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.
Often, applicants will interview with the Department faculty as an integral part of the application process (either in person or via the internet).
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:
- Core Courses: ELtl 710, 711, 756, 757, 781, and 782 with the option of substituting 'cross-domain' courses (eg. ELtl 773, 738) with permission of the Department, when core courses are not available (18 credits)
- 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) - Satisfactory completion of the Comprehensive Examination (Part A)
CAS students preparing for the Inquiry Project take:
- Core Courses: A minimum of one course from each of the following three domains (9 credits)
ELtl 710 or 711 (Literacy and society)
ELtl 756 or 757 (Literacy and schooling)
ELtl 781 or 782 (Literacy across the lifespan) - 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) - ELtl 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.
