Reading Master of Science Degree
The MS in Reading degree is intended for people who work in literacy settings, yet not in the traditional B-12 school settings requiring teacher certification. For example, literacy volunteers, international students, parents, private school providers, after school program coordinators, counselors in prison settings, and so forth may apply for this graduate degree. It is also open to teachers with expired certification who are interested in working in the non-school setting. The intent of the program is to help graduate students learn about teaching literacy, especially how to engage children and young adults in literacy learning. While all students will take certain required courses, there is flexibility built into the program structure to encourage individual interests. This program does NOT lead to teacher certification. Teaching is a profession. Master’s students have professional responsibilities to their students, their peers, their classmates and instructors, and to society at large. Students in the master’s program will be working with children and other professionals in educational contexts, including, schools, community centers, and other sites of learning. Their professional responsibilities include following through on commitments made to children and schools, being appropriately prepared and on time for all interactions/lessons, maintaining confidentiality and respect, and interacting with all stakeholders/participants in a professional manner. Professional interactions include everything from dressing appropriately for the situation to maintaining appropriate language both in talking with and talking about others. Failure to meet professional responsibilities can result in a student’s academic dismissal from the program.
Program of Study (30 Credits)
Required Courses – 15 Credits
E Rdg 500 Classroom Literacy Instruction (3) OR
E Rdg 505 Practicum: Academic Literacy Across Instructional Contexts, 5-12 (3)
E Rdg 504 Children's Literature (3) OR
E Rdg 506 Practicum: Young Adult Literature (3)
E Rdg 610 Literacy in Society (3)
E Rdg 615 Teaching Writing, B-6 (3) OR
E Rdg 616 Teaching Writing, Grades 5-12 (3)
E Rdg 658 MS Research Project (3)
Elective Courses – Select Five for 15 Credits
E Psy 521 Development in Childhood (3)
E Psy 540 Assessment in Education (3)
E Rdg 526 Language Acquisition, B-2 (3)
E Rdg 638 Media Literacy (3)
E Rdg 655 Early Literacy Development, B-2 (3)
E Rdg 657 Reading in a Second Language (3)
OR Electives as advised (3)
