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Education (Literacy Education), MA

Education (Literacy Education), MA

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Education (Literacy Education), MA

Curriculum, Education, Instruction, School, Teacher, edute, literature, teachers college

Literacy is the key to education. Help diverse learners of all ages unlock their potential with a degree that prepares you to become a leader in literacy education for any setting.

Program description
Degree awarded: MA  Education (Literacy Education)

The MA program in education with a concentration in literacy education prepares students to understand the sociocultural, historical and political settings in which reading, writing, oral language and the visual arts are created and utilized.

Fully online courses include digital technologies, multimodal literature, language and literacy for diverse learners, as well as literacy assessment and instruction for children, adolescents and adults. Students learn how to evaluate literacy theories and pedagogies through both a solid theoretical foundation of literacy and a foundational knowledge base of pedagogy. The program also teaches how to use technology to encourage critical thinking for learners, as well as how to use it as a resource for teaching, assessment and inquiry.

Graduates are literacy leaders who inquire into their own instructional approaches, analyze resources available for literacy instruction, and critically examine the environments and learning experiences constructed in their context.

At a glance
Degree requirements

30 credit hours including the required capstone course (RDG 597)

Required Core (3 credit hours)
COE 501 Introduction to Research and Evaluation in Education (3)

Concentration (18 credit hours)
RDG 505 Language and Literacy Across the Lifespan (3)
RDG 510 Literacies, Digital Technologies and Learning (3)
RDG 512 Theoretical Foundations in Language and Literacy (3)
RDG 515 Multimodal Literature for Children and Adolescents (3)
RDG 518 Supporting Language and Literacy for Diverse Learners (3)
RDG 519 Writing Throughout the Lifespan (3)

Other Requirements (6 credit hours)
RDG 530 Literacy Methods, Assessment and Reflection for Children (Pre-K to Grade 5) (6) or
RDG 540 Literacy Methods, Assessment and Reflection for Adolescents and Adults (Grade 6-Adult) (6)

Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
RDG 597 Capstone (3)

Additional Curriculum Information
Students put their coursework into action through an interactive capstone project, where they design, implement, analyze and reflect on a professional development project for literacy educators.

Admission requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. three letters of recommendation
  4. personal statement
  5. resume
  6. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

The letters of recommendation should be from individuals who can speak to the applicant's potential for success in a graduate program, and the personal statement should describe the applicant's interests and reason for seeking this degree.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Attend online
ASU Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.

Career opportunities

Graduates possess skills in leadership, literacy assessment and instruction; conduct research and utilize technology; and are prepared to pursue or expand an educational career working with learners of all ages.

Career examples include:

  • curriculum writer
  • instructional coach
  • instructor
  • literacy coordinator
  • literacy media specialist
  • reading specialist
Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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