Literacy, MA
Administrative Unit
This degree is administered by the Office of Graduate Studies through the faculty of Literacy and the College of Education.
Objectives
The Master of Arts in Literacy program is designed for teachers who want to strengthen their understanding of literacy for application within their classrooms, and to prepare reading specialists for teaching, diagnosis, instructional leadership, and staff development. The program culminates with writing a thorough literature review over a current issue in literacy.
Competencies
Upon completion of the Literacy program, candidates will be able to:
- Foundations of Literacy and Language
Demonstrate knowledge of major theoretical, conceptual, historical, and evidence‑based foundations of literacy and language, including the interrelationships among reading, writing, and language development and the role of the literacy specialist in schools.
- Instructional Strategies for Striving Readers
Apply a wide range of evidence‑based instructional strategies to support the literacy development of striving readers across diverse learning contexts.
- Curriculum Design and Instructional Leadership
Use foundational literacy knowledge to design, implement, and evaluate literacy curricula and instruction that meet the needs of all learners, particularly those experiencing difficulty with literacy, through small‑group and individualized instruction.
- Assessment and Data‑Informed Literacy Practice
Select, administer, interpret, and apply valid, reliable, and equitable literacy assessments to screen, diagnose, monitor progress, inform instruction, evaluate interventions, and support teachers’ use of assessment data.
- Digital Literacy and Learning Environments
Integrate print and digital resources and instructional technologies in appropriate, safe, and effective ways to engage learners and foster literacy‑rich learning environments.
- Professional Learning, Leadership, and Advocacy
Demonstrate reflective practice and apply principles of adult learning to collaborate with colleagues, facilitate professional learning, and advocate for effective literacy practices on behalf of students, families, schools, and communities.
- Professional Development and Campus Collaboration
Design and deliver professional development presentations addressing campus‑specific literacy needs and support collaborative literacy improvement efforts.
- Equity‑Centered Literacy Practice
Promote inclusive literacy instruction by meeting the developmental needs of all learners and fostering positive, equitable learning climates that support literacy growth.
Admission Requirements
Regular Admission
- Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university.
- GPA of 3.0 or better in the last 60 credit hours - or - successful completion of previous Master's Degree.
- Essay submitted and reviewed: "What is your vision of why you want to become a reading specialist?"
Conditional Admission
- Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university.
- GPA below 3.0 - 2.5 in the last 60 credit hours
- Essay submitted and reviewed: "What is your vision of why you want to become a reading specialist?"
- OTHER EVIDENCE: At least one of the following:
- Minimum GRE score of 282 (verbal and quantitative combined); or
- May also consider cultural components including, but not limited to, English as a second language, weak academic preparation that can be remediated, student motivation and desire to succeed, evidence of success in career field (e.g., teaching or service awards), and/or candidate's diverse experiences and perspectives.
Program Requirements
+See program coordinator if simultaneous ESL endorsement is sought.
Core Courses
Literacy Courses
Culminating Experience
Professional Certification Preparation
A graduate student seeking certification as a Reading Specialist must have at least two years of satisfactory teaching experience in accredited PK-12 schools. The student should consult the program coordinator to verify current requirements for the desired certification. These requirements are established by the Texas State Board for Educator Certification and may change more frequently than published degree requirements.
Masters in Literacy with Teacher Certification
A graduate student seeking certification as an elementary or middle school classroom teacher may apply their graduate-level certification coursework toward the requirements for the Master of Arts in Literacy. Contact the Literacy program coordinator or the certification program coordinator for information about this option.
Program Recommendations
All students should include EDRD 6305 Research Design in Reading Education near the end of their coursework as preparation for their culminating experience.