Reading Certificate of Advanced Study

The graduate program leading to the Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in Reading 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, beyond the baccalaureate.

Requirements for Admission

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

Program of Study (60 credits, including applicable courses approved for advanced standing)

Two options are available for CAS students, depending on whether they are preparing for the Comprehensive Exam (Part A), or the Inquiry Project to satisfy the requirements of the capstone experience.

CAS students preparing for the Comprehensive Examination (Part A) take: 

1. Core Courses:  ERdg 710, 711, 756, 757, 781, and 782 with the option of substituting 'cross-domain' courses (eg. ERdg 773, 738) with permission of the Department, when core courses are not available (18 credits)
2. Distribution Requirements:
   Core Reading Courses (18 credits)
   Other Courses in Reading (12 credits)
   Allied Courses in Professional Education (6 credits minimum)
   Courses in Research Methodology (6 credits minimum)
3. Satisfactory completion of the Comprehensive Examination (Part A)

1. Core Courses:  A minimum of one course from each of the following three domains (9 credits)
   ERdg 710 or 711 (Literacy and society)
   ERdg 756 or 757 (Literacy and schooling)
   ERdg 781 or 782 (Literacy across the lifespan)
2. Distribution Requirements:
   Core Reading Courses (9 credits)
   Other Courses in Reading (21 credits)
   Allied Courses in Professional Education (6 credits minimum)
   Courses in Research Methodology (6 credits minimum)
3. ERdg 758, Inquiry Project (3-9 credits for a maximum of 9 credits)

Capstone Experience

Upon completion of a minimum of 50 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 (Part A), or undertake an inquiry project.  (Note that the CAS Inquiry Project cannot be used to satisfy the PhD Comprehensive Examination requirement.)

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.