Literacy and English Education, PhD
Focus on critical issues and practices related to reading, writing, literacy and English education. Embark on a journey that will empower you to make an impact in the field of literacy research and education.
Lead and Innovate in Literacy
Our program prepares you to conduct research, lead and innovate in reading, writing, literacy and English education. You will work with faculty on research in pre-K-12 schools, higher education, teacher preparation, professional development or curriculum and instruction. Whether your interest is English language arts or literacy at any age or grade level, our program provides the foundation you need.
Celebrating Literacy Leadership
For 60 years UB’s Center for Literacy and Reading Instruction (CLaRI) has provided personalized reading support to thousands of children through tutoring, virtual programs and summer camps. Graduate students pursuing literacy specialist degrees work one-on-one with learners, supported by faculty, across eight local school districts. Celebrating its anniversary in April with alumni faculty and students, CLaRI looks ahead—expanding its use of technology, broadening outreach via virtual talks and relocating to Foster Hall to improve access—all while staying true to its core mission of child-centered literacy development.
Points of Distinction
Experience interdisciplinary and applied learning that connects theory and research methods with real-world practice in literacy and English education. Collaborate across disciplines to gain fresh perspectives, sharpen problem-solving skills and develop innovative solutions to educational challenges.
Build a commitment to equity and inclusion by engaging with diverse perspectives and practices in literacy education. Develop the knowledge and skills to address contemporary issues, expand access and create meaningful learning opportunities for all learners in every setting.
Learn in a collaborative and flexible environment that connects you with faculty, professionals and community leaders across Western New York. Take part in literacy projects, build partnerships and join teams exploring critical issues in literacy research and practice.
Program Overview
| Academic credential granted | Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) |
|---|---|
| Credits required for completion | 72 |
| Time to completion | 4-5 years full time Part-time students are accepted on a case-by-case basis. |
| Course delivery | On campus |
| Internship/Clinical Hours | Optional teaching and research experiences |
| Application deadline | Fall: Jan. 1 |
A master’s degree is required.
Submit your completed online application, which includes:
- Application fee: A $50 non-refundable application fee, submitted electronically through UB's ePayment system.
- Contact information for at least two individuals who will each be asked to provide an electronic recommendation letter.
- Unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended. (UB transcripts are automatically submitted for current UB students and alumni.)
- Sample of academic writing: A sample of your academic writing (e.g., master's thesis, professional publication, research paper).
- Statement of interest: Statement of your educational and career goals and objectives.
- Statement of research interest: Statement of research interest: The statement of research interest should be a concise statement about your academic and research background and future interests in relation to literacy. Please be specific in explaining how the course offerings and faculty expertise of this program fit your educational and career objectives. Be sure to include the specific faculty you would like to work with and why. We consider a 1000-word statement as an appropriate length.
- Resume or curriculum vitae
Admission Interview: You may be invited to interview while your application is under review.
Former/Birth Name: Please provide us with your former/maiden name if you have one. When requesting transcripts, please ask the sending institution to indicate your current name and former/maiden name.
Admissions Decision: The admissions decision will be communicated to you as soon as review is complete. The decision is based on a number of factors and is the result of a thorough and deliberate process. All decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
In-State Residency Tuition
To qualify for the in-state residency tuition rate, you must provide residency documentation indicating you have lived in New York State (NYS) 12 months before your semester start date.
If accepted, you will need to upload three documents to qualify for the in-state tuition rate. See Required Documents for Residency Application for more information.
International Applicant Additional Requirements
- Official original proof of your degree
- A copy of your passport biographical page
- Official test scores—dated within two years of submitting your application—for either the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic.
- TOEFL minimum score is 250 for computer-based test, 600 for paper- based test and 96 for internet-based test
- IELTS minimum score is 7.0 overall
- PTE minimum score is 55 overall
- Financial documentation: International graduate applicants must document their ability to pay for all costs incurred while studying in the U.S.
- An official bank statement
All financial forms and supporting documentation with required signatures must be uploaded with your application and dated within one year of your intended enrollment date.
Careers graduates enter:
- Faculty at research-intensive university
- Faculty at teaching colleges
- Literacy Coach or Consultant
- School leaders (e.g., principal, superintendent)
- Research consultant
Assistant Professor
Learning And Instruction
Research Areas: Curriculum and Instruction; Discourse analysis; Early Childhood Education; Elementary Education; Literacy; Professional / Staff Development; Reading Instruction; Writing Instruction
Professor
Learning And Instruction
Research Areas: Curriculum and Instruction; Elementary Education; Linguistic, Discourse, and Sociocultural Context; Literacy; Qualitative Research Methods
Associate Professor
Learning And Instruction
Research Areas: Access and Equity; Curriculum and Instruction; Educational technology; English Education; Equity and Poverty; Multimodality; Qualitative Research Methods; School and Community Partnerships
Assistant Professor
Learning And Instruction
Buffalo, NY 14260
Email: rg66@buffalo.edu
Research Areas: Curriculum and Instruction; English Education; Literacy; Race, Inequality, and Education; Social Justice; Urban Education
Professor
Learning And Instruction
Research Areas: Digital Media and Learning; Discourse analysis; Diversity; Engineering Education; Ethnography; Linguistic, Discourse, and Sociocultural Context; Literacy; Multimodality, Embodiment, and Digital Literacy; Qualitative Research Methods; Race, Inequality, and Education; Research Methods
Associate Professor
Learning And Instruction
Research Areas: Digital Media and Learning; English Education; Ethnography; Multimodality; Multimodality, Embodiment, and Digital Literacy; Qualitative Research Methods; Race, Inequality, and Education; Research Design; Research Methods
Associate Professor
Learning And Instruction
Research Areas: Achievement; Assessment; Curriculum and Instruction; Design Experiments; Elementary Education; English Education; Literacy; Measurements; Quantitative Research Methods; Reading Instruction; Research Design; Research Methods; Writing Instruction
Limited Graduate Assistantships are available. Assistantships are highly competitive.
Faculty Expertise
Mary McVee, PhD specializes in literacy education with a focus on multimodality, positioning theory and digital literacies. Her research explores how learners and educators develop disciplinary literacies through narrative, embodiment, culture and technology. She draws on qualitative methods such as ethnography and discourse analysis to examine the sociocultural dynamics of literacy and identity. As director of the Center for Literacy and Reading Instruction, McVee equips students to apply rigorous research to inclusive and innovative literacy practices.