Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

In Walden University's Ed.D. program with a specialization in Reading and Literacy Leadership, you have the opportunity to study literacy development from early childhood through adulthood, common barriers to literacy, and the challenges facing second-language learners. You can learn how literacy is defined across various settings and populations according to socio-political factors and the influence of technological innovation and social media, and you can explore how the use of technology can support literacy achievement for all learners. Literacy professional standards of practice and the leadership and communication skills needed to convey complex ideas in a way that facilitates collaboration, creativity, and positive social change are also discussed. With an emphasis on research strategies, you can become familiar with assessment tools, methods of research design, and data collection, analysis, and presentation. The program requires the completion of one face-to-face residency and an original doctoral study.

What Are the Prerequisites?

Before applying to the Ed.D. program with a specialization in Reading and Literacy Leadership, you should have already earned a master's degree and should have at least three years of related academic or work experience. Applicants may need to complete additional requirements for some programs.

What Are the Program Requirements?

The Ed.D. with a specialization in Reading and Literacy Leadership is a 54-semester credit program. It includes foundation courses, core courses, research courses, and a doctoral study intensive. Degree program curriculum and credits are subject to change. Contact Walden University for the most current information before enrolling in a program.

Ed.D. with a specialization in Reading and Literacy Leadership Course Requirements

• Foundations in Reading and Literacy Leadership
• Literacy Leadership for Today's Schools
• Applied Research in Education
• Learners and the Changing Literacy Landscape
• Assessment and Data Analysis to Support Effective Literacy Programs
• Research in Practice
• Program Development and Professional Development
• Completing the Prospectus
• Doctoral Study Intensive (two semesters)

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

As a graduate of the Ed.D. program with a specialization in Reading and Literacy Leadership, you may be prepared to effect positive social change through developing, implementing, and improving literacy programs. You may be able to find employment opportunities in public schools, private schools, colleges, and universities. Examples of positions you may wish to pursue include:

• Instructional coordinator
• Postsecondary education and literacy teacher
• Education administrator

Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.

Find information on costs, occupation types, completion rates, and median loan debt for this program at http://waldendisclosures.com.

Walden offers both state-approved educator licensure programs as well as programs and courses that do not lead to licensure or endorsements. Prospective students must review their state licensure requirements prior to enrolling. For more information, please refer to www.WaldenU.edu/educlicensure.

Prospective Alabama students: Contact the Teacher Education and Certification Division of the Alabama State Department of Education at 1-334-242-9935 or www.alsde.edu to verify that these programs qualify for teacher certification, endorsement, and/or salary benefits.

Prospective Washington state students are advised to contact the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction at 1-360-725-6275 or prof.educ@k12.wa.us to determine whether Walden's programs in the field of education are approved for teacher certification or endorsements in Washington state. Additionally, teachers are advised to contact their individual school district as to whether this program may qualify for salary advancement.

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org.