Program Overview

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Certificate of Advanced Study in Literacy

Overview

The Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in Literacy is designed for students seeking advanced coursework in literacy research and pedagogy, aiming for career advancement or entry into a PhD program in Literacy. It is ideal for classroom teachers or literacy specialists with a master’s degree, looking to deepen or broaden their professional knowledge or clinical expertise.

Program of Study

The CAS in Literacy program prepares students for leadership roles in literacy education. The program is designed to accommodate full-time students as well as working teachers, with part-time options available through online and/or evening classes.

Core Courses

• Foundational Core Courses
  • Proseminar in Theoretical Models and Frameworks in Literacy Teaching and Learning
  • Proseminar in Approaches to Literacy Research Methods
  • Introduction to Dissertation Literature Reviews
• Selected Core Courses
  • Theory and Research in Teaching of Literature
  • PreK-12 Disciplinary Literacy Development: Potential in PreK-12 ELA, Science, & Soc Studies Standards
  • Teacher Leadership
  • Literacy Education: Research, Practice, Policy, and Politics
  • Early Literacy and Language Development
  • Research on Preparing Literacy Teachers to Cultivate Equitable & Diverse Learning Contexts
  • Other courses as advised
• Research Methodology Courses
  • Quantitative Methods in Literacy Research
  • Qualitative Research Methods
  • Practitioner and Participatory Action Research
  • Discourse Analysis
  • Other courses as advised
• Graduate Education Courses
  • Up to 30 credits, may include MS level transfer courses
• Capstone Project
  • Comprehensive Examination or an Inquiry Project

Professional Development

As an advanced studies certificate student, you have the opportunity to develop professional teaching and research skills by assisting with the teaching of graduate courses or clinical practica, and by participating in faculty research projects. You may also gain experience presenting scholarly papers at professional conferences and submitting academic articles to peer-reviewed journals.

Graduate Student Funding

Assistantships and fellowships are regularly offered to full-time students when funding is available through the University and/or externally funded projects. If awarded, you receive a stipend for 20 hours of research or teaching assignments per week, and a tuition waiver for 9 credits of coursework per semester for an academic year (fall and spring).

Career Pathways

With a literacy certificate in advanced studies, you'll be qualified to pursue a career improving literacy instructional methods in K-12 classrooms and other educational settings to help students achieve success. Program alumni are employed by public and private schools, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies.

Admissions Requirements

• Deadlines
  • Fall: January 30
  • Spring: Not Available
  • Summer: Not Available
• Required Application Materials
  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Three Letters of Recommendation (at least one from a college/university professor/instructor addressing academic abilities and potential for graduate study)
  • Literacy essay within application
  • Official GRE scores
• Supplemental Documents
  • Writing Sample (an example of academic writing)
  • Available information for International Applicants

Student Learning Objectives

• Understand literacy theory and research
• Critically analyze, interpret, and apply research
• Lead collaborative inquiry to promote literacy
• Engage in and reflect on effective methods of teacher preparation

Careers and Advisement

The Pathways Into Education (PIE) Center is the central office on campus serving undergraduate, graduate, and prospective students interested in pursuing careers in education and programs leading to teacher certification. Graduate Advisement is available via email.