Ph.D in Culture, Language, and Literacy?

[Brittany LaWil]

Hello,

I'm trying to decide what doctoral degree I should pursue. Currently, I am finishing up a MS in Reading and Literacy (as a reading specialist), and I have discovered a great joy that I have for research. I would like to one day teach at the university level or perhaps open my own school. What would be the best Ph.d for me if I were to do one or the other? I know that I want to pursue a Ph.D over a Ed.d and my true passions lie with researching methods to improve Title 1 schools, evaluating instructional practices for marginalized youth (including court-adjudicated and minority students), or possibly researching developmental psychology. Is there a "best" program to choose in order to reach my goals of either teaching at a university or opening a school while still driving my passion for research in the above areas? Any thoughts?

Thanks!

Brittany 

[Levon3]

Hi @Brittany LaWil,

I don't know how anyone but you can answer that question. Frequently, people in pursuit of opening a school obtain EdDs, as they are often the more practically-focused degrees. If you decide you'd rather do research and become a professor, then a PhD may be a better choice. From there, deciding on a program is a very personal endeavor. Do some research, and find a school with professors or projects that best fit your interests. I don't know that many PhDs are specifically geared to prepare you for both pathways; from what I have seen, PhD programs funnel students toward academia, whereas EdDs are aimed at training you to apply research in the field. It seems like you've got a start at identifying your interests. Keep researching until you've got a refined focus. Best of luck with your search!

Edited to add: You can do both (teaching at Uni and opening a school) with either a PhD or an EdD; it's just that the degree itself will most likely emphasize preparation for one or the other. 

Edited May 3, 2016 by Levon3