English (English Education), PhD
This doctoral program is designed for a wide range of students with diverse interests, backgrounds and professional goals. It is ideal preparation for your career as an expert teacher of English, or as a scholar, researcher, curriculum developer, teacher educator or leader in the field of English education.
Program Description
Degree Awarded: English (English Education), PhD
The PhD program in English with a concentration in English education prepares students to examine the writing and reading practices of secondary students as well as the instructional practices of secondary English language arts teachers by emphasizing the relationship between pedagogy and research methodologies used to study the teaching of secondary English.
The curriculum comprises dynamic coursework, mentoring, interdisciplinary learning opportunities and community outreach.
Possible areas for research focus within this program include young adult literature, secondary reading and writing practices, new literacies, English language learning, critical literacy and secondary English language arts curriculum and instruction development. The program encourages students to pursue coursework in other subdisciplines within the Department of English, such as rhetoric and composition, applied linguistics and literature, and coursework in the ASU Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, such as literacy and educational research methodology.
Students benefit from the program's links to the Central Arizona Writing Project, and this relationship offers opportunities for related coursework, research, community outreach and teacher in-service programs.
The doctorate in English education prepares students to become professors of English education or to pursue other relevant opportunities in research and administration.
The PhD in English (English Education) prepares students to become national leaders in the field of English education as tenure-track faculty at research universities and teaching colleges, as well as secondary English language arts curriculum specialists for school districts, state and federal departments of education, and private education agencies. This concentration emphasizes the relationship between pedagogy and research methodologies used to study the teaching of secondary English (grades 6-12) and prepares students to examine the writing and reading practices of secondary students as well as the instructional practices of secondary English language arts teachers. Possible areas for research focus within this program include young adult literature, secondary reading and writing practices, new literacies, English language learning, and secondary English language arts curriculum and instruction development.
*Note: This degree is not TESOL, ESL, or EFL related. If interested in these fields, check out our PhD Linguistics and Applied Linguistics program.
Christina Saidy, Director
Sheila Luna, Program Manager
Courses and electives
The Graduate College requires a grade point average of “B” (3.0) or better in the last two years of work leading to the bachelor’s degree. The Admissions Committee will consider applicants with master’s degrees in English education and related fields such as English literature, applied linguistics, education, and rhetoric and composition. A minimum of three years full-time teaching or volunteer work in secondary English language arts classrooms or in literate-rich settings (i.e. Peace Corps, community organizations, and libraries) is preferred. Students seeking advice should consult with the graduate program manager and/or the program director.
The PhD consists of 84 hours of graduate work. A student with a master’s degree must complete a minimum of 54 semester hours of approved graduate work, which includes 12 hours of dissertation. Students will complete all courses on their Program of Study (POS) with a grade of B or better and maintain a GPA of 3.2 or higher. Required coursework for PhD (English Education) must include the following:
- Approaches to Research (3 hours): Students will complete ENG 501: Approaches to Research in English Education.
- Foundational Distribution (12 hours): Students must take 12 hours at the 500 level selected from a list of approved courses in education, English, linguistics, and applied linguistics.
- Advanced Studies Distribution (12 hours): Students must take 12 hours at the 600 level from a list of approved courses in education, English, indigenous studies, linguistics, and applied linguistics.
- Internships (6 hours): Students will complete two internships (ENG 784). Each internship will focus on either the supervision of secondary English language arts teachers, research in collaboration with her/his advisor in a secondary English language arts classroom setting, or assisting in the teaching of an under-graduate English education methods course (i.e. young adult literature, methods of teaching secondary writing, or teaching the interpretation of texts of various genres in the secondary English language arts classroom).
- Specialization: Students will complete at least three courses focused on their area of specialization, which will provide them with intensive background in their selected area of expertise in English education.
- PhD Examinations: The examination includes a portfolio, an oral or written exam, and a colloquy on the dissertation prospectus
- Dissertation: Students must include 12 hours of 799 on the doctoral plan of study. An oral defense of the dissertation is required.
At a Glance: program details
- Location: Tempe campus
- Second Language Requirement: No
Degree Requirements
Required Core (3 credit hours)
ENG 501 Approaches to Research (3)
Foundational Distribution (12 credit hours)
Advanced Studies Distribution (12 credit hours)
Internships (6 credit hours)
ENG 784 Internship (6)
Specialization (9 credit hours)
Electives and Research (30 credit hours)
Culminating Experience (12 credit hours)
ENG 799 Dissertation (12)
Additional Curriculum Information
Students must take 12 credit hours at the 500 level, selected from a list of approved courses in education, English, linguistics and applied linguistics for the foundational distribution.
Students must take at least three courses in the area of specialization.
When approved by the student's supervisory committee and the Graduate College, this program allows 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree to be used for this degree. If not approved, the 30 credit hours of coursework will be made up of electives and research.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's and master's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants with master's degrees in English education and related fields, such as English literature, applied linguistics, education, and rhetoric and composition will be considered. A minimum of three years of full-time teaching or volunteer work in secondary English language arts classrooms or in literate-rich settings is required.
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 applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 (scale is 4.00= "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- statement of purpose
- resume or curriculum vitae
- three letters of recommendation
- academic writing sample
- 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. Applicants should see the Department of English website for specific details about English proficiency requirements.
The one- to two-page statement should explain the applicant's interest in the program and how the applicant's background and preparation led to the specific career and research goals. The three letters of recommendation should be from individuals familiar with the applicant's promise in English education, including one letter from a school principal and two letters from university professors. Applicants applying for funding must also submit a statement of teaching philosophy.
Applicants should see the Department of English website for specific details.
Career Opportunities
Careers for English education graduates include professions related to the field of secondary language arts and literacy education in secondary schools.
Career examples include:
- curriculum developer
- dual enrollment teacher
- faculty position (college, university)
- instructional leader
- literacy coach
- middle or high school English teacher
- teacher leadership and research
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Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
- enggrad@asu.edu
- 480/965-3194