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 the Reading Specialist endorsement. Content is considered in terms of learners from diverse backgrounds and school settings. Coursework outside of the concentration strand has been designed to support and enhance the concepts presented. Students select the thesis option (33 credits) or non-thesis option (36 credits).
The program prepares individuals with elementary or secondary teaching certification to apply for Reading Specialist endorsement. Individuals who wish to pursue a research career, administrative position and/or doctoral degree in education are encouraged to select the thesis option. The Literacy program complies with the guidelines on Advanced Reading Education of the International Reading Association.
Thesis or non-thesis option (33-36 credits). Students must select either the 36-credit non-thesis option or the 33-credit thesis option.
Non-thesis option(6 credits). Additional courses listed under A or B2 above and/or EDE 520.
Thesis option(3 credits). EDE 698 (prerequisite: completion of at least 24 credit hours).
Reading Specialist Certificate Endorsement
Upon successful completion of the Master of Arts in Literacy program and the Reading Specialist (Test Code 92) Michigan Test for Teacher Certification, graduates with teaching certificates from the State of Michigan will be eligible for Reading Specialist certificate endorsement (coded BR in Michigan). This endorsement allows teachers to teach reading and language arts as a special subject in grades K-12.
