Ph.D. in Education – Reading & Literacy Studies
Advance Literacy Education at the Highest Academic Level
Regent University’s Ph.D. in Education — Reading & Literacy Studies is a 67+ credit doctoral program offered entirely online and grounded in a Christian worldview, designed for advanced practitioners and emerging scholars who are ready to pursue original inquiry at the highest academic level. Major themes include literacy theory across cognitive, linguistic, and sociocultural frameworks; the Science of Reading; advanced research methodology; policy analysis; and teacher preparation. The concentration is available in two tracks: an Endorsement track for students seeking the Reading Specialist endorsement alongside their doctoral degree, and a Non-Endorsement track for those focused on research and academic careers.
Faith-Informed Scholarship in a Distinctive Niche
Faith-based institutions are underrepresented among universities offering doctoral programs in literacy studies. This concentration is one of the only Ph.D. programs in Reading & Literacy Studies grounded in a Christian worldview — giving scholars a distinctive position from which to contribute to national conversations about literacy research, policy, and teacher preparation.
Rigorous Preparation for Scholarship
The concentration is structured to prepare candidates for post-secondary faculty roles, graduate program leadership, and positions at national literacy organizations. A progressive sequence of doctoral research courses spans qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods, with an emphasis on designing and publishing original studies at the highest level of scholarly rigor.
A Seamless Stackable Pathway
This Ph.D. concentration is the capstone of a vertically aligned degree sequence from M.Ed. to Ed.S. to Ph.D., allowing candidates to complete their entire scholarly journey within one unified program community at Regent, with faculty who know their work and research interests across multiple degree levels.
Two Tracks to Match Your Goals
The Endorsement track is designed for candidates seeking the Virginia Reading Specialist endorsement alongside their doctoral degree, which includes a supervised practicum in reading diagnosis and remediation. The Non-Endorsement track focuses on research, scholarship, and academic career preparation without the endorsement requirement.
Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.
On completing the Ph.D. in Education — Reading & Literacy Studies, candidates may be positioned to:
- Design and conduct original research that advances the field of literacy education through peer-reviewed scholarship, conference presentations, and academic publications.
- Analyze and critique literacy policy at the national and international level, developing a scholarly agenda in the science of reading and literacy reform.
- Lead doctoral-level literacy programs, research centers, and national literacy organizations, drawing on research expertise and applied experience.
Career Opportunities
- University Faculty Member in Reading, Literacy, or Language Education
- Educational Researcher
- Literacy Teacher Educator and Graduate Program Director
- Author, Consultant, or Scholar in Structured Literacy and Science of Reading
| Code | Name | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Code: EDRD 700 | Foundations of Reading | Credits: 3 | Examines evidence-based literacy instruction aligned with the Science of Reading, grounded in the historical and theoretical foundations of the field. Focuses on phonological and phonemic awareness, concepts of print, phonics, the spelling-decoding connection, basic orthographic patterns, and foundational assessment. Structured to prepare educators for explicit, systematic, and inclusive reading instruction across diverse K-12 educational settings. |
| Code: EDRD 740 | Structured Literacy, Dyslexia, & Diverse Learners | Credits: 3 | Addresses the identification and instruction of students with dyslexia and related reading disabilities through evidence-based, structured literacy approaches. Emphasizes explicit, systematic, sequential, and cumulative instruction in reading, spelling, and writing. |
| Code: EDRD 760 | Integrating Reading Comprehension & Writing Instruction | Credits: 3 | Examines evidence-based strategies connecting reading comprehension, fluency, and writing instruction. Students explore the role of fluency as a bridge to comprehension, investigate the reciprocal relationship between reading and writing, assess progress, and design interventions. Emphasis is placed on literacy as both a learning tool and communication skill, supporting student growth across classrooms through integrated, effective instruction and meaningful application. |
| Code: ETSP 784 | Reading Program Leadership, Supervision, & Coaching | Credits: 3 | Examines current trends in reading instruction, service delivery, and reading program supervision. Candidates differentiate instruction for diverse learners, advise and coach teachers, organize and supervise school-based reading programs, and contribute to division literacy plan implementation. Emphasis is placed on family and community engagement, including developing and communicating student reading plans and supporting families as partners in literacy development. Prerequisite: all coursework leading up to the reading internship. |
| Code: ETSP 785 | Literacy Research, Technology, & Digital Media | Credits: 3 | Examines major reading research and the use of technology for literacy instruction and assessment. Candidates develop expertise in visual literacy, critical media analysis, and guiding students to use digital and multimodal tools for reading, writing, and research across K–12 settings. Prerequisite: all coursework leading up to the reading internship. |
Students should refer to their catalog or audited degree plan (ADP) for required courses to complete their degree.
