Recent Employers
- West Chester University
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- Chester County Intermediate Unit
The Delaware Law School commencement ceremony has been delayed to start at 5 p.m. due to weather.
Visit widener.edu/commencement for more information.
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.
Doctor of Education
Certification
100% Online
Doctorate: 60
Certification: 12
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.
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.
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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2022 annual median salary for instructional coordinators
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.
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.
"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."
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!
Additional requirements for dissertation completion students:
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.
Widener transfer applicants follow the same application process as general applicants. After you apply, our admissions team will work with you to determine whether completed undergraduate and graduate coursework will count towards foundation/core courses that can be waived or substituted.
Widener University serves as a "second home" for students from around the world. We are located just outside of Philadelphia and close to New York City and Washington, D.C.—offering many unique professional and personal opportunities to explore.
Want to know what it's like to be an international student on campus or need assistance navigating English proficiency requirements? We're here to help, and our international admissions director will support you through the application process. This support doesn't end with admissions—our International Student Support team will serve as a valuable resource throughout your Widener journey—meeting Visa/immigration requirements, getting acclimated to campus, and much more.
Learn more about applying as an international student
Learn more about life at Widener as an international student
Because Widener is a private institution, we're 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 how much we are able to offer.
Getting started is easy. Simply apply to Widener and submit your FAFSA to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. "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. Our school code is 003313.
In order to receive a financial aid offer, students must meet certain eligibility requirements. Here are the general eligibility requirements for most financial aid programs:
Learn more about applying for financial aid as a graduate student
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 for dissertation completion students will be12-credits minimum at the graduate tuition rate.
Tuition rates are subject to change. Official costs for your first year will be determined at time of enrollment.
To visit Widener is, often, to fall in love with the place. To fit your timeline and schedule, we offer a variety of ways to get to know us.
We offer a variety of virtual events to get to know Widener and meet with faculty and admissions staff.
Have a question about Widener? Drop us a line and an admissions counselor will be in touch. We're always happy to help!
Visit our online application system to complete your app and share supplemental materials. There is a $35 application fee to apply to Widener.
Hyatt Hall
14th St
Chester, PA 19013
503 East 13th Street
Chester, PA 19013
503 E. 13th Street
Chester, PA 19013
Room 213