Literacy Education (MA)

http://www.umflint.edu/graduateprograms/literacy-education-ma

Education Department information  

The Master of Arts in Literacy Program offers courses that focus on teaching issues and practices related to an integrated language arts curriculum, and prepares teachers for Reading Specialist endorsement. Appropriate material is addressed relevant to learners from diverse backgrounds and school settings. Coursework outside the literacy core has been designed to support and enhance an individual candidate’s program of study.

The program prepares individuals with elementary or secondary teaching certification to apply for Reading Specialist endorsement. The Literacy program complies with the guidelines on Advanced Reading Education of the International Reading Association.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements to apply for admission:

1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
2. A teaching certificate. 
3. A 3.0 or higher undergraduate overall grade point average based on a 4.0 scale.
4. Completion of an application form for the Education Master of Arts Programs (available in the Office of Graduate Programs, 251 FWTL). This application must be accompanied by:
   • An official transcript from each college or university attended
   • Updated resume
   • Three letters of recommendation
   • A personal statement of purpose
   • A copy of a currently held teaching certificate (certified teachers only)
   • A $55 application fee

Admission is selective and is determined by the Education Department. 

Application Deadlines

Applications must be received by:

• August 1 for Fall semester
• November 15 for Winter semester
• March 15 for Spring term
• May 15 for Summer term 

Time Limit for Degree

A student in any master’s program is expected to complete all work within five years from the date of first enrollment in the program. Students exceeding this time limit must file a petition with the SEHS Academic Standards Committee. Petitions must describe explicitly the amount of work remaining and a timeline for completion. A student who fails to complete degree requirements within five years may be withdrawn and required to reapply for readmission. Courses that are older than five years may not be counted toward degree requirements.

Transfer of Credit

Up to six (6) hours of graduate credit (including coursework as a UM-Flint non-candidate for degree or “Lifelong Learning” student) may be accepted for transfer into the program.  All credit transfers must be approved by the Education Department faculty.  Students seeking to transfer credits not designated as program requirements or electives should contact the appropriate faculty advisor.

Academic Rules and Regulations

See the School of Education and Human Services (SEHS)  and Graduate Study  sections of this catalog for academic rules and regulations pertaining to graduate programs offered by the College.