Literacy M.S. Degree Program

This program leads to the M.S. degree needed for initial/professional teacher certification in the area of Literacy Specialist (B-6), Literacy Specialist (5-12), or Literacy Specialist (B-12).

Effective Summer 2013: Graduates of our MS in Literacy and MS in Special Education/Literacy degrees are certified to work with students who encounter the most difficulty with literacy, and to coach and mentor other teachers.  In order to ensure that these specialists are appropriately qualified to receive literacy specialist certification (B-6, B-12, or 5-12), students in these degree programs must receive a B or better in practicum courses before being allowed to take the capstone class.  These practicum courses include: ELTL 601, ELTL602, ELTL 619, and ELTL 655.  In addition, students must also receive a B or better in the final practicum experiences ELTL 620 and/or ELTL 623. Students receiving a B- or lower in such courses have the following options: a) retake the course for a better grade; b) request admission to a professional certification degree in the department.  This latter option might require taking additional courses.

This program is available online. The distance learning program is available to full-time teachers pending administrative permission for practicum experiences within your school district after the regular school day. Distance learning students need access to K-12 students associated with their program track grades (i.e. Birth through Grade 6, Grade 5 through Grade 12) in order to complete the required practicum.

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.  

MS in Literacy - Literacy Specialist B-6 (30 Credits)

• Required Courses – 27 Credits
  • E Ltl 500    Classroom Literacy Instruction (3)
  • E Ltl 504    Children's Literature (3)
  • E Ltl 601    Practicum: Instruction to Prevent Literacy Difficulties (3)
  • E Ltl 610    Literacy in Society (3)
  • E Ltl 619    Practicum: Writing in the Classroom, 1-6 (3)
  • E Ltl 620    Practicum: Differentiated Instruction and Coaching, B–6 (6)
  • E Ltl 655    Early Literacy Development, B-2 (3)
  • E Ltl 677    Data-Based Decision Making in Literacy Assessment, Policy, and Practice (3)
• Elective Course – Select One for 3 Credits
  • E Ltl 526    Language Acquisition (3)
  • E Ltl 617    Teaching Social Studies, B-6 (3)
  • E Ltl 625    Integrated Literacy Instruction, B-6 (3)
  • E Ltl 657    Reading in a Second Language (3)
  • OR Other University approved course with advisor permission (3)
• Final Culminating Project - successful completion of the final culminating project milestone

MS in Literacy – Literacy Specialist 5-12 (30 Credits)

• Required Courses – 27 Credits
  • E Ltl 500    Classroom Literacy Instruction (3)
  • E Ltl 505    Academic Literacy Across Instructional Contexts, 5-12 (3)
  • E Ltl 506    Young Adult Literature (3)
  • E Ltl 600    Strategic Intervention to Prevent Literacy Difficulties (3)
  • E Ltl 602    High School Practicum: Dialogic Teaching and Learning (3)
  • E Ltl 610    Literacy in Society (3)
  • E Ltl 623    Practicum: Differentiated Instruction and Coaching, 5-12 (6)
  • E Ltl 677    Data-Based Decision Making in Literacy Assessment, Policy, and Practice (3)
• Elective Course -  Select One for 3 Credits
  • E Ltl 619 Practicum: Writing in Class, 1-6 (3)
  • E Ltl 657 Literacy for English Language Learners (3)
  • E Ltl 617 Teaching Social Studies, B-6 (3)
  • Or as advised
• Final Culminating Project - successful completion of the final culminating project milestone

MS in Literacy – Literacy Specialist B–6 and 5-12 (36 Credits)

• Required Courses – 36 Credits
  • E Ltl 500    Classroom Literacy Instruction (3)
  • E Ltl 505    Academic Literacy Across Instructional Contexts, 5-12 (3)
  • E Ltl 506    Young Adult Literature (3) OR E Ltl 504 Children's Literature (3)
  • E Ltl 601    Practicum: Instruction to Prevent Literacy Difficulties (3)
  • E Ltl 602    High School Practicum: Dialogic Teaching and Learning (3)
  • E Ltl 610    Literacy in Society (3)
  • E Ltl 619    Practicum: Writing in the Classroom, 1-6 (3)
  • E Ltl 620    Practicum: Differentiated Instruction and Coaching, B–6 (3-6)
  • E Ltl 623    Practicum: Differentiated Instruction and Coaching, 5-12 (3-6)
  • E Ltl 655    Early Literacy Development, B-2 (3)
  • E Ltl 677    Data-Based Decision Making in Literacy Assessment, Policy, and Practice (3)
• Final Culminating Project - successful completion of the final culminating project milestone

Please note: This program requires an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience requirement. 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.

As an approved teacher preparation program with the New York State Education Department, there may be additional certification requirements applicable. These requirements may include, but are not limited to additional workshops. Certification procedures and requirements are outlined on the School of Education’s Teacher Certification website (https://www.albany.edu/education/pathways-education-center). This program is approved for licensure or certification in New York State and the institution has not made a determination regarding the educational requirements for any other state.