Literacy Certificate of Advanced Study

The Literacy CAS curriculum has been updated as of Fall 2024. The new program requirements are reflected below. Students who were admitted to the program as of Summer 2024 and prior should view the degree requirements available at this 2023 Literacy Certificate of Advanced Study.

The graduate program leading to the Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in Literacy prepares individuals for leadership roles in literacy education. This program is designed for: (1) students seeking advanced coursework in literacy research and pedagogy with a view toward career advancement, or entry into a PhD program in Literacy; (2) classroom teachers or literacy specialists who already have a master's degree, seeking to deepen or broaden their professional knowledge or their clinical expertise.

The program requires at least two academic years of full-time study, or the equivalent in part-time study over a longer period.

Requirements for Admission

In addition to the general University requirements for admission to doctoral study, teacher certification and teaching experience are desirable; however, the program is open to college graduates with other appropriate professional backgrounds and experiences.

Application to the CAS program involves submitting official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework, at least three letters of recommendation, and a written response to the program questionnaire, which replaces the Candidate's Statement of Goals on the university application form. Additional letters about candidate's teaching abilities and/or potential and other aspects of the candidate's experiences or traits will strengthen the application. Prior to applying to the program, the candidate might take a non-degree graduate class in a literacy-related program for evidence of recent academic success, such as a course in our campus-based or online programs.

As part of the application process, applicants routinely meet with the department chair.

Program of Study (60 credits, including up to 30 credits of applicable transfer courses approved for advanced standing)

  1. Core Courses (24 credits)
    1. Foundational Core Courses (9 credits total):
      • Ltl 700 Proseminar in Theoretical Models and Frameworks in Literacy Teaching and Learning (3)
      • Ltl 702 Proseminar in Approaches to Literacy Research Methods (3)
      • Ltl 704 Introduction to Dissertation Literature Reviews (3)
    2. Selected Core Courses (15 credits total, minimum 12 credits in Ltl). Examples may include:
      • Ltl 732 Theory and Research in Teaching of Literature (3)
      • Ltl 740 PreK-12 Disciplinary Literacy Development: Potential in PreK-12 ELA, Science, &Soc Studies Standards (3)
      • Ltl 744 Teacher Leadership (3)
      • Ltl 746 Literacy Education: Research, Practice, Policy, and Politics (3)
      • Ltl 750 Early Literacy and Language Development (3)
      • Ltl 757 Research on Preparing Literacy Teachers to Cultivate Equitable & Diverse Learning Contexts (3)
      • As advised
  2. Research Methodology Courses (6 credits minimum). Examples may include:
    • Ltl 743 Practitioner and Participatory Action Research (3)
    • Ltl 775 Discourse Analysis (3)
    • Ltl 777 Qualitative Research Methods (3)
    • Ltl 779 Quantitative Methods Lit Rsrch (3)
    • Research courses in other departments as approved by advisor
  3. Graduate Education Courses (30 credits); as approved by advisor (transfer courses may apply).
  4. Capstone Experience: Upon completion of a minimum of 54 credit hours applicable to the certificate program, the student must satisfactorily complete a capstone experience. This can be met in one of two ways. The student may complete the Comprehensive Examination or undertake an Inquiry Project. (Note that the CAS Inquiry Project cannot be used to satisfy the PhD Comprehensive Examination requirement.). Students taking the inquiry project will register for Ltl 758 CAS Research Project as part of the 60 credits required.

Residence Requirement

CAS students are strongly encouraged to spend at least a year in residence, pursuing their studies full-time. However, this is not a requirement.

This program is not eligible for federal financial aid.

Please note: This program offers an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience in the course listing as an option to fulfill course requirements. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions. If you have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of your intended academic program.