“I wanted to understand the research and theory around adult literacy and learning. And to do the type of work I wanted to do, I knew I would need a more advanced degree. Penn GSE opened doors I didn’t know existed.”
Ryan Miller, Ed.D., GRD'16
Bridging research and real-world practice.
The Literacy Studies, Ed.D. program features a strong commitment to educational practice and preparing practitioner-scholars to lead and innovate in the field of literacy education.
Students take part in courses and seminars specifically designed for Ed.D. students and others in Penn GSE or across the university. With guidance from their advisor, each student designs an individualized program of study that supports their professional goals and deepens their expertise in areas of literacy most relevant to their work.
Program Details
-
December 1 Application Deadline
-
Fall Entry Term
-
Full or Part-Time Enrollment Format
-
20 Courses
-
4 Years Duration (Full-Time)
-
On Campus Modality
Overview
The Literacy Studies, Ed.D. program prepares experienced educators to bridge theory, research, policy, and practice in literacy education. With a strong emphasis on educational practice and practitioner scholarship, this program equips students with the knowledge and skills to lead literacy initiatives, shape policy, and enhance learning in diverse educational settings.
Doctoral students design individualized programs of study in collaboration with their advisor, combining core coursework, research methodology, and electives to align with their professional goals. Applicants must hold a master’s degree and have prior experience in educational practice.
Areas of Concentration
Students can tailor their studies by focusing on one or more areas of concentration, including but not limited to:
- Literacy practices with families, schools, and communities
- Digital literacies and technologies for teaching and learning
- Literacy policy and leadership
- Postsecondary learning environments
- Adult literacy education
- Children’s and adolescent literature
- Teacher education across elementary, middle, and secondary curricula
- Urban education
- Critical literacies
Take the Next Step
Application Requirements and Deadlines Tuition and Fees Financial Aid
Hear From Our Alumni
Hear From Our Alumni
Ryan Miller, Ed.D., GRD'16
Admissions Events
-
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Location: Online
-
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Location: Online
Curriculum
The program includes six required courses, three research courses, and eleven electives. All students take part in courses and seminars specifically designed for Ed.D. students across Penn GSE and select an Ed.D. cognate of study. For more information on courses and requirements, visit the Literacy Studies, Ed.D. program in the University Catalog.
Do you have questions about the coursework or research?
We're here to help! Contact the program staff below:
Program Manager: Tamika Easley, teasley@upenn.edu
Administrative Assistant: Alondra Ortiz, ortizalo@upenn.edu
Outcomes
Graduates pursue leadership positions as leaders of language programs in colleges and universities, primary and secondary schools, private language schools, and online environments.
Alumni Careers
- Assistant Professor, Clemson University
- Assistant Professor of English, Temple University
- Associate Professor, Teacher College, Columbia University
- Director of Community Literacy, University of New Hampshire
- Faculty Affiliate, Haverford College Writing Center
- Gifted Support Teacher, Great Valley School District
- Language Arts Literacy Teacher, Flemington-Raritan School District
- Literacy Consultant/Professional Developer, Philadelphia Out-of-School Time Literacy Initiative
- Middle School Division Head, Woodlynde School
- Urban Education Professional, Center for Inspired Teaching
Apply Now
A graduate degree from Penn GSE opens up whole new worlds, intellectually as well as professionally. If you are a passionate, innovative, impactful leader—or aspire to be one—Penn GSE is the place for you.
Contact Us
Do you have questions about our programs, admissions requirements, or financial aid? We're here to help!
Related News
The newly named office in Catalyst @ Penn GSE merges the expertise and expands the impact of two offices: the Penn Literacy Network and the Center for Professional Learning.
From first-time presenters to seasoned scholars, the Penn GSE community showed up big at AERA 2025 with fresh ideas and powerful conversations.
Arrington aims to inspire students to think independently and be creative while demystifying and critically examining academic institutions’ expectations for writing and literacy.
The Practical English for Daily Living (PEDAL) program at Penn GSE provides an opportunity for TESOL students to practice their teaching with language learners across the University and around the world.
As teachers and researchers, Penn GSE alumni are at the forefront of the movement to educate savvy news readers who can parse fact from partisan fiction.
Nelson Flores’ Becoming the System examines how bilingual education has historically framed Latinx students through a deficit lens, urging new narratives that empower students to define their own identities.
The institutions’ memorandum of understanding is being renewed following a literacy and community engagement research conference held at Penn Oct. 14–15.
Educators face mounting challenges navigating political and social discourse, and this fall will test them. Abby Reisman offers four ways to open classroom conversations.
K–12 and college educators discussed the promise and pitfalls of AI at the conference.