Program Overview

The master’s program in literacy studies is designed for certified teachers to introduce students to contemporary theory and practice in literacy studies, so that they become effective scholar-practitioners who understand and deliver high-quality literacy instruction and offer proactive literacy leadership to schools and community agencies. Our program reflects advances in literacy research and policies by the New York State Board of Regents regarding learning standards. These policies are designed to articulate the highest learning standards possible for all students and to balance attainment of these standards with consideration of issues of equity and access to education for economically disadvantaged and traditionally underrepresented groups at all levels of the education system.

Our programs prepare scholar-practitioners to work with students birth through grade 6, and grades 5 through 12. Students will work at broadening the definition of literacy practices beyond traditional school-based literacy in order to address the issues of equity, access, and opportunity that are involved in literacy acquisition in communities that are as economically, linguistically and ethnically diverse as those found in New York state.

These programs prepare students to 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. The degree provides students with the opportunity to participate in classes that focus on the most current understandings of literacy and pedagogical practices.
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

1. B.A. or B.S. degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
2. Two letters of recommendation.
3. Possession of a New York State Initial or Provisional Teaching Certificate (see notes below).
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.
• Students who enter the dual program must have taken the New York state LAST examination prior to admission.
• 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.
• Students who have initial/provisional certification in an area of study other than those listed above in 3 should speak to the department adviser for requirements for admission.

Program 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.

Additional Certification in Grades 5-12 - Semester Hours: 9-12

Students who specialize in early childhood and childhood (Birth-Grade 6) may obtain specialization in middle childhood and adolescence (Grades 5-12) by taking the following courses. One course may also fulfill the M.S.Ed. in Literacy Studies elective requirement with advisement.   

• LYST 215A - Language and Literacy in Middle Childhood and Adolescence Semester Hours: 3
• LYST 217A - Reading and Writing With Adolescents Semester Hours: 3

• or

• LYST 219 - Creating a Reading and Writing Workshop for Teachers Semester Hours: 3
• LYST 221 - Literature for Adolescents and Young Adults Semester Hours: 3
• LYST 243 - Literacy Practicum: Assessing the Complexity of Student Learning (Grades 5-12) Semester Hours: 3

Program 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.

Additional Certification in Birth-Grade 6 (9-12 s.h.)

Students who specialize in middle childhood and adolescence (Grades 5 through 12) may obtain specialization in early childhood and childhood (Birth through Grade 6) by also taking the following courses. One course may also fulfill the M.S.Ed. in Literacy Studies elective requirement with advisement.

• LYST 214 - Language and Literacy in Early Childhood and Childhood Semester Hours: 3
• LYST 216 - Literacy Learning at Home and in School: Social Contexts of Young Children Learning to Read and Write Semester Hours: 3
• LYST 218 - Reading and Writing Practices in Early Childhood and Childhood Semester Hours: 3
• LYST 220 - Literature in the Lives of Young Children Semester Hours: 3
• LYST 242 - Literacy Practicum: Assessing the Complexity of Student Learning (Birth Through Grade 6) Semester Hours: 3

Graduation Requirements

1. Completion of a minimum of 36 semester hours in prescribed courses with a minimum grade point average of 3.0.
2. Completion of a minimum of 70 hours of field experiences which includes a 50-hour practicum.
3. Successful presentation of a learning portfolio to faculty and peers.