Program: Exceptional Learning, Literacy Concentration, Ph.D. - Tennessee Technological University

Degree Requirements

The Exceptional Learning Ph.D. requires 78-79 credit hours and is organized into three core areas: Core Knowledge, Research Knowledge, and Concentration Knowledge. Credit hours are classified as follows:

Core Coursework: 13 hours
Research Coursework: 21 hours
Dissertation: 15+ hours
Core Concentration Coursework: 23-24 hours
Advisor Guided Electives: 6-7 hours
Total Degree Requirements: 78-79 hours

Core Coursework (Select 13 hours)

Research Coursework (Select 21 hours)

EDU 7300 - Research Design Cr. 3.
EDU 7330 - Qualitative Inquiry in Research Cr. 3.
EDU 7340 - Data Analysis and Representation in Qualitative Inquiry Cr. 3.
EDU 7420 - Quantitative Inquiry in Education I Cr. 3.
EDU 7430 - Quantitative Inquiry in Education II Cr. 3.
EDU 7920 - Research Seminar in Education Cr. 3. *

Choose one additional research course from the following:

Note:

* only if a research-based topic

** EDUP 7410 counts as research for non-PPE concentration students

Dissertation (15 hours)

The 15 hours are generally taken in 9 & 6 hour blocks.

EDU 7990 - Research and Dissertation Cr. 1, 3, 6, 9.

Core Concentration Coursework

The Literacy concentration engages students in a continuum of exploration to develop well-rounded knowledge of literacy research, theory, and practice, as well as expand expertise in the student’s choice of topic.

EDUL 7100 - Literacy History, Theory, and Policy Cr. 3.
EDUL 7200 - Equity Literacy Cr. 3.
EDUL 7300 - Multiliteracies Cr. 3.
EDUL 7400 - Literacies of Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Populations Cr. 3.
EDUL 7500 - Linguistic Perceptions Cr. 3.
EDUL 7600 - The Literacy Professional Cr. 3.
EDUL 7700 - Theory, Methodology, & Trends in Literacy Research Cr. 3.
EDUL 7900 - Community Literacy Cr. 3.

Advisor Guided Electives

CUED 6010 - Curriculum Development and Evaluation Cr. 3.
CUED 7010 - Learning Theories Cr. 3.
CUED 7030 - Rural Schools and Communities Cr. 3.
CUED 7803 - Lab and Field Experiences in Education/Autoethnography Focus Cr. 3.
EDU 7060 - Issues in Education Cr. 3.
EDU 7950 - Doctoral Seminar: Special Topics in Education Cr. 1-6.
EDUL 7200 - Equity Literacy Cr. 3.
EDUL 7300 - Multiliteracies Cr. 3.
EDUL 7400 - Literacies of Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Populations Cr. 3.
EDUL 7500 - Linguistic Perceptions Cr. 3.
EDUP 7410 - Advanced Program Planning and Evaluation Methods I Cr. 3.
ENGL 4511 (5511) - Introduction to Descriptive Linguistics Cr. 3.
ENGL 4561 (5561) - American English Cr. 3.
ENGL 6010 - Teaching Composition Cr. 3.
FOED 6020 - Perspectives in American Education Cr. 3.
FOED 7020 - Philosophy and Public Policy Cr. 3.
SPED 6120 - Early Childhood Special Education Assessment Cr. 3.
SPED 7110 - Family Collaboration in Special Education Cr. 3.

Course Substitutions

Course Substitutions are allowed upon approval of the graduate advisory committee, department chair/director, and dean of the college.