Campus: Online
For
Individuals with a teaching certificate in childhood or adolescent education who want to become certified literacy specialists.
What You Learn
Graduates of this 30-credit hour online Literacy Specialist MSED program will gain an understanding of the interrelationships among language acquisition, cognitive and metacognitive processes, and literacy development; and develop strategies for working with teachers and students to support children with literacy needs at all levels of competencies.
How You Learn
You choose between an Early Childhood/Childhood (birth–grade 6) or Middle Childhood/Adolescent (grades 5–12) concentration, and after a 12-credit core curriculum, you then take a 12-credit sequence of courses in your concentration. As of January 2024, there will be an all-grades certification (pre-k through 12). Previous certifications in Childhood and Adolescent will continue through January 2025, for the transition. Courses are available online.
Your program culminates in a one-semester practicum with clinical and school experiences and a related teacher-as-researcher course project.
Career Outcomes
Candidates who complete this program are eligible for an advanced or professional certificate in the teaching of literacy at all grade levels (pre-k through 12).
* The all grades (pre-k through 12) Literacy Certification is effective January 2024 (spring semester). Any student entering the program prior to January 2024 will follow tracks 1 and 2 (Early Childhood, Childhood, and Adolescent). Students entering the program after January 2024 (spring semester and on) will follow track 3.
Track 1 (Early Childhood/Childhood)*
Early Childhood/Childhood Concentration (Birth-Grade 6)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| ED 650 | Research/Theory in Developing Literacy | 3 |
| ED 758 | Instructional Approaches for Tchng Writing, Digital Cmpsng, & Media Prdctn for a Diverse Pop of Stds | 3 |
| ED 677 | Literacy for Children with Special Needs | 3 |
| ED 652 | Assessment in Literacy: Grades B - 12 | 3 |
| Early Childhood/Childhood Concentration | ||
| ED 754 | Literature and Digital Storytelling | 3 |
| ED 655A | Early Literacy Development in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Settings | 3 |
| ED 755B | Literacy Instruction & Technological Applications for a Diverse Population of Middle Grade Students | 3 |
| Elec 000 | Elective | 3 |
| Practica and Capstone Experience | ||
| ED 693B | Literacy Practicum II: Birth - Grade 6 | 3 |
| ED 690 | Teacher as Researcher | 3 |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Track 2 (Adolescent)*
Middle Childhood/Adolescent Concentration (Grades 5–12)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| ED 650 | Research/Theory in Developing Literacy | 3 |
| ED 758 | Instructional Approaches for Tchng Writing, Digital Cmpsng, & Media Prdctn for a Diverse Pop of Stds | 3 |
| ED 677 | Literacy for Children with Special Needs | 3 |
| ED 652 | Assessment in Literacy: Grades B - 12 | 3 |
| Middle Childhood/Adolescent Concentration | ||
| ED 754 | Literature and Digital Storytelling | 3 |
| ED 757 | Adolescent Content Literacies in Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Settings (Grades 9-12) | 3 |
| ED 755B | Literacy Instruction & Technological Applications for a Diverse Population of Middle Grade Students | 3 |
| Elec 000 | Elective | 3 |
| Practica and Capstone Experience | ||
| ED 694B | Literacy Practicum II Grades 5-12 | 3 |
| ED 690 | Teacher as Researcher | 3 |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Track 3 (All Grades - Effective Spring 2024)*
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| ED 650 | Research/Theory in Developing Literacy | 3 |
| ED 758 | Instructional Approaches for Tchng Writing, Digital Cmpsng, & Media Prdctn for a Diverse Pop of Stds | 3 |
| ED 677 | Literacy for Children with Special Needs | 3 |
| ED 652 | Assessment in Literacy: Grades B - 12 | 3 |
| Concentrations | ||
| ED 754 | Literature and Digital Storytelling | 3 |
| ED 757 | Adolescent Content Literacies in Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Settings (Grades 9-12) | 3 |
| ED 755B | Literacy Instruction & Technological Applications for a Diverse Population of Middle Grade Students | 3 |
| ED 655A | Early Literacy Development in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Settings | 3 |
| Practica and Capstone Experience | ||
| ED 690 | Teacher as Researcher | 3 |
| ED 691L Student Teaching in the Childhood Literacy Classroom | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |