Teacher Education & Professional Development

MA in Reading and Literacy K-12

The MA in Reading and Literacy K-12 option prepares students with teaching certificates to specialize in the study of research and methodology in reading from kindergarten through secondary education. The program provides in-depth study of literacy programs, theoretical models and processes of reading and writing, assessment, interdisciplinary processes and strategies in literacy, current literacy issues, and the diagnosis and remediation of reading difficulties. The program includes a 6 week supervised clinical practicum.

The Master of Arts in Reading and Literacy K-12 Program Mission:

organize and implement school literacy programs

diagnose and treat difficulties in literacy

implement appropriate reading and writing instruction

develop interdisciplinary and integrated units involving literacy

conduct research about current issues of literacy

develop technological and viewing skills related to literacy programs

Degree Requirements:

To qualify for graduation, candidates for the Master of Arts in Reading & Literacy K-12 degree must meet a residency requirement and demonstrate significant scholarly ability. This demonstration will typically involve the development and completion of a thesis or the completion of a comprehensive written examination at the end of the individual’s coursework.

The residency requirement is fulfilled by taking at least 12 semester hours on the Mt. Pleasant campus or in a CMU off-campus course taught by a Teacher Education and Professional Development tenure or tenure-track faculty member.

The program requires a minimum of 30 semester hours of credit for the Plan A (thesis) option or a minimum of 33 semester hours of credit for the Plan B (capstone seminar) option. Course descriptions can be found under the Graduate Bulletin.

At least one-half the credits earned toward the degree must be taken at the 600 and 700 levels. All credits must be completed in the seven-year period immediately preceding the granting of the degree.