Program Overview

Upcoming program changes:

At its September 2022 meeting, the New York State Board of Regents voted to establish the Literacy (All Grades) certification, effective September 28, 2022. The new certification will permit individuals to teach literacy in pre-Kindergarten through grade 12 in New York State public schools. The following Literacy Studies Programs at Hofstra University will be discontinued by September 1, 2026, the MSED Birth-Grade 6, the MSED Grades 5-12, the Advanced Certification B-Grade 6, the Advanced Certification Grades 5-12, and the DUAL SPED/LYST MSED program. Students will only be admitted into the current B-Grade 6 and Grades 5-12 Literacy Studies MSED and AC programs through Spring 2025 and must complete the program of study by August 2026. Students who register after Spring 2025, must apply to the new Literacy Studies (All Grades) programs. Students currently enrolled in the Literacy Studies B-Grade 6 & Grades 5-12 MSED & AC Programs who do not graduate by August 2026 will be required to transition into the new Literacy Studies (All Grades) program. This may lead to additional coursework.

The MSED program in Literacy Studies is designed to guide certified teachers in becoming literacy specialists who deliver high-quality literacy instruction, and who offer literacy and curriculum leadership to schools and school districts. Our program reflects advances in literacy research and policies that are consistent with the New York State Board of Regents requirements. The program provides graduate students with the most current understandings of literacy learning theories, pedagogical practices for use with students in early childhood to grade 12 classrooms, children’s and adolescent literature, assessment practices, and literacy support for culturally and linguistically diverse learners, and for students with special needs.

Through face-to-face, hybrid and online courses, as well as a depth of field projects and clinical work, our program prepares literacy specialists and classroom teachers to provide support and nurturing of readers and writers, and to facilitate assessment driven instructional planning and professional learning within a school. Graduate students in the Literacy Studies program meet the educational requirements for certification as literacy teachers in early childhood and childhood education, birth through grade 6, or middle childhood and adolescence, grade 5 through grade 12.

Students are prepared for the following teaching positions:

1. Classroom teachers with advanced preparation in literacy instruction.
2. Literacy specialists with advanced preparation in one-on-one and small group instruction in literacy processes.
3. Literacy specialists prepared to work collaboratively with classroom teachers in designing and implementing effective literacy instruction in inclusive environments.

Admission Requirements

Applications for admission to this Master of Science in Education program in the Department of Specialized Programs in Education  are made to the Office of Graduate Admission. Admissions decisions are based on a comprehensive review of multiple criteria.  The department understands that any single criterion may not reliably predict a student’s potential for success in the program. Students may consider applying even if they fail to meet one of the criteria listed below but feel that other aspects of their experience might compensate. All individual cases will be reviewed by an Admissions Counselor before being referred to the graduate program for further review.

1. BA or BS degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, or it’s equivalent (e.g., a 3.0 in a completed graduate program). We encourage you to submit all transcripts from your undergraduate work and any graduate work for consideration.
2. Two letters of recommendation.
3. Possession of a New York State Initial or Professional Teaching Certificate.
4. Interview with a program director in literacy studies.

Notes:

• Admission to graduate study requires a baccalaureate degree with a general core in the liberal arts and sciences in order to meet New York state certification requirements.
• Graduate students who enter a program of study on a nonmatriculated basis are limited to a maximum of 12 s.h. of course work.
• A maximum of 9 s.h. of advanced standing may be accepted for relevant graduate course work taken elsewhere.

Program Standards

The graduate director will review the academic standing of all graduate students at the end of each semester.  A student must maintain a 3.0 average to be considered in good standing.  Students who do not maintain a 3.0 average will be placed on academic probation.  Students who earn more than one C-, C, or C+ per semester, accumulate more than two C-, C, or C+ grades in their graduate coursework, or receive a D or an F in any course will be dismissed from the program.  In addition to the required GPA, students must demonstrate adequate competence and professionalism throughout all coursework and fieldwork.  If the director or program faculty determines that a student has failed to demonstrate this standard, they will be dismissed from the program.  Students may petition for readmission by following the School of Education Appeal policy.

General Education Core Requirements

In order to ensure that prospective teachers have a broad education in the liberal arts and sciences, all students must have completed undergraduate course work from the content areas below.

1. Special Education (3 s.h.)

Course work for the general education core in the liberal arts and sciences must have a GPA of 2.75 or above with no grades below a C-.

Please note that programs may have general education requirements that exceed the minimum registered with the state. Degrees will not be conferred unless all general education core deficiencies have been met.

Option I: Master of Science in Education in Literacy Studies (Birth-Grade 6)

The sequence listed below is recommended. However, Phase I courses must be completed before entering Phase II. LYST 240  and 241  are prerequisites for LYST 242 . LYST 300  must be taken as part of the first 12 semester hours of study. LYST 301  must be taken as part of the final 12 semester hours of study. Electives may be taken at any time.

Option II: Master of Science in Education in Literacy Studies (Grades 5-12)

The sequence presented below is recommended. However, Phase I courses must be completed before entering Phase II. LYST 240 and 241 are prerequisites for LYST 243. LYST 300 must be taken as part of the first 12 semester hours of study. LYST 301 must be taken as part of the final 12 semester hours of study. Electives may be taken at any time.

Graduation Requirements

1. Completion of a minimum of 30 semester hours in prescribed courses with a minimum grade point average of 3.0.
2. Completion of a minimum 50 practicum hours.
3. Successful presentation of a professional portfolio/capstone project to faculty and colleagues.
4. Completion of all required Educational Law Seminars.

Teacher Certification Requirements

Upon successful completion of degree requirements, students will be eligible to apply for the University’s recommendation for New York state certification. Contact the School of Education Dean’s Office for information regarding any required Educational Law seminars* and other certification requirements. 

To be eligible for the certification, students are required to have passing scores on the appropriate New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE). Please contact the School of Education Dean’s Office for specific certification requirements.