Doctor of Education in Literacy

TURN THE PAGE: Earning a doctorate is just that -- it’s earned.

It requires dedication and sacrifice, yet the rewards are far-reaching. This doctoral program is designed for educators seeking a deeper understanding of the powerful role literacy plays in the lives of all readers and writers. Before you is a chapter in an unwritten story. Look within. Consider the commitment. Envision the potential.

About the DLIT Program

Doctor of Education in Literacy Degree

The Doctor of Education in Literacy program at Judson University graduates exemplary literacy educators prepared to make substantial contributions to the profession as writers, speakers, teachers, and researchers. The program is designed for educators seeking a deeper understanding of the powerful role literacy plays in the lives of all learners. Throughout the program, doctoral students are immersed in a collaborative culture that is purposefully designed to enhance their scholarly abilities. The program of study provides a strong academic foundation, examining traditional practices through a contemporary lens.

Doctoral students have the opportunity to demonstrate their professional competencies through a series of distinctive benchmarks related to the six program outcomes of content knowledge, teaching, research, writing, speaking, and leadership. The dissertation process is uniquely crafted to provide students with sustained support that is integrated throughout the research and writing experience. Doctoral students progress through their four-year program as contributing members of a small and dynamic cohort.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the Doctor of Education in Literacy program will:

Exhibit content confidence.
Develop expertise for critical thinking and informed decision-making.
Deliver exemplary literacy instruction.
Cultivate learners to become divergent thinkers and inspired readers and writers.
Articulate a comprehensive knowledge of educational research.
Demonstrate scholarly proficiency in critiquing, synthesizing, conducting, and applying research in the field of education.
Produce exemplary written communication.
Apply exceptional skills when writing for a variety of audiences and purposes.
Speak effectively to listeners in a variety of settings.
Synthesize the process of preparing and organizing content for delivery that engages audiences.
Provide leadership in the profession.
Foster growth in practitioners and other educational leaders that deepens their understanding of best practice, encourages engagement, and promotes collaboration.

Program Distinctives

Program developed by and courses taught by experts in literacy education
Dissertation process with integrated support throughout the program
Candidates complete authentic benchmark assessments as opposed to a traditional comprehensive examination
Classes held one night a week and one Saturday a month during the school year (summer calendars vary)
Intentional focus on literacy and instruction
Cohorts are small and community-oriented
Course texts included with tuition (for residential students only)
Complimentary attendance at Literacy in Motion conferences

Complimentary attendance at A Day at Judson seminars
Skype and/or live opportunities to meet and talk with prominent authors and researchers
Program completed in under four years
Cohort trips to the International Literacy Association Conference and the Literacy Research Association Conference included with tuition
Three-year membership provided in the International Literacy Association and the Literacy Research Association
Subscription to Reading Research Quarterly and Journal of Literacy Research included throughout the program