EdD in Reading and Literacy
Doctor of Education
Advance your skills as a literacy leader and help drive meaningful change in education for P-12 students and adult learners. Capella’s online Doctor of Education, Reading and Literacy degree prepares you to help design and lead evidence-based literacy programs while working collaboratively with families and communities. You’ll explore the foundations of reading and writing instruction, evaluate assessment tools to track student progress and examine policies that shape literacy education. The program also reviews assessment tools to screen, diagnose and measure student literacy as well as technologies that can support a literacy-rich learning environment.
At a glance
- Online
- 5 Core courses
- 5 Specialization courses
- 6 Doctoral project courses
- 0 Max transfer credits
With Capella Tuition Cap, you won't pay more than $32,000* in tuition costs for your degree.
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore reading and literacy courses
- This program requires a total of 64 quarter credits
- You’ll need to complete five core courses, five specialization courses and six doctoral project courses
What you'll learn
This specialization provides a comprehensive framework for the instruction and assessment of reading and literacy in P-12 and adult education settings. It draws on professional standards to help you advance your career.
On successful completion of this degree program, you should be able to:
- Analyze theoretical and evidence-based foundations of reading and writing processes and instruction
- Design evidence-based literacy instruction and curricula to meet the needs of all learners
- Select and evaluate valid, reliable, fair, and appropriate assessment tools to screen, diagnose, and measure student literacy achievement
- Formulate plans that promote professional development as a career-long effort and responsibility
- Plan for the integration of digital technologies to support a literacy-rich learning environment
- Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to work collaboratively and ethically with learners, their families, the community, and other educators
How much does the Doctor of Education (EdD) cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
GuidedPath
A more structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–2 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term
$790 per credit, 64 coursework credits, 0 max transfer credits
Tuition breakdown
Program Phases
OTHER COSTS
Resource kit fee
$175 Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Resource kit fee
$175
Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Application fee
$0 no application fee
Application fee
$0
no application fee
Total Tuition Cap
Capella Tuition Cap
$32,000 Total tuition
- Pay no more than $32,000 in total tuition for your degree*
- Available to all students who start now through January 12, 2026
*Eligibility rules apply. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses for residency, practicum, etc., are not covered by the tuition cap.
Capella Tuition Cap
What is the Capella Tuition Cap?$32,000
Total tuition
- Pay no more than $32,000 in total tuition for your degree*
- Available to all students who start now through January 12, 2026
*Eligibility rules apply. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses for residency, practicum, etc., are not covered by the tuition cap.
Tuition and program length are unique to you
Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors:
- Academic performance
- Complexity of your capstone
- Number of quarters spent working on capstone
- Prior coursework
- Scholarships and finances
- Unexpected life events
- School/work/life balance
- Employer and/or military benefits
About cost scenarios
The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2025–26 Capella tuition rates and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing and pricing information is current as of Jan. 6, 2025. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price. You are responsible for paying your own travel costs related to residencies, including plane, hotel and food expenses.
To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.
Cost scenarios
| Estimated cost of completion, assuming continuous enrollment |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $790/credit 14 quarters |
$50,650.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$50,650.00 |
| Est. Savings with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$-18,650.00 |
| Est. subtotal with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$32,000.00 |
| Resource Kit: $175 14 quarters |
$2,450.00 |
| Application fee: $0 no application fee |
$0 |
|
Est. Total with Capella Tuition Cap* 14 quarters |
$34,450.00 |
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details. Capella Tuition Cap is available to students who start now through January 12, 2026.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Are there scholarships available for doctoral degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future that’s within your reach. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
What are the EdD admission requirements?
Applicants must provide the following information for admission to Capella programs and specializations:
- A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International Student Requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of doctoral students. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces that build on one another to help you earn your doctorate. You’ll have support from faculty, staff, and online resources along the way.
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What can you do with a EdD in Reading and Literacy degree?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. Here are some of the jobs and employment settings to explore with an EdD in Reading & Literacy.
Related job titles to explore*
- English instructor
- Humanities teacher
- Intensive reading teacher
- Reading specialist
- Reading teacher
Employment settings to explore*
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- Community colleges
- Elementary and secondary schools
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.