The Master of Education in Literacy is a graduate program housed in the Department of Professional Studies in Education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. This degree is offered to educators certified in teaching who desire graduate studies in reading and literacy theories, research, and instructional practices.
The M.Ed. in Literacy requires the completion of thirty-six credits. Students may also receive a Reading Specialist Certification by completion of twenty-seven credits within the master’s program and passing the state Praxis exam.
This graduate degree is offered to educators who can demonstrate their ability as scholar/researchers. Students are expected to develop a comprehensive understanding of educational and literacy theory and practice at the graduate level, analyze and design research, and effectively implement methodologies for literacy instruction. The Reading Specialist Certificate is available to students who complete the master’s program and pass the PRAXIS exam for Reading Specialists.
How do I apply to the program?
Contact the School of Graduate Studies and Research (724-357-2222) for an admission packet. In addition to filling out the application form, you will need to arrange to have your transcripts sent to the graduate school; arrange for letters of recommendation from individuals who can address your potential for engaging in graduate studies. Compose a well-written narrative that describes your academic and personal goals as they relate to this program. If you are accepted, you will be granted pre-candidacy status.
How do I achieve candidacy status?
Candidacy status is awarded after you have completed 12 credits with a grade-point average of B or better.
Should courses be taken in a specific sequence?
Certain courses should be taken in a specific sequence. LTCY 600 must precede LTCY 601, LTCY 605, LTCY 670 and 671, and LTCY 644 (or be taken at the same time as 644). LTCY 601 and LTCY 644 should precede LTCY 605. Classes in section A (600, 601, 602, 605, 644), section B (LTCY 698) and section C (LTCY 607) must precede 670/671. It is advisable to take GSR 615 prior to taking LTCY 698. Courses in sections E and F may be taken at any time.
Is it possible to transfer courses from another institution into the program?
Yes, it is possible to transfer up to six graduate credits into the program, providing those credits were taken within five years of the request for transfer, the course is equivalent to the course for which they will substitute, and a grade of “B” or better was earned in the course(s).
Students need to discuss the transfer with the Literacy program coordinator and send a letter to the graduate school requesting acceptance of the transfer credits. The letter should describe the course that the student wishes to transfer and indicate the master’s in Literacy course for which the transfer course will substitute. You must also provide an official transcript when the course is completed. Refer to “Transfer Credits” in the graduate catalog (six credits—five-year limit). If a student is already in the IUP program, transfer credits must be pre-approved.
Is it possible to substitute an IUP course for a course in the M.Ed. in Literacy program?
Under certain circumstances, it is possible to substitute some courses within the M.Ed. in Literacy program. Before taking the course, students need to discuss the substitution with the Literacy program coordinator, and send a letter to the graduate school requesting acceptance of the substitution. The letter should describe the course that the student wishes to substitute and indicate the M.Ed. in Literacy course for which the substitution will count. One example of an acceptable substitution is ENGL 690 and ENGL 730 (South-central Pennsylvania Writing Project) for C (related area) and F (elective).
What procedures do I follow for graduation?
In the semester before completing all of your courses, obtain a graduation form from the graduate school. The deadlines for graduation application are March 1 for May graduation, June 1 for August graduation, and October 1 for December graduation. Information about the May graduation ceremony is obtained from the graduate school. Your diploma will say “Master in Education” (all do); your transcript and other information will indicate “Literacy.”
How do I obtain my Reading Specialist Certification?
At (or near) the completion of your 27 credits for Reading Specialist Certification, you need to take the Praxis test. Call the IUP Career Development Center for times and dates, 724-357-2235. Dates of tests and dates for registration are provided. There is one date every month. Then, complete the application for certification (Stouffer Hall, Room 104, College of Education and Educational technology, 724-357-2485).
Is there a time limit for completing the program?
Yes, there is a five-year time limit for completing the program.
Course Requirements
Computer Literacy
Basic computer literacy is a requirement of this program.
Competency may be demonstrated by the following:
- Proficiency demonstrated for reading faculty, for example, using a word processing program efficiently and utilizing information technologies
- Documentation of in-service, workshops, or college computer courses in computer literacy
- Students not meeting this requirement must complete a computer course that is approved by an advisor.
- Students seeking certification as a reading specialist must complete a minimum of 27 semester hours from categories A–C.
A. Literacy: Required (21 s.h.)
LTCY 600 Foundations of Literacy Instruction
LTCY 601 Assessment and Acceleration
LTCY 602 Reading and Writing in the Content Areas
LTCY 605 Organization and Administration of Reading/Writing Programs
LTCY 644 Issues and Trends in the Language Arts
LTCY 670 Practicum and Seminar for Reading Specialists I
LTCY 671 Practicum and Seminar for Reading Specialists II
B. Research: Required (3 s.h.)
LTCY 698
Analysis of Research in Literacy
Required for Reading Specialist Certification
Required for M.Ed. in Literacy if not completing a thesis
C. Related Areas: Select one (3 s.h.)
LTCY 607 Instruction and Learning with Literature
EDSP 573 Psychology of Adolescent Education
ENGL 518 Adolescent Literature
D. Research: Required (3 s.h.)
GSR 615 Elements of Research
E. Humanistic Studies: Select one (3 s.h.)
FDED 613 Social Foundations of Education
FDED 614 Comparative Foundations of Education
Other graduate courses that address the relationships of social, political, historical, and cultural perspectives of education could be applicable for this section.
F. Electives: Select one* (3 credits)
LTCY 648 Creativity and the Elementary School Child
LTCY 696 Independent Study in Reading Education
LTCY 697 Seminar in Reading
ENGL 690 Writing as a Way of Learning
(with special permission from advisor)
Other current graduate courses that address literacy, learning, reading/writing could be applicable as an elective.
Total
Non-thesis option=36 hours
Thesis option*=30 credits plus six research hours
*If thesis option is selected, no electives are required.
