Middle Tennessee University

Ph.D. in Literacy Studies

How to Apply

Admission Requirements

All applicants for Ph.D. in Literacy Studies must submit the following materials to The College of Graduate Studies (MTSU P.O. Box 42):

  1. a completed application form (http://www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.shtml);
  2. a non-refundable application fee (required of all applicants) should accompany the application;
  3. official transcripts certifying coursework from each college or university attended; minimum GPA of 3.5 in master’s coursework required for admission to program;
  4. a current curriculum vitae showing at least three (3) years of documented professional experience;
  5. a 700 – 1,000 word essay explaining how their background and objectives relate to the program’s purpose;
  6. three (3) letters of recommendation from professionals who can address the applicant’s interest in literacy and potential for successfully completing a doctoral program;
  7. recent GRE scores (within the last five years); preferred minimum scores are Verbal 550, Quantitative 500, and 4.5 on Analytical Writing.

Applicants must ensure that all materials are sent to the College of Graduate Studies before the stated deadlines for submission. It is the responsibility of applicants to ensure that their files are complete by the deadline. Typically, applicants with incomplete files will not be considered for admission. However, exceptions may be made if extenuating circumstances are documented.

Deadlines

Application for summer/fall admission must be submitted by March 1. Applications for spring admission must be submitted by September 30.

Screening

The program faculty committee will conduct an initial screening of applicants. Individuals will remain in the applicant pool if they meet the minimum required GPA and GRE scores, have positive letters of recommendation, and have written a personal statement that is judged to be satisfactory by the program coordinating committee. The professional experience and career goals represented in these documents must match one of the specializations within the doctorate.

Rating

Applicants will be rated during a meeting of the program coordinating committee, which serves as the admissions committee. This meeting will be open to all members of the core program faculty. Applicant ratings will be based on GPA, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, relevant employment experience, and the faculty review of the required essay (personal statement). Applicants receiving sufficiently high ratings for submitted documents will then be scheduled to participate in a telephone interview. Admission decisions are based on a combination of factors – academic qualifications, prior work experience, career goals, and abilities to communicate orally and in writing.

Graduate Assistantship Applications

Applications for a graduate assistantship should be sent directly to the Director of the Ph.D. in Literacy Studies program (MTSU Box 397).

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