Language and Literacy Education Specialization, M.Ed.

Graduate Coordinator, Language and Literacy Education: Dr. Jeanne Swafford

The graduate program leading to the Master of Education degree (M.Ed.), with specialization in Language and Literacy (i.e. reading) Education, addresses the North Carolina Masters/Advanced Competencies which include standards in Instructional Expertise, Knowledge of Learners, Research Expertise, Connecting Subject Matter and Learners, and Professional Development and Leadership. It provides advanced professional training for individuals holding, or qualified to hold, North Carolina Class “A” teacher licensure in at least one area of education. The 33 credit hour program is comprised of 21 credit hours in the specialization, 6 credit hours of practica, and 6 credit hours of electives. Based on the view of the professional as a decision-maker, the program addresses the needs for conceptual and procedural bases for decision making, for specific practices, and for structured reflection.

Admission Requirements

Applicants seeking admission to the (M.Ed.) with specialization in Language and Literacy Education program are required to submit the following to the Graduate School:

An application for graduate admission.
Official copies of transcripts of all college work (undergraduate and graduate).
Three recommendations by individuals in relevant professional fields (employers, professors, supervisors).
A 2-3 page typed letter of application which includes a description of the applicant’s professional goals, educational interests in pursuing graduate study, and philosophy of teaching.
Application and supplemental documents must be submitted by the published deadline.

The criteria for graduate admissions decisions include:

A grade average of “B” in the undergraduate major
Satisfactory letters of recommendation from appropriate references
Satisfactory writing skills indicated by the letter of application

Admissions decisions are based upon several factors and where other indicators of success warrant, individuals who fall below the established criteria in one area may be considered for admission.

Applicants to the language and literacy program are required to hold, or be qualified to hold, North Carolina Class “A” elementary, middle grades, special education or secondary teacher licensure. Under exceptional circumstances, individuals who do not hold the specified teaching credential may be admitted. Such exceptions may be made in cases of otherwise qualified applicants who are engaged in relevant professional roles not requiring teacher certification and who may profit professionally from the type of advanced study offered at this institution. However, upon completion of the graduate program, individuals admitted under such exceptions are not qualified for the institution’s recommendation for North Carolina Board of Education instructional or administrative licensure.

Degree Requirements (33 total credit hours)

Language and Literacy Specialty (27 credit hours)

EDN 536 - Disciplinary Literacies Credits: 3
EDN 538 - Teaching Writing from a Writer’s Perspective Credits: 3
EDN 541 - The Role of Literature in Learning and the Curriculum Credits: 3
EDN 558 - Language, Literacy, and Culture Credits: 3
EDN 566 - Research in Literacy Education Credits: 3
EDN 568 - 21st Century Literacies Credits: 3
EDN 584 - Development of Language and Literacy Curriculum Credits: 3
EDN 586 - Systemic Change and Leadership in Literacy Education Credits: 3
EDN 589 - Tutoring and Coaching for Literacy Development Credits: 3

Electives (6 credit hours)

Recommended electives or other courses as approved by the advisor or graduate coordinator.

EDN 504 - Seminar in International Education Credits: 1-3
EDN 507 - ESL Topics for Non-ESL Teachers Credits: 3
EDN 537 - Linguistics for Teachers Credits: 3
EDN 540 - Adolescent Literature Credits: 3
EDN 545 - Black Literature and Resources for Teachers Credits: 3
EDN 550 - Nature and Needs of Children with Exceptionalities Credits: 3
EDN 552 - Introduction to Gifted Education Credits: 3
EDN 581 - Comparative International Education Credits: 3
EDN 588 - Assessments in Language and Literacy Credits: 3
EDN 595 - Special Topics in Education Credits: 1-4 (taken as 3 hours)

Exit Requirement

Each student is required to complete the comprehensive examination process as defined by the Language and Literacy faculty prior to completion of the program.

Reading Specialist Certification

Individuals who already hold a master’s degree in education in a related area may qualify to be recommended for graduate level licensure in Reading (K-12) by completing 24 additional credit hours of literacy-related coursework, approved by the Language and Literacy faculty, and passing the appropriate specialty area PRAXIS examination. Please see the program coordinator for specific information if you are interested in this certification.