Report an accessibility problem

Learning, Literacies and Technologies, PhD

Learning, Literacies and Technologies, PhD

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Learning, Literacies and Technologies, PhD

Click to save to my favorites

Curriculum, Development, Diversity, Education, Instruction, Interdisciplinary Studies, Intervention, Linguistics, Scholar, Teacher, Technology, cultural, literature, professional, teachers college

At one of the top-ranked colleges of education in the world, you can prepare to be a leader in thought and action while working closely with internationally recognized faculty.

Program description
Degree awarded: PHD  Learning, Literacies and Technologies

The PhD program in learning, literacies and technologies is designed to prepare scholars who address socially significant educational programs and transform preK-20 educational programs through rigorous research, transdisciplinary engagements and educational interventions. Students rely on multiple theoretical and methodological perspectives to explore, influence and transform educational institutions and their practices.

Students begin engaging in research studies during their first semester and continue throughout the four-year program. Faculty with diverse disciplinary backgrounds collaborate with doctoral students, individually and in teams, to design powerful studies, implement them in authentic settings, collect and analyze data, write research reports, and present and publish research primarily in academic journals. Students prepare to enter the academy and to conduct theoretical, conceptual and humanities based educational research. Students in these areas are encouraged to apply to the program.

Academic study and research in the learning, literacies and technologies program focuses on the nature of curriculum learning and literacies for diverse learners in various educational contexts. Furthermore, students in this program examine how the use of technologies can support learning, design learning environments and understand the conditions under which learning occurs.

Students develop areas of specialization with faculty advisors and doctoral committee members, work at the cutting edges of educational research, and thus lead the way to innovate and explore how new technologies can assist literacies for various learning contexts. Past examples of student specializations include mathematics education, gender and equity studies, science education and curriculum studies. Students are encouraged to craft their own programs of specialization and to work with faculty from across the university.

At a glance
Degree requirements

85 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (9 credit hours)
DCI 701 Transdisciplinary Seminar I (3)
DCI 702 Transdisciplinary Seminar II (3)
DCI 706 Academic Writing (3)

Specialization (15 credit hours)

Research (12 credit hours)
COE 503 Introduction to Qualitative Research (3)
DCI 752 Quantitative Research Design (3)
advanced research methods course (6)

Electives (37 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours)
DCI 799 Dissertation (12) or
PPE 799 Dissertation (12) or
SPE 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information
Students entering the doctoral program with a master's degree in a related discipline may count up to 30 credit hours from the master's degree toward the 85 credit hours. In addition, with program and Graduate College approval, a student may use up to 12 additional credit hours toward the doctorate if documentation is provided showing that those credit hours were not part of the master's degree.

As part of electives, students complete seven credit hours of inquiry courses selected in consultation with the program advisor.

Admission requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's and master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. three letters of recommendation
  4. personal statement
  5. guided writing sample
  6. curriculum vitae
  7. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

The letters of recommendation should be from individuals who can speak to the applicant's potential for success in a graduate program, and one must be from an academic who can speak to the applicant's potential for graduate study.

The personal statement should describe the applicant's interests and their reason for seeking this degree.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Career opportunities

Graduates are educational researchers who serve as scholars, leaders and teacher educators engaged in the design, development and use of literacies and technologies that promote learning. They are stewards of their educational field, working across disciplinary boundaries to address the learning challenges of the new millennium.

Career examples include:

  • college program director
  • educator
  • instructional designer
  • instructional specialist
  • professor
  • researcher
  • teacher educator
Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

click back to top