Reading Master of Science Degree

The MS in Reading degree is intended for people who work in literacy settings, yet not in the traditional B-12 school settings requiring teacher certification. For example, literacy volunteers, international students, parents, private school providers, after school program coordinators, counselors in prison settings, and so forth may apply for this graduate degree. It is also open to teachers with expired certification who are interested in working in the non-school setting. The intent of the program is to help graduate students learn about teaching literacy, especially how to engage children and young adults in literacy learning. While all students will take certain required courses, there is flexibility built into the program structure to encourage individual interests. This program does NOT lead to teacher certification. 

Teaching is a profession. Master’s students have professional responsibilities to their students, their peers, their classmates and instructors, and to society at large. Students in the master’s program will be working with children and other professionals in educational contexts, including, schools, community centers, and other sites of learning. Their professional responsibilities include following through on commitments made to children and schools, being appropriately prepared and on time for all interactions/lessons, maintaining confidentiality and respect, and interacting with all stakeholders/participants in a professional manner. Professional interactions include everything from dressing appropriately for the situation to maintaining appropriate language both in talking with and talking about others. Failure to meet professional responsibilities can result in a student’s academic dismissal from the program.

Program of Study (30 Credits)

Required Courses – 15 Credits

E Ltl 500     Classroom Literacy Instruction (3) OR
E Ltl 505     Practicum: Academic Literacy Across Instructional Contexts, 5-12 (3)

E Ltl 504     Children's Literature (3) OR
E Ltl 506     Practicum: Young Adult Literature (3)

E Ltl 610      Literacy in Society (3)

E Ltl 615     Teaching Writing, B-6 (3) OR
E Ltl 616     Teaching Writing, Grades 5-12 (3)

E Ltl 658     MS Research Project (3)


Elective Courses – Select Five for 15 Credits

E Psy 521     Development in Childhood (3)
E Psy 540     Assessment in Education (3)
E Ltl 526     Language Acquisition, B-2 (3)
E Ltl 638     Media Literacy (3)
E Ltl 655     Early Literacy Development, B-2 (3)
E Ltl 657     Reading in a Second Language (3)
OR           Electives as advised (3)