Literacy, Language, and Learning Ph.D.
The Literacy, Language, and Learning Ph.D. Specialty
The Doctor of Philosophy of Education in Literacy, Language, and Learning is for those with a master's degree who want to do advanced research in literacy. The program covers reading, writing, and language research, both basic and applied, and includes fieldwork. Students study important issues in preK-12 literacy education, such as early literacy, reading and writing processes, comprehension, children's literature, motivation, literacy in schools and communities, and professional development.
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“I’ve had quite the winding career trajectory since finishing my Ph.D. – worked on the tenure track at a university for a few years, left academia, returned to the schools, worked for a non-profit, published a children’s book and co-hosted a podcast, finished training as a yoga teacher and breathwork facilitator. My advice would be to remain open to possibilities; a Ph.D. is training for so many skills that open doors to lots of opportunities.”~ Naomi, Utah State Board of Education
“I really enjoyed the depth of exposure I had to principles of teaching and learning. Those theories were introduced to me when I was an undergraduate. Returning to school as a practicing teacher gave me so much insight into how we learn and how best to teach. I didn’t enter the program with plans to teach and work at the university level, but my experiences in the program opened my eyes to the potential of working at that level.”
~ Jon, BYU Professor
“I loved meeting other professionals who were equally passionate about improving their literacy practices. I've gained so many practical strategies for my classroom. I've loved learning about how different components of literacy work together and also ways to support what each student needs.”
~ Elise, Elementary teacher
“My master's program gave me the credentials I needed to feel informed in my current position as a reading interventionist. It also ignited a desire to learn more about how to help struggling readers and what's happening in their brains..”
~ Kerstin, University of Utah Reading Clinic
Questions? Contact Our Program!
Mailing Address
Literacy, Language, and Learning
Department of Educational Psychology
1721 Campus Center Drive, Room 3220
Salt Lake City, UT 84112