Program Overview

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Education (Literacy Education), MA

The Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Literacy Education is designed to prepare students to become leaders in literacy education. This program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the sociocultural, historical, and political settings in which reading, writing, oral language, and the visual arts are created and used.

Program Description

Students in this program gain an understanding of the complex factors that influence literacy education, including digital technologies, multimodal literature, and language and literacy for diverse learners. The program also focuses on literacy assessment and instruction for children, adolescents, and adults. Through a solid theoretical foundation of literacy and a foundational knowledge base of pedagogy, students learn how to evaluate literacy theories and pedagogies.

At a Glance

• College/School: Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation
• Location: Online
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

Degree Requirements

The program requires 30 credit hours, including a capstone course (RDG 597). The required core course is COE 501 Introduction to Research and Evaluation in Education (3 credit hours).

Concentration

The concentration requires 18 credit hours and includes the following courses:

• RDG 505 Language and Literacy Across the Lifespan (3 credit hours)
• RDG 510 Literacies, Digital Technologies and Learning (3 credit hours)
• RDG 512 Theoretical Foundations in Language and Literacy (3 credit hours)
• RDG 515 Multimodal Literature for Children and Adolescents (3 credit hours)
• RDG 518 Supporting Language and Literacy for Diverse Learners (3 credit hours)
• RDG 519 Writing Throughout the Lifespan (3 credit hours)

Other Requirements

• RDG 530 Literacy Methods, Assessment and Reflection for Children (Pre-K to Grade 5) (6 credit hours) or
• RDG 540 Literacy Methods, Assessment and Reflection for Adolescents and Adults (Grade 6-Adult) (6 credit hours)

Culminating Experience

• RDG 597 Capstone (3 credit hours)

Admission Requirements

• General University Admission Requirements: All students must meet the general university admission requirements.
• Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Minimum Cumulative GPA: 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
• Application Requirements:
  • Graduate admission application and application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement
  • Resume
  • Proof of English proficiency

Tuition Information

Tuition information can be found on the university's website. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes include:

• Designing individualized assessments and instruction based on foundational literacy pedagogy
• Critically evaluating a range of relevant cognitive, sociocultural, and critical theories of literacy education
• Conducting a practitioner inquiry research project that centers on leadership in literacy practices

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program are prepared to become literacy leaders who can inquire into their own instructional approaches, analyze resources available for literacy instruction, and critically examine the environments and learning experiences constructed in their context. Career examples include:

• Curriculum writer
• Instructional coach
• Instructor
• Literacy coordinator
• Literacy media specialist
• Reading specialist

Additional Information

The program is offered online with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Students can learn more about the program and its requirements by visiting the university's website.