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Online Ph.D. in Literacy

Lead the Future of Literacy Education

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Strengthen Literacy Instruction Across Schools and Systems

Literacy shapes how students engage with every subject, every classroom, and every opportunity that follows. The online Ph.D. in literacy at St. John’s is built for educators who want to understand why some learners struggle to read and how research, instruction, and leadership can change those outcomes.  

Through close collaboration with faculty mentors and a strong emphasis on inquiry, you’ll examine literacy challenges across grade levels, populations, and contexts while developing the skills to translate research into practice. Designed for working professionals, our program offers the flexibility to pursue doctoral study while building the expertise needed to influence instruction, support educators, and advance equity and social justice in literacy education across schools and communities. 

Time to Complete

30 months 

Application Deadlines

Rolling admission with priority deadlines of April 1 (fall) and October 1 (spring)

Credit Hours

42

Cost per Credit

$1,640

Program Details

The Ph.D. in Literacy is designed for educators who don't want to just implement literacy programs but understand how and why they work. The program invites you to examine how reading and writing develop, why some learners struggle, and how instruction, leadership, and research can improve outcomes across classrooms and communities.  

Alongside advanced study in literacy theory and leadership, you can build strong research skills grounded in research in literacy for diverse and at-risk learners, allowing you to investigate real challenges facing schools and translate findings into practice. Faculty mentorship and a structured dissertation process support you as you develop original research, while opportunities to pursue a TESOL specialization for English learners let you connect your doctoral work directly to the populations and settings you serve. 

Curriculum

Build Advanced Expertise in Literacy Research and Practice

The literacy doctorate program at St. John’s Online blends rigorous scholarly preparation with applied learning, supporting professionals who want to strengthen instruction, leadership, and research-driven decision-making across educational settings. The program examines how literacy develops across learners and contexts, how research can address persistent reading challenges, and how educators can translate findings into effective practice in classrooms, schools, and districts. Delivered through 100-percent online doctoral coursework, the program is structured to support working professionals. 

What You’ll Experience:

  • In-depth exploration of reading and writing development, literacy leadership, and adult and K-12 literacy coaching strategies, with a focus on diverse and at-risk learners
  • Advanced preparation in qualitative and mixed-methods research design, analysis, and interpretation to support evidence-based literacy initiatives
  • A structured dissertation process supported by faculty mentorship and aligned with professional literacy practice and applied research goals 

Admission & Aid

St. John’s works to make your online Ph.D. in Literacy both affordable and accessible. The admissions process is designed to be clear and flexible, with a holistic review of your academic background and interests, plus an online portal that keeps every requirement in one place from application to decision. By submitting the FAFSA, you may qualify for grants, loans, and other forms of aid that help you plan confidently. Advisors can also walk you through tuition details, cost expectations, and funding options to ensure you build a sustainable financial plan.  

Students seeking federal aid assistance like federal student loans are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). St. John's University's Federal School Code is 002823. Visit studentaid.gov to review basic eligibility requirements, program details, and to complete the FAFSA. 

Your Next Steps: 

Lead Improved Literacy Through Research

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many credits are required to complete the online Ph.D. in Literacy?

The program requires 42 total credit hours, including core literacy coursework, research methods, and the dissertation sequence.

How long does it take to finish the program?

Students can complete the online Ph.D. in Literacy in approximately 30 months, depending on course load and dissertation progress.

Is the literacy doctorate program offered fully online?

Yes. The program is delivered 100 percent online, allowing students to complete coursework and research without relocating.

What is the cost per credit for the program?

Tuition is $1,640 per credit, not including applicable University and General Fees.

What types of research training are included?

The curriculum includes qualitative, mixed-methods, and data analysis coursework, preparing students to conduct and evaluate literacy research across educational settings.

What roles does the Ph.D. in Literacy prepare graduates for?

Graduates are prepared for advanced roles in literacy coaching, curriculum leadership, educational research, postsecondary teaching, and district-level instructional leadership across K–12 and higher education.

Lead in Literacy

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