Best Doctorate in Reading Teacher Education Programs
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A doctorate in reading teacher education prepares graduates for careers in academia, research, curriculum development, and school district leadership. While requirements vary by school, these doctoral reading programs usually consist of about 40-80 credits. Doctoral students often spend their first few years in the program taking coursework. Then, they spend the remainder of the program performing original research and writing their dissertations.
Completion times vary widely by school, as doctoral students spend varying amounts of time on their dissertations. However, most learners can expect to graduate in about 4-7 years. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in the 2019-2020 school year, graduate students at public schools paid an average $12,410 in annual tuition and fees. Graduate students at private schools paid $26,597 annually on average. The true cost of attending online college is often cheaper than on-campus programs.
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Read on to learn more about the best doctorate in reading education programs at both public and private universities.
Best Accredited Doctorate in Reading Teacher Education Programs
Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team
These rankings were compiled by our
BestColleges Ranking Team
and include
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Cardinal Stritch University
Milwaukee, WI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $610
Out of State | $610
Credits to Graduate
20
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Cardinal Stritch University's doctorate in language and literacy prepares graduates to succeed as literacy leaders. The curriculum focuses on teaching reading in the digital age and theoretical and instructional literacy models. Students can take extra classes to prepare for teaching licensure as well.
To qualify for admission, learners must possess a master's degree and a 3.5 GPA. The application also requires a resume and portfolio submission.
Concordia University-Chicago
River Forest, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus, Hybrid, or 100% Online | Self-Paced Classes or Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $751
Out of State | $751
Credits to Graduate
67
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
CUC's students can earn a leadership Ph.D. with a specialization in reading, language, and literacy. The curriculum examines the theoretical and evidence-based foundations of teaching literacy. This program also emphasizes equity in school and how to create an affirming learning environment. This program includes a practicum component as well.
Applicants must possess a master's degree with at least a 3.0 GPA. The application requires a rationale statement and a writing sample. This program also requires at least two years of teaching or administrative experience.
Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,570
Out of State | $1,570
Credits to Graduate
60
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
Hofstra University students can choose between a doctor of education in literacy studies or a doctor of philosophy in literacy studies. The doctor of education best suits aspiring practitioners like teachers, and the doctor of philosophy best equips future researchers. Both of the programs examine literacy from a social and historical perspective. The curriculum highlights psycholinguistic and pedagogical principles.
This program requires three years of full-time teaching experience and a master's degree in education with a minimum 3.2 GPA. The application also requires three recommendation letters and GRE scores taken within the last five years.
Judson University
Elgin, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Year
In State | $46,200
Out of State | $46,200
Credits to Graduate
76-77
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Illinois State Board of Education
Judson offers a doctor of education in literacy. The school designs this program with working professionals in mind. Classes take place one night a week and one Saturday a month. The curriculum balances research and practical applications so graduates can deliver exemplary literacy instruction.
This school offers a questionnaire to help potential students discover whether they are ready to apply. The application requires a resume and a $200 fee. Judson prefers to enroll doctorate students with a minimum 3.35 master's GPA.
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $522
Out of State | $1,445
Credits to Graduate
75
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Learners can earn a literacy studies doctorate from MTSU. Students can choose between three concentrations. These include a literacy instruction and staff development concentration, literacy measurement and analysis concentration, and reading and disabilities concentration. This program requires a research dissertation defense.
To apply, students must submit a current curriculum vitae that shows at least three years of relevant experience. The application also requires three recommendation letters and a 700-1,000 word essay.
National Louis University
Chicago, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus or Hybrid | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $774
Out of State | $774
Credits to Graduate
63
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
NLU provides a doctorate of education in reading, language, and literacy. The curriculum emphasizes critical, racial, and social justice issues in education. Students graduate with a balance of theoretical and practical knowledge. NLU students can choose electives in teaching and research or opt for field experience.
Aspiring learners must submit two recommendation letters and answer three essay questions. This program also requires individual and group interviews.
Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $834
Out of State | $1,027
Credits to Graduate
68
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Michigan Department of Education and Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
OU's doctor of philosophy in literacy, culture, and language prepares learners to contribute research to the field and apply their knowledge to the teaching profession. The curriculum focuses both on teaching adults and adolescents. OU designs this program specifically for current educators. Learners can work full time during their studies.
Applicants must submit a curriculum vitae that outlines their professional experience. The application also requires a personal essay or academic paper and three recommendation letters.
SUNY at Albany
Albany, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online, Hybrid, or On Campus | Self-Paced Classes or Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $612
Out of State | $1,104
Credits to Graduate
66
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
UAlbany offers a doctor of philosophy in literacy. This program highlights how literacy learning and development differ across the lifespan. Learners take courses on literacy as a social practice and theory and research in teaching literature. This customizable program allows students to select 27 electives.
