Program Overview

This 32 semester hour non-certification master’s program in literacy studies is designed 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 private schools, tutoring companies, out of school time learning centers, nonprofit organizations and community and international 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 program prepares scholar-practitioners to work with students, birth through grade 6 or grades 5 through 12. Students will work on 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.

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

Upon completion of the program, students are prepared for the following positions:

1. Private and international school classroom teachers with advanced preparation in literacy instruction.
2. Tutoring specialists with advanced preparation in one-on-one and small-group instruction in literacy processes.
3. Literacy specialist prepared to work collaboratively in out of school time settings or in nonprofit organizations in designing and implementing effective literacy instruction in inclusive environments.

Admission Requirements

Applications for admission to the program are made to the Graduate Admission Office. Admission is based on a comprehensive review of multiple criteria, including the following:

1. Possession of a BA or BS degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
2. Two (2) letters of recommendation.

The department understands that any single criterion may not reliably predict a student’s potential for success in the program. Candidates may wish to apply even if they do not meet one of the criteria but feel that other aspects of their experience might compensate.

Option I: Master of Arts in Literacy Studies (Birth-Grade 6) – Total Semester Hours: 32

Option II: Master of Arts in Literacy Studies (Grades 5-12) – Total Semester Hours: 32

Footnote*

*Requires observation hours.

Graduation Requirements

1. Completion of a minimum of 32 semester hours in prescribed courses with a minimum grade point average of 3.0.
2. Completion of a minimum of 40 hours of field experience.
3. Successful presentation of a learning portfolio to faculty and peers.