Master of Science in Education
Literacy Education (Birth-Grade 6)
Overview:
The Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Literacy Education leads to the New York State Professional Certificate as a Literacy Specialist (Birth-Grade 6). Students in this program take coursework that include foundations, diversity, pedagogy, content areas studies, literature studies, and specifically designed courses in the role of the literacy specialist, assessment and instruction, and a semester-long reading practicum with children.
Who This Program Is For:
This program is for persons who have completed a bachelor’s degree in education and hold an initial certification in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6) or Early Childhood Education (B-2), and who are looking to extend their certification to include Literacy Specialist (Birth-Grade 6). Persons who do not hold an initial teaching certification in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6) or Early Childhood Education (B-6) should apply to the MAT in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6) or Early Childhood Education (B-6).
Program Requirements:
The MSEd in Literacy Education consists of eleven courses (33 credits) including one semester of practicum. Students take courses in two areas: Foundations, Theory, and Research and the Literacy Professional Specialization. To continue in the program, students must consult with their advisor once a year, maintain a B average, and receive no grade lower than B- in any course.
Foundations, Theory, and Research
EECE 731 Teaching Beginning Reading and Writing (3 cr.)
EECE 745 The Reading-Writing Connection (3 cr.)
EECE 746 Nonfiction for Children (3 cr.)
EECE 773 Families, Stories, and Literacy (3 cr.)
EECE 780 Introduction to Educational Research (3 cr.)
EECE 782 Teacher as Researcher (3 cr.)
Literacy Professional Specialization
EECE 764 Learning the Content Areas in Multilingual Settings: Teaching and Assessment (3 cr.)
EECE 801 The Role of the Literacy Specialist (3 cr.)
EECE 803 Assessment and Instruction I (3 cr.)
EECE 804 Assessment and Instruction II (3 cr.)
EECE 805 Practicum (3 cr.)
Certification:
Completion of this program and all New York State requirements for certification leads to recommendation by the Division of Education for NYS Initial & Professional Certification in Literacy Teacher (Birth-Grade 6). Students should contact the Certification Office for up-to-date information on NYS certification requirements.
To Apply:
Applicants must meet the following admissions requirements:
- Hold an earned bachelor’s degree
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Have NYS or equivalent initial certification in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6) or Early Childhood Education (B-6)
- Additional requirements are specified on the application form
Applicants may enter the program only as matriculating students.