Applicants must turn in transcripts from all the schools they attended, three recommendation letters, and official GRE scores. Applicants should also submit an academic writing sample.
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $320
Out of State | $728
Credits to Graduate
60
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Graduate students can earn a doctorate of education in literacy from SHSU. This degree emphasizes hands-on experience with teaching and research. Learners practice evaluating current literacy programs. Participants must complete a major research project and present and defend a dissertation.
This program requires a minimum 3.0 master's GPA. To qualify, applicants must possess a master's degree in literacy, reading, or a related field or at least 18 hours of graduate credit in reading or literacy.
St John's University-New York
Queens, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,265
Out of State | $1,265
Credits to Graduate
42
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Teacher Education Accreditation Council, American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education, and University Council for Educational Administration
Learners can pursue a doctorate in literacy from St. John's entirely online. This program prepares learners to teach grades K-12. Program participants' theories and strategies for teaching literacy and conducting assessments. The program also shows how to incorporate digital and social media components into lesson plans.
To qualify for admission, learners must possess a master's degree in any subject with a minimum 3.2 GPA. The application also requires two recommendation letters and a resume.
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,802
Out of State | $1,802
Credits to Graduate
90
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation
Aspiring or current literacy teachers can earn a doctorate in literacy education from Syracuse. Program participants gain real-world experience through their studies. They can publish the research and scholarly work they complete. They also practice designing useful curricula and advocating for public policy. Before graduating, they must complete at least two independent study projects.
The application requires materials like a resume, recommendation letters, and a personal statement.
Texas Woman's University
Denton, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus or Hybrid | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Semester
In State | $5,052
Out of State | Additional $7,362
Credits to Graduate
72
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
TWU offers a doctorate in reading education. Learners can choose between concentrations like literacy leadership, digital literacies, and early literacy intervention and leadership. Throughout their studies, learners hone their literacy research skills. They also practice designing and implementing reading programs. TWU offers concentrations like critical literacies and digital literacies.
Applicants need a 3.0 GPA in their undergraduate and graduate courses to qualify. They must also turn in an essay based on a prompt.
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $882
Out of State | $1,794
Credits to Graduate
69
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
UofA students can earn a doctorate in teaching, learning, and sociocultural studies with a concentration in literacies for a multilingual multimodal world. This program especially highlights justice and equity in the education field. Learners must complete two practicum courses.
To qualify for admission, applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA and a master's degree. The application also requires GRE scores and a published academic writing sample. Applicants must also write a statement of how their goals and interests align with the program.
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Little Rock, AR - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $320
Out of State | $725
Credits to Graduate
72
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
The doctorate in reading at UA Little Rock prepares learners for leadership roles in the scholarly literacy research field. Throughout their studies, learners discover literacy theories that shape modern practice. They also complete cognitive apprenticeships to gain practical experience. The program consists of four components: a literacy core, a research core, a specialty area, and a dissertation.
Applicants must possess at least a 2.7 GPA in their previous studies. They must also turn in a $40 application fee and their official transcripts.
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Cincinnati, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $746
Out of State | $926
Credits to Graduate
90
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
UC's doctorate in literacy emphasizes the linguistic and political factors that impact literacy teaching. Learners also gain supervised university teaching experience. This program offers electives like adolescent literacy and current issues in literacy. Learners must complete at least one year of the program as full-time students.
To apply, aspiring students must turn in three recommendation letters, a resume, and a statement of their goals and interests. Part of the application process may include an interview.
University of Georgia
Athens, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $370
Out of State | $1,050
Credits to Graduate
46
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
Students can earn a doctorate in language and literacy from UGA. This degree allows students to research the current issues teachers face when teaching literacy. UGA designs this program for people who currently or want to teach K-12. Many program participants submit their research projects to scholarly journals or present their findings at conferences.
To qualify, applicants must turn in an application fee, transcripts, entrance exam scores, and recommendation letters.
University of Maine
Orono, ME - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $541
Out of State | $1,623
Credits to Graduate
57
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council for the Advancement of Educator Preparation
UMaine students can earn a doctorate in literacy education. This program examines the theoretical research traditions and historical perspectives that influence the study of literacy. This competitive program only accepts 12 students at a time. So, learners receive more feedback from the faculty.
Potential students must turn in an application fee, transcripts, entrance exam scores, and recommendation letters.
