Leadership Doctoral Programs

Reading, Language, and Literacy Specialization

In-Person or Online 61 credits Ed.D * 67 credits Ph.D

Affordable Tuition

$522/mo

*if using financial aid

How to Pay

Program Overview

Concordia University Chicago’s Leadership Ed.D/Ph.D program with a specialization in Reading, Language and Literacy provides a theoretical and practical framework for literacy instruction and assessment within an emphasis on current research, theory, reading, writing and multiliteracy programs. Our graduates are prepared to become faculty and leaders in the creation and implementation of research-based literacy programs in a variety of settings, including public and private schools, colleges and universities, adult and community-based outreach programs, corporate training settings and nonprofit educational endeavors.

**Program begins in Spring and Fall Only**

Learning Objectives

This program enables students to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of major theoretical, conceptual, and evidence-based foundations of literacy and language, the ways in which they interrelate, and the role of the reading/literacy specialist in schools.
  • Use foundational knowledge to design literacy curricula to meet needs of learners, especially those who experience difficulty with literacy; design, implement, and evaluate small-group and individual evidence-based literacy instruction for learners; collaborate with teachers to implement effective literacy practices.
  • Understand, select and uses valid, reliable, fair, and appropriate assessment tools to screen, diagnose, and measure student literacy achievement; inform instruction and evaluate interventions; assist teachers in their understanding and use of assessment results; advocate for appropriate literacy practices to relevant stakeholders.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of research, relevant theories, pedagogies, and essential concepts of diversity and equity; demonstrate an understanding of themselves and others as cultural beings; create classrooms and schools that are inclusive and affirming; advocate for equity at school, district, and community levels.
  • Meet the developmental needs of all learners and collaborate with school personnel to use a variety of print and digital materials to engage and motivate all learners; integrate digital technologies in appropriate, safe, and effective ways; foster a positive climate that supports a literacy-rich learning environment.
  • Demonstrate the ability to be reflective literacy professionals, who apply their knowledge of adult learning to work collaboratively with colleagues; demonstrate their leadership and facilitation skills; advocate on behalf of teachers, students, families, and communities.
  • Complete supervised, integrated, extended practica/clinical experiences that include intervention work with students and working with peers and experienced colleagues; practica include ongoing school-based setting(s); supervision includes observation and ongoing feedback by qualified supervisors.
    (Source: International Literacy Association Reading/Literacy Specialist Standards, 2017)

Admission Requirements

  • Completion of Master’s Degree at a regionally accredited university with a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • At least 3 years experience in an education/literacy-related field
  • All other doctoral requirements outlined by the College of Graduate and Innovative Programs

Degree Requirements

  • 61-67 hours of coursework
  • Capstone experience embedded in two semesters of internship
  • Comprehensive Examinations
  • Dissertation

Degree Requirements for Ed.D. Track

Course NumberTitleHours
 Doctoral Program Core 
EDL-7140Organizational Change3
EDL-7210Policy Analysis3
EDL-7300Ethics for Educational Leaders3
FPR-7011Philosophical and Theoretical Foundations of Leadership3
 Research and Statistics 
RES-7605Quantitative Analysis3
RES-7700Qualitative Research3
RES-7900Research Design4
 Comprehensive Exam and Dissertation 
COMP-7000Comprehensive Examination (fee-based)0
DISS-7010Dissertation I3
DISS-7020Dissertation II3
DISS-7030Dissertation III*3
 Reading, Language, and Literacy Core Courses 
RLL-7000Trends and Issues in Literacy Research3
RLL-7010Instructional Approaches to Reading, Writing and Language3
RLL-7020Development and Evaluation of Literacy Programs3
RLL-7030Policy and Politics of Reading, Language and Literacy3
RLL-7040Cultural and Socioeconomic Perspectives of Literature and Literacy3
RLL-7050Multiliteracies3
RLL-7060 & RLL-7061Reading, Language and Literacy: Internship I and Reading, Language and Literacy: Internship II (32 weeks)6
RLL-7200Literacy Supervision, Leadership and Coaching3
RLL-7310Writing is Recorded Thinking: Research, Theory and Application3
 Total Credit Hours:61

*Upon completion of the nine required hours of dissertation coursework, candidates must maintain continuous enrollment with DISS-8000 Dissertation Supervision until program completion.

Degree Requirements for Ph.D. Track

Course NumberTitleHours
 Doctoral Program Core 
EDL-7140Organizational Change3
EDL-7210Policy Analysis3
EDL-7300Ethics for Educational Leaders3
FPR-7011Philosophical and Theoretical Foundations of Leadership3
 Research and Statistics 
RES-7605Quantitative Analysis3
RES-7700Qualitative Research3
RES-7900Research Design4
RES-7620 or RES-7710Advanced Topics in Statistics or Advanced Qualitative Analysis3
 Comprehensive Exam and Dissertation 
COMP-7000Comprehensive Examination (fee-based)0
DISS-7010Dissertation I3
DISS-7020Dissertation II3
DISS-7030Dissertation III*3
 Reading, Language, and Literacy Core Courses 
RLL-7000Trends and Issues in Literacy Research3
RLL-7010Instructional Approaches to Reading, Writing and Language3
RLL-7020Development and Evaluation of Literacy Programs3
RLL-7030Policy and Politics of Reading, Language and Literacy3
RLL-7040Cultural and Socioeconomic Perspectives of Literature and Literacy3
RLL-7050Multiliteracies3
RLL-7060 & RLL-7061Reading, Language and Literacy: Internship I and Reading, Language and Literacy: Internship II (32 weeks)6
RLL-7200Literacy Supervision, Leadership and Coaching3
RLL-7310Writing is Recorded Thinking: Research, Theory and Application3
RLL-7000Trends and Issues in Literacy Research3
 Total Credit Hours:67

* Upon completion of the nine required hours of dissertation coursework, candidates must maintain continuous enrollment with DISS-8000 Dissertation Supervision until program completion.