Engage in humanizing language and literacies research that transforms practice.
Are you interested in bringing together educational research and practice to work with local communities and make a positive impact?
Do you want to build your skills in recognizing assets and knowledge in multilingual and multicultural communities in urban contexts?
Are you interested in youths’ learning, making, and digital literacies inside and outside of school?
Do you want to impact and improve teacher education in humanizing and critical ways?
About the LLC PhD program Heading link
The Literacy, Language, and Culture (LLC) PhD program within the Curriculum and Instruction department cultivates humanizing and impactful research practices by:
- Engaging with critical theories and research designs
- Thinking about literacies from a global perspective
- Creating a supportive academic environment through cohorts, mentoring, and professional socialization
- Providing opportunities for post-secondary teaching and research
- Promoting justice-driven innovation and community engagement
Our graduates engage in educational research, serve as instructional leaders, and are leaders in both school and out-of-school settings.
Degree Requirements Heading link
Faculty Heading link
Frequently Asked Questions Heading link
What can I do with a PhD in Literacy, Language, and Culture?
With a PhD in Literacy, Language, and Culture, you can conduct research and publish your findings in academic journals. You can teach in higher education in literacy-related programs. If you are currently an educator, you can also retain your practitioner identity while opening the door to new leadership possibilities, such as providing professional development based on research, or consulting on research-related projects.
How long does the program take?
Most students complete the program between four and six years with full-time students, typically completing the program in closer to four years and part-time students completing the program in six years.
Is transfer of course credit allowed?
Transfer of course credit is not automatic and requires approval of program faculty. The UIC Graduate College permits no more than 25 percent of the hours to be transferred into the degree. UIC’s Literacy, Language, and Culture PhD program will transfer up to 16 credit hours of relevant coursework if approved by the program coordinator and the Graduate College. For more information about credit transfer procedures, please consult the UIC Graduate Catalog.
Can I hold a job while in the program?
Yes, many students in the program will hold a full-time job during their program. Evening course meeting times help to reduce conflicts between work and academic schedules.
When do courses meet?
College of Education courses typically meet once a week in the evenings (5 p.m.–8 p.m.) Monday through Thursday. In the summer, they typically meet twice per week in the evenings (4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.)
Is the GRE required?
No, the GRE is not required.
Is a master’s degree required for this program?
No. A master’s degree is encouraged for entry into the PhD program. The master’s degree may come from any field related to education. For students without a master’s degree, they must take additional coursework (96 hours versus 64 hours) to complete the doctoral degree. Working in the field of education prior to enrolling is beneficial to students entering the PhD program.
Can I afford the degree?
UIC makes every effort to help students pay for the cost of going to college. Our College Financial Aid page can help answer your questions.
Review the UIC tuition and fee schedule and find out more about billing and payment options.
The University of Illinois at Chicago offers six basic types of financial aid for graduate students: fellowships, assistantships, tuition-and-selected-fee waivers, traineeships, loans, and employment. Applicants for these types of aid must be admitted to a graduate degree program or have a completed application pending. Eligibility for loans is determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid. Applicants for loans should go directly to the Office of Student Financial Aid. Applications for fellowships, assistantships, and tuition/fee waivers are available in the department office, the Graduate College Office, and on the Graduate College website. In the administration of these programs and in selecting students for participation in them, the University of Illinois at Chicago adheres to the Nondiscrimination Statement on the Office for Access and Equity website.
Can I get housing on campus?
Yes. It is best to apply as soon as you know you want to live on campus, because applications are prioritized by date of application. Visit campus housing to find out more and submit your application.
What student support does the College of Education provide?
The UIC College of Education is committed to the success of its students. If you have concerns or questions you can stop by the Office of Student Services or make an appointment to see a faculty advisor. The College encourages a good working relationship between students and their advisors. You can also find support from your professors and fellow students. UIC offers many support programs and opportunities that encourage academic success. Your program advisor can help you connect to UIC resources.