Program Overview

Literacy Studies, Literacy Measurement and Analysis Concentration, Ph.D.

The Literacy Measurement and Analysis concentration of the Literacy Studies Ph.D. program at Middle Tennessee State University is designed to address one of education's most pressing needs the shortage of scholars, practitioners, administrators, and policy-makers equipped to bridge the gap between the rapidly expanding body of scientific research on the development of literacy and educational practice, policy, and professional preparation.

Program Description

This concentration will prepare students to fulfill the ever-growing demands of using data in education. Students will learn specialized knowledge about quantitative methodology, including advanced statistics, measure development, and working with large datasets to inform data-based decision-making in literacy education. Drawing on the faculty from the College of Education, the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences, and the College of Liberal Arts, this interdisciplinary program offers a flexible framework of courses, field experiences, teaching, and research opportunities designed to provide professionals in various spheres of influence with the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively address literacy challenges in the United States and beyond.

Careers

Graduates from the Literacy Studies Ph.D. Program may be employed in a variety of professional positions, including:

• College/university faculty
• Leaders in literacy reform
• Materials/test developers at publishing companies
• Leaders at federal & state education agencies
• Leaders at local districts
• Leaders in non-profit organizations
• Researchers
• School consultants
• Teacher trainers

Employers of MTSU Literacy Studies Ph.D. program alumni include:

• Austin Peay State University
• Clarksville-Montgomery County Schools
• Coastal Carolina Community College
• Colorado Department of Education
• Gestalt Community Schools
• Huntsville, Alabama, City Schools
• Lebanon Special School District
• Lipscomb University
• MTSU College of Education
• MTSU Center for the Study & Treatment of Dyslexia
• MTSU James E. Walker Library
• MTSU University Studies
• New Hope Academy
• Rutherford County Schools
• Self-Employed
• Sumner County Schools
• Tennessee Department of Education
• Tullahoma City Schools

Requirements

Admission Requirements

Admissions are based on a comprehensive assessment of a candidate's qualifications, including:

• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
• Undergraduate and graduate grade point average
• Letters of recommendation
• Prior professional experiences
• Application essay

Applicants are expected to have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.50 in master's coursework or 2.75 for a post-bachelor's applicant.

Application Procedures

All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies. Applicant must submit:

1. Application with the appropriate application fee
2. Official transcripts certifying coursework from each college or university attended
3. A current curriculum vitae showing at least three years of documented professional experience
4. A 700-1000 word essay explaining how background and objectives relate to the program's purpose
5. Three letters of recommendation from professionals who can address the applicant's interest in literacy and potential for successfully completing a doctoral program
6. Recent GRE scores (within the last five years); preferred minimum scores are Verbal 156, Quantitative 144, and a 4.5 on Analytical Writing

Degree Requirements

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Literacy Studies with a concentration in Literacy Measurement and Analysis requires completion of 75-87 semester hours with at least 70 percent at the 7000 level. Candidates are required to complete and successfully defend a research-based dissertation.

Curriculum

The following illustrates the minimum coursework requirements. In addition, a maximum of 24 hours of dissertation research may be required to fulfill degree requirements.

Major Core (36 hours)

• LITS 7010 - Literacy Development and Language Learning
• LITS 7011 - Neurobiology of Language and Literacy
• LITS 7100 - Historical Issues, Trends, and Methodologies in Literacy
• LITS 7110 - Models of Literacy Assessment
• LITS 7120 - Professional Seminar in Graduate Studies
• LITS 7130 - Literacy in the Socio-Cultural Context
• LITS 7140 - Research, Design and Methodology in Literacy
• LITS 7200 - Practicum in Literacy Studies (3 credit hours required)
• LITS 7210 - Evidence-Based Methods of Literacy Development
• LITS 7400 - Reading Comprehension: Theoretical Models and Research Methodologies
• PSY 7280 - Psychological Statistics: Regression
• PSY 7281 - Psychological Statistics: Regression Lab
• PSY 7290 - Psychological Statistics: ANOVA
• PSY 7291 - Psychological Statistics: ANOVA Lab

Literacy Measurement and Analysis Concentration (12 hours)

NOTE: Courses listed here are examples of those deemed appropriate. This list is not exhaustive. Substitutions may be arranged with the permission of a student's program advisor.

• HHP 7030 - Research Seminar in Human Performance
• INFS 5790 - Database Design and Development
• LITS 7150 - Multilingualism and Literacy
• PSY 6560 - Computer-Based Statistical Packages
• PSY 7210 - Advanced Psychometrics
• PSY 7550 - Structural Equation Modeling
• PSY 7580 - Multivariate Data Analysis
• PSY 7585 - Test Construction and Validation

Electives (15 hours)

Choose 15 hours in consultation with the academic advisor.

Dissertation (12-24 hours)

• LITS 7640 - Dissertation Research (12 credit hours required)

Faculty

• Dr. Amy Elleman, Director
• Dr. Stuart Bernstein, Professor
• Dr. Yucheng Cao, Assistant Professor
• Dr. Sungyoon Lee, Associate Professor
• Dr. Cyrille Magne, Professor
• Dr. Janna Brown McClain, Associate Professor
• Dr. Timothy N. Odegard, Professor
• Dr. Eric Oslund, Professor
• Dr. Katie Schrodt, Associate Professor

Information

For more information about the program, please refer to the program handbook or contact the program director.