- Adult Education
- Advanced Educational Leadership
- Christian School Administration & Leadership
- Curriculum & Instruction
- Educational Psychology
- Educational Technology & Online Learning
- Exceptional Education Executive Leadership
- Higher Education Administration & Leadership
- K-12 School Leadership
- Special Education
Ph.D. Requirements
A Ph.D. student will (a) complete 21 hours associated with the core curriculum, (b) complete 24-26 hours associated with a concentration, (c) complete an additional 6 hours of research related credit, and (d) complete 16 hours of dissertation research credit — the total program is 67 hours. A candidate for the Ph.D. degree must present an acceptable research-based dissertation. The dissertation demonstrates that the candidate has technical competence in the field and has done research of an independent character. It must add to or modify what was previously known in the candidate’s field of interest or present a significant interpretation of the subject based upon original investigation and research.
Ph.D. students are required to take the following courses:
- EDCO 806 Multivariate Statistics (3)
- EHEA 805 Advanced Research Design & Analysis (3)
2026-27 Semester Check-In Deadlines
All students are expected to check-in for the semester two weeks before the session start date. Students should apply, be accepted, enroll in their first courses, and confirm a plan to pay for their courses prior to this date.
| Session | Semester Check-In | Session Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Session A | Friday, August 14 | Monday, August 24 |
| Session M | Friday, September 11 | Monday, September 21 |
| Session B | Friday, October 16 | Monday, October 26 |
| Session C | Wednesday, January 6 | Monday, January 11 |
| Session T | Friday, January 29 | Monday, February 8 |
| Session D | Friday, March 5 | Monday, March 15 |
| Session E | Friday, April 30 | Monday, May 10 |
| Session F | Friday, June 11 | Monday, June 21 |
Admissions Requirements
Step 1: Apply to Regent University
Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.
Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.
Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts
Submit your unofficial transcripts to regent.edu/items.
Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES or NAFSA approved agency.
Step 3: Submit Your Government-Issued ID
To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.
Step 4: Submit Your Teaching License
To be admitted, you must submit an active teaching license from your state. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.
Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.
Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.
PART-TIME STUDENTS
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts (M.A.) | $585 | 6 | $3,510 |
| Master of Education (M.Ed.) | $585 | 6 | $3,510 |
| M.S. in Library Science | $700 | 6 | $4,200 |
| Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) | $820 | 6 | $4,920 |
| Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) | $820 | 3 | $2,460 |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) | $820 | 3 | $2,460 |
Full-Time Students
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts (M.A.) | $585 | 9 | $5,265 |
| Master of Education (M.Ed.) | $585 | 9 | $5,265 |
| M.S. in Library Science | $700 | 9 | $6,300 |
| Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) | $820 | 9 | $7,380 |
| Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) | $820 | 6 | $4,920 |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) | $820 | 6 | $4,920 |
Student Fees Per Semester
| University Services Fee (On-Campus Students) | $900 (Fall & Spring) $750 (Summer) |
|---|---|
| University Services Fee (Online Students) | $750 |
Part-Time Students
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts (M.A.) | $585 | 6 | $3,510 |
| Master of Education (M.Ed.) | $585 | 6 | $3,510 |
| M.S. in Library Science | $700 | 6 | $4,200 |
| Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) | $820 | 6 | $4,920 |
| Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) | $820 | 3 | $2,460 |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) | $820 | 3 | $2,460 |
Full-Time Students
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts (M.A.) | $585 | 9 | $5,265 |
| Master of Education (M.Ed.) | $585 | 9 | $5,265 |
| M.S. in Library Science | $700 | 9 | $6,300 |
| Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) | $820 | 9 | $7,380 |
| Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) | $820 | 6 | $4,920 |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) | $820 | 6 | $4,920 |
Student Fees Per Semester
| University Services Fee (On-Campus Students) | $900 (Fall & Spring) $750 (Summer) |
|---|---|
| University Services Fee (Online Students) | $750 |
*Rates are subject to change at any time.