Program Overview

Program Overview

The online Advanced Certificate in Literacy Specialist program is designed to equip educators with flexible classroom practices to work with students who have language or learning disabilities and English language learners, as well as high achievers, from BirthGrade 12. This program is offered by Pace University and is accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Education Preparation (AAQEP).

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the program, applicants must have:

• A master's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0
• Initial, professional, or permanent New York State certification as a childhood, elementary, adolescent, or secondary teacher or a comparable certification from another state
• Transcripts from previously attended institutions demonstrating that applicants have completed core courses in the arts and sciences, a content-area major, and pedagogy that are consistent with program requirements
• Completed online application
• Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional references
• Current resume
• Personal statement summarizing previous educational experiences and reasons for pursuing a literacy certificate
• Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities

Curriculum

The online Advanced Certification Literacy Specialist (Birth12) curriculum helps classroom teachers and other education professionals enhance their knowledge of reading pedagogy through coursework, mentorship, and hands-on experiences. The program structure includes:

• A 21-credit hour program that can be completed in as little as three semesters
• Each course accounts for 3 credit hours, lasts fourteen weeks, and requires field experience
• The program concludes with a 14-week practicum featuring clinical and school experiences and a teacher-as-researcher capstone project

Core Course Descriptions

• Fall Courses:
  • ED 755B: Literacy Instruction and Technological Applications for a Diverse Population of Students in the Middle Grades (4-8)
  • ED 757: Adolescent Content Literacies in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Settings Grades (912)
• Spring Courses:
  • ED 650: Research and Theories in Language and Literacy Development (Birth-Grade 12)
  • ED 655A: Early Literacy Development in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Settings Birth Grade 2
• Summer Courses:
  • ED 652: Assessment in Reading and Writing
• Final Semester Practicum:
  • ED 677: Teaching Literacy Skills to Children with Special Needs
  • ED 691L: Student Teaching in the Childhood Literacy Classroom

Tuition and Financial Aid

• Current Tuition: $1,120 per credit hour
• Total credits: 21
• Total tuition: $23,520
• Technology fee: $60 for part-time students and $100 for full-time students
• Tuition excludes the costs of textbooks and materials, which vary by course
• Students may be eligible for Federal Direct Stafford Unsubsidized Loans and private education loans to cover tuition and other education-related costs

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long will it take to earn an advanced certificate in literacy? The online ADV CERT LIT program can be completed in as little as three semesters.
• How soon will I receive a decision after submitting my application? You can expect to receive a decision within one to two weeks of submitting all required elements of your application.
• Is there a required sequence of coursework or can the classes be taken in any order? The required courses may be taken in any order depending on availability.
• What are the requirements to complete the final practicum? The practicum consists of 100 clock hours working with children in literacy assessment and instruction.
• Where can I complete the final practicum course? The director of school partnerships will assist you in arranging an acceptable school placement that includes clinical supervisors and mentor teachers.
• I have questions about financial aid. Who can I contact? Please contact the Financial Aid Department.
• Can I start the program during any semester? