PhD in Language and Literacy Education (Literacies and Children's Literature P-5 or 6-12)
Become an expert literacy educator-scholar in your field with our flexible, challenging Ph.D. program in Language and Literacy Education.
Develop close mentoring relationships with our award-winning faculty for support and guidance through your program. You will have numerous opportunities to apprentice on research projects, author articles and book chapters, present at national and international conferences, and teach university courses.
Curriculum
Become proficient in literacies and children’s literature through formal internships (in both research and university teaching), special courses, and independent research projects.
You will take a minimum of 46 semester hours of academic credit. This includes a minimum of 30 semester hours for admission to candidacy and a minimum of 16 hours of 8000 and 9000 level courses. Requirements include:
- An introductory seminar (LLED 8000)
- Four research methodology courses
- A research apprenticeship
- Diversity studies
The research apprenticeship pairs doctoral students with our nationally and internationally recognized faculty on a range of research activities. Past students have worked on writing grants, research design and implementation, collaborative writing and presenting, and community service work.
If you are a practicing teacher in the state of Georgia who wishes to pursue a doctorate and wants to qualify for a T6- or T7-level promotion with this degree, you will be required to take specific courses that align with your teaching field and initial certification, as determined by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. Refer to the Program of Study PDF for more details (PDF) .
In consultation with a major professor, you will form a doctoral committee made of faculty who reflect your research goals. This team charts a path through the coursework, the comprehensive examination, the prospectus, and the eventual dissertation.
Downloads
- Program of Study (PDF) (PDF)
- Ph.D. Yearly Progress Form (PDF)
- Ph.D. Student Handbook (PDF)
- Journal Articles Dissertation Format (PDF)
Our Faculty
A hallmark of our program is the close mentoring relationships doctoral candidates develop with our award-winning faculty.
Additional information and disclosures regarding state licensure for professional practice in this field can be found at the UGA Licensure Disclosure Portal .
Financial Assistance
Research Assistantships and Fellowships
A limited number of highly competitive research assistantships and fellowships are available for those who are seeking to begin their degree program in Fall (August). These assistantships offer four years of funding (tuition, the majority of fees, and a monthly stipend) and focus on research. There may also be opportunities to teach undergraduate courses, depending on the requirements of the research assistantship or fellowship. Those interested in this type of funding should apply to our degree program by January 1st. Please note that students who apply after January 1st still may be eligible for teaching assistantships. Prior to or upon notification of admission from the Graduate School, contact the Literacies and Children’s Literature (LCL) program coordinator to express your interest in applying for these awards. Award Assistantship notifications are typically sent between March and May.
Teaching Assistantships
We offer a limited number of teaching assistantships every year for those who are seeking to begin their degree program in Fall (August). These assistantships provide one year of funding (tuition, the majority of fees, and a monthly stipend) with the possibility of renewal for up to three additional years. Teaching Assistants typically serve as an Instructor of Record (IOR) for undergraduate courses offered by the department and/or provide instructional assistance to faculty teaching graduate level courses. Those interested in this type of funding should apply to our degree program by January 1st. Please note that students who apply after January 1st still may be eligible for teaching assistantships. Prior to or upon notification of admission from the Graduate School, contact the Literacies and Children’s Literature (LCL) program coordinator to express your interest in applying for these awards. Assistantship notifications are typically sent between March and May.
Additional Funding Opportunities
Please visit the following websites for more information about graduate scholarships, in-state tuition waivers, and other funding opportunities.
- UGA Graduate School: Funding Your Graduate Education
- Mary Frances Early College of Education Financial Assistance
- Regent’s Research Out-of-State Tuition Waivers Domestic Students
- Office of Global Engagement Out-of-State Tuition Waivers International Students
- UGA Career Center Listing of Part-time Campus Jobs
- Office of Student Financial Aid
How to Apply
Applicant Requirements
To be considered for our doctoral program, we:
- recommend that applicants’ undergraduate GPA be at least a 3.0 and that applicants have at least two years of teaching;
- require all applicants to have a master’s degree from an accredited college or university in an area of language and/or literacy education, or a related field; and
- require international applicants
- score at least a score of 100 on the TOEFL test, with a minimum score of 26 in speaking and 25 in writing;
- score at least a score of 7.5 on the IELTS test, with a minimum score of 8 in speaking and 7.0 in writing; and
- demonstrate proficiency with two languages as evidenced by a bachelor’s degree in English linguistics and literature OR a master’s degree where English was the medium of instruction
While completing your Graduate School application, include the required documents listed below. Beginning in Fall 2024, GRE scores are no longer required..
- Statement of Purpose that includes the emphasis area of your doctoral studies (English Education, Literacies and Children’s Literature, or TESOL or World Language Education)
- Current resume or CV
- TOEFL or IELTS scores (required for international applicants)
- Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended
- Three (3) letters of recommendation
- Writing sample of no more than 20 pages
In addition to the written application, the LCL program area requires either a face-to-face or web-based interview. ** For the 2024/2025 academic year, interviews will be conducted on January 17 and April 4, 2025.** The LCL Program Coordinator will inform applicants of the dates ahead of time.
Fall semester is the only admissions term in which funding is awarded each year. Funding consideration will be given to students who apply for Fall matriculation by January 1.
Apply to the University of Georgia
The Graduate School handles admission for all graduate programs at the University of Georgia, including those in the College of Education. The Graduate School website contains important details about the application process, orientation, and many other useful links to guide you through the process of attending UGA at the graduate level.
Deadline To Apply
- For a Fall start and consideration of funding: January 1st (international and domestic students)
- For a Summer start: March 15 (domestic students)
Additional Resources
Please use our online form if you have any questions for the department. Please be as specific as possible so that we may quickly assist you.
The College’s programs are taught by dedicated faculty who are experts in a range of areas and are passionate about helping students succeed both in their programs and professionally.
Most graduate students at UGA are not assigned to a faculty advisor until after admittance. A close working relationship with your advisor is paramount to progressing through your program of study.
Almost all in-state students begin their studies at UGA paying limited tuition or fees. Please note that these amounts are subject to change and are meant to give prospective students an idea of the costs associated with a degree at the University of Georgia College of Education.
Students may qualify for a variety of assistantships, scholarships, and other financial awards to help offset the cost of tuition, housing, and other expenses.
As a doctoral student in language and literacy education, you will find yourself immersed in a true learning community: one that cultivates a culture of well-being, belonging, contribution, communication, and exploration.
Collaborate with your peers by participating in the Journal of Language and Literacy Education, the Language & Literacy Education Graduate Organization, and the Children’s Literature Conference.
See for yourself how much UGA College of Education has to offer! Schedule a tour of campus to learn more about the UGA student experience.