Recent Employers
- West Chester University
- Lower Marion School District
- Kutztown University
- Tredyffrin/Easttown School District
- Chester County Intermediate Unit
Graduate Programs
Cognitive Studies in Literacy (EdD)
An online cognitive studies in literacy degree will prepare you for a fulfilling career as an instructional leader in schools, higher education, and private practice, tackling challenges and rewards of literacy education at all levels.
We Are No Longer Accepting Applications
The Center for Education is no longer accepting new students into its graduate education programs.
At a Glance
Click to OpenOffered as
Doctor of Education
Certification
Format
100% Online
Credits
Doctorate: 60
Certification: 12
College/School
Offered 100% online, our cognitive studies in literacy doctoral program is grounded in research and theory that supports models of reading instruction and remediation of reading difficulties. We emphasize issues in special education and language development related to literacy.
Our flexible, part-time program fits your needs as a busy professional through online courses. We also offer a 12-credit instructional coaching endorsement certification for working professionals who want to add the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) endorsement to their existing teaching certificate.
When you graduate, you'll have the knowledge and understanding needed to assess students’ language and reading difficulties and help them thrive as readers.
Cognitive Studies in Literacy Program Options
Build your professional reputation and skills while earning your doctoral degree at your own pace in the 100% online cognitive studies in literacy doctoral program.
You'll have the advantage of a customized approach to earning your degree, tailoring your graduate study to support your particular area of focus and desired career goals. Collaborating with your professors and advisor, you'll develop an individualized academic plan tailored to balance your professional and personal lifestyle with your education goals.
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The dissertation problem you address will pertain to literacy and contribute to improved practice within the field.
By participating in dissertation research, you will develop problem-solving skills and a connection to the pedagogical world. Your valuable research experience could lead to publications and presentations at local, national, and international conferences.
Recent doctoral dissertations examined brain injury and inferences in reading, visualization as an aid to vocabulary acquisition, and using technology to enhance writing by resistant high school students.
You must complete your doctoral dissertation within four years of doctoral candidacy.
Dissertation Completion Option
Widener's dissertation completion option is for students who have completed—or nearly completed—their doctoral coursework in reading with only the dissertation remaining.
Our faculty mentors will personally review your transcript to determine any doctoral requirements needed to put you on track for successful completion of the dissertation and success after graduation. For some, this will mean their 12 dissertation credits, which can be completed in as little as 4 semesters, while others will be guided to take additional coursework or research classes.
The Center for Education offers certified reading specialists a Pre-K-12 Instructional Coach endorsement certificate through a peer coaching framework in Pre-K–12 classrooms, with the option for you to become an Instructional Coach or choose to specialize in Literacy (Instructional Coaching-Literacy Emphasis Endorsement).
The Instructional Coaching Endorsement is available for reading specialists who desire to further strengthen their professional knowledge and skills in instructional coaching. Widener University’s Instructional Coaching Program will be based on current Pennsylvania Standards Aligned Curriculum and address the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Instructional Coach Endorsement Competencies as well asThe International Literacy Association’s (ILA) Standards for Reading Professionals—Revised 2010.
The 12-credit Instructional Coaching Endorsement Program will consist of a sequence of four graduate courses with a minimum of 45 hours of field experiences. It will be possible for candidates to meet this requirement within one year.
This program is recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).
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Career Outlook for Cognitive Studies in Literacy Students
Why Choose Cognitive Studies in Literacy at Widener?
Experience Mentorship & Individualized Attention
Choosing Widener’s doctorate in cognitive studies in reading is an investment in you—your education, your career, and your future. Our cognitive studies in reading doctoral program provides you with a rich mentoring environment. You’ll learn from respected faculty who work closely with you to help you become a strong and effective leader.
Build a Network of Supportive Relationships
You'll take online courses as part of a professional learning community, where your knowledge and work experience are integrated with others. You'll have the fast-track to developing leadership, consultative, and collaborative skills.
You'll also have the opportunity to join various clubs and organizations to build relationships outside the classroom, including the Alpha Upsilon Alpha and Kappa Delta Pi honor societies, and many more.
Cognitive Studies in Literacy Program Highlights
Our Faculty
"My teaching focuses upon cognitive processing and application. In this regard, critical literacy complements the cognitive learning process. Critical literacy is the ability to actively read a text that promotes an understanding of social concepts and human relationships."
Admissions & Aid
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!
Admissions Information
- Completed online application
- $35 application fee
- Official transcripts from all previous graduate and undergraduate programs
- Two letters of recommendation from colleagues, supervisors, or college professors
Additional requirements for dissertation completion students:
- Resume or CV
- For your two letters of recommendation:
- At least one letter must be from a faculty member in the student's former program, preferably from the dissertation chair or academic advisor. Letter must indicate that the student was in good academic standing when they left the program.
- Letters must address the student's writing ability, academic ability, and work ethic
- For your official transcripts:
- Include transcripts with master's degree conferral
- Students must have earned a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their former doctoral programs
- Academic writing sample, such as a current draft of the student's dissertation or a paper
- Writing sample must be at least 10 pages long
- Personal statement indicating the following:
- The student's research interests
- The current status of the student's dissertation
- Widener faculty the student is interested in working with as Dissertation Chair
The cognitive studies in literacy (EdD) and instructional coaching endorsement certification accept applications on a rolling basis.
Dissertation completion applications are due by June 15 to start in the upcoming fall semester.
Financial Aid
Paths to Savings
85% of Full-Time Grad Students Receive Aid
Simply apply to Widener and complete the financial aid process to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. Because Widener is a private institution, we are able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it. You might be surprised at how much we are able to offer in assistance.
Applying For Financial Aid as a Graduate Student
In order to receive your part of the financial aid pie, all you have to do is submit your FAFSA. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources.
Graduate Assistantships
Widener offers a limited number of graduate assistantships to enrolled students. GAs receive tuition assistance for their work. Once you're a student, contact your program director for more information.
Widener Scholarships
A limited number of university-based scholarships are made available to enrolled graduate students made possible directly from our academic department or thanks to the generosity of university donors. No extra steps are needed to be taken prior to admission. Once enrolled, contact your program director to learn more.
Employer Discounts & Tuition Reimbursement
Widener University also partners with many local organizations and corporations to offer discounted tuition and other incentives to their employees. Don't see your company on the list? Ask them to become a partner. In addition, employers often offer educational reimbursement benefits. We encourage you to explore these opportunities and will be glad to provide any necessary documentation.
20% Discount for Widener Alumni
(some restrictions apply)
If you graduated with a degree from Widener, you may qualify for a 20% tuition discount. The first step to see what you qualify for is to submit your application. Widener offers students many paths to savings, and while we don't offer "double discounts", we'll make sure you'll get the biggest financial benefit you're eligible for. Only students who have completed an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree are eligible. Students who have pursued a 4+1, 4+2, or 3+3 pathway, graduate assistantship, Widener-funded scholarship, or other tuition discount may not be eligible if the financial discount granted surpasses 20%.
Program Cost
Program cost for dissertation completion students will be12-credits minimum at the graduate tuition rate.
Graduate Admissions Office
-
Hyatt Hall
14th St
Chester, PA 19013 - 610-499-4282
- gcs@widener.edu
Center for Education
-
503 East 13th Street
Chester, PA 19013
- 610-499-4345
Katia Ciampa
Director of Reading Programs
-
503 E. 13th Street
Chester, PA 19013
Room 213
- (610) 499-4652
- kciampa@widener.edu