University of North Texas
Denton, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Year
In State | $22,568
Out of State | $31,530
Credits to Graduate
60
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Texas Education Agency
Learners can pursue their education career goals with a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from UNT. This program prepares students to become leaders in literacy research and pedagogy. The program emphasizes social justice and equity in the education field. Students can choose between concentrations like curriculum studies or early childhood studies.
The application requires a $75 fee. Applicants must also turn in three recommendation letters and a statement of purpose. The statement of purpose must outline research interests and purpose for pursuing the degree.
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $21,438
Out of State | $21,438
Credits to Graduate
12
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
Aspiring literacy researchers can earn a doctorate in reading, writing, and literacy from Penn. This degree covers multiple subjects like multicultural issues in education and historical perspectives of literacy. The courses emphasize research, policy, and practice. Learners must also complete a dissertation and defend it before they graduate.
Applicants must turn in three recommendation letters, GRE scores, and transcripts. The application also requires an essay on why the applicant wants to attend Penn.
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $572
Out of State | $1,240
Credits to Graduate
66
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
UofSC offers a doctorate in language and literacy. While completing the program, students gain hands-on experience through internships. This program covers topics like sociocultural perspectives on literacy education and best practices for research. Program participants also complete a dissertation they can submit for publication or present at an industry conference.
The application requires a personal statement, official transcripts, resume, and recommendation letters. Applicants must also turn in an academic writing sample with references.
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $705
Out of State | $1,527
Credits to Graduate
90
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
WSU provides learners with a doctor of philosophy in educational studies with a reading, literacy, and literature concentration. This program highlights research and teaching topics for grades pre-K through 12. Learners take classes on adolescent literature and English education. They also discover how to create a curriculum and evaluate students.
To qualify, applicants must possess a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and a 3.3 graduate GPA. The application also requires an academic writing sample.
Popular Online Reading Teacher Education Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
How We Rank Schools
Each year, the BestColleges Ranking Team evaluates hundreds of programs to produce our annual Best Doctorate in Reading Teacher Education ranking. In 2022, the team sourced the most recent data available from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Navigator, both of which are hosted by the National Center for Education Statistics. We identified 21 schools that qualify for our ranking, listed in alphabetical order. The programs in our list are based on the following criteria.
- Each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution.
- Must offer a doctorate degree program in the given subject.
- Must submit an annual report to the National Center for Education Statistics.
The BestColleges Ranking Team is made up of contributors from our data science and product management teams. These contributors operate independently from the editorial team. All BestColleges school rankings are produced by the ranking team and are free of editorial influence. Read our Editorial Policy and Standards to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reading Teacher Education Programs
Is a doctorate in reading teacher education worth it?
The value of any degree, especially a terminal or doctoral degree, depends heavily on each student's goals and circumstances. However, for most learners, a doctorate in reading teacher education is ultimately worth it.
This degree can lead to high-paying positions in academia, research, and school districts. Furthermore, a terminal degree can help practicing teachers and administrators climb the career ladder, allowing them to move into supervisory and managerial roles within their fields.
What can I do with a doctorate in reading teacher education?
After you graduate with a doctorate in reading education, you can pursue careers as a professor in graduate education programs, an instructional coordinator within a school district, or as an academic researcher or educational consultant with various companies. Most of these positions require master's degrees, but a terminal degree in reading teacher education can help you stand out from the competition.
Keep in mind that no one degree can guarantee you a specific job and that demand varies by location, industry, and employer.
How long does it take to get a doctorate in reading teacher education?
Completion times for doctorate in reading teacher education vary widely by school. The main factor that affects this timeline is dissertation requirements. Doctoral students can spend varying amounts of time researching and writing their dissertations, so some learners can spend many years enrolled in doctoral programs. However, most students can earn a doctorate in reading teacher education within 3-7 years.
Some doctoral programs actually set time limits for students, requiring that they finish their dissertations and graduate within a certain number of years.
How much money can I make with a doctorate in reading teacher education?
Salary potential varies by location and field. However, doctoral degree-holders in reading teacher education may make annual salaries ranging from about $60,000-$80,000. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2021, postsecondary teachers earned a median annual wage of $79,640, while instructional coordinators made a median annual salary of $63,740.
Keep in mind that salary potential depends on several factors, including industry, employer, location, and experience. If you work in a school district, you might earn a salary based on a table or schedule that considers your highest level of education and years of service.
What are the highest-paying jobs with a doctorate in reading teacher education?
The highest-paying job for graduates with a doctorate in reading teacher education is likely a tenured education professor at a college or university. According to the BLS, as of May 2021, the highest 10% of postsecondary teachers — likely professors with significant experience and tenure — earned a median annual wage of more than $172,130.
Salary potential for professors varies by school, by department, and by tenure status. Visiting and adjunct professors generally earn lower salaries.
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