Program Overview

Program Overview

The Curriculum & Instruction: Reading Education/Language Arts program focuses on current issues in teaching and learning in literacy education through research. Our faculty engage in nationally recognized research that has the potential to improve the educational outcomes of our nation's children. In addition, they make their research accessible and understandable to both practitioners and policymakers.

Our graduates go on to become reading specialists, teachers, curriculum designers, and more. As you complete the program, you will enjoy mentorship from faculty members and an expansive curriculum. Small class sizes encourage active participation and one-on-one attention from professors.

This research-intensive doctoral program welcomes students who desire high-quality training in literacy education. The program places an emphasis on theory, rigorous research methods, and applied research.

Admission Requirements

In order to meet minimum University admission requirements, applicants must have:

• A bachelor's degree with at least a 3.0 GPA – An earned bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution, or a comparable degree from an international institution, with a minimum 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade point average (GPA) in all coursework attempted while registered as an upper-division undergraduate student working towards a bachelor's degree.
• GRE test scores. Official test results are required from the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
  • Target scores: Verbal – 151+, Quantitative – 145+, Writing – 3+
• Language proficiency test (international students only) – FSU accepts scores from TOEFL (minimum 80), IELTS (minimum 6.5), MELAB (minimum 77), Cambridge C1 Advanced Level (minimum 180), and Michigan Language Assessment (minimum 55)
• Transcripts – Applicants must submit an official transcript from each college and/or university attended.
• Admission to graduate study is a two-fold evaluation process. The Office of Admissions determines eligibility for admission to the University, and the academic department, program, or college determines admissibility to the degree program.

Applicants must upload the following REQUIRED supporting documents:

• Statement of purpose – should describe your purpose for pursuing a degree, qualifications and long-term career goals (at least two pages)
• Three letters of recommendation
• One page resume/curriculum vitae
• Writing Sample – it is acceptable to submit a paper used in another class, or one that was published.

Course/Degree Requirements

• Doctoral Degree Requirements
• Scholarly Engagement Requirement
• Doctoral Student Handbook

Tuition & Aid

Information about tuition and fees is available. You can learn more about the scholarship and aid opportunities for students.

Career Opportunities

Program graduates are prepared to become university professors, researchers, and leaders in the field.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job outlook for teachers is expected to grow 7.4% through 2026, which equates to approximately 112,800 new jobs. The job outlook for instructional leaders/coordinators is expected to grow up to 10.5% through 2026. That translates into over 17,000 new jobs nationwide. The median national annual salary range for instructional leaders/coordinators is $64,450 per year. For university or college professors, the Bureau predicts a 10.3% increase in jobs by 2026, totaling 6,600 new jobs. The median national salary is $64,780 per year.

A career in reading education & language arts can be very rewarding, and a typical path offers ample opportunities for professional development and growth. Educators make a difference in the lifelong learning experience of their students, as well as, the quality and standards of the programs they teach.