1
EDUC 7337Research in Teaching Writing1
EDUC 8336Issues in Instructional Leadership in Reading and Writing1
EDUC 7324Literacy: Social and Historical Perspectives1
EDUC 6369Seminar in Practitioner Inquiry (Research Course)1
EDUC 9320Research Seminar in Reading and Writing (Research Core)1
Research Course
Research Course1
Distribution Course
May be waived for a research requirement1
Electives
Select 10 electives (5000 level and above)10
Total Course Units20

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.


The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2023 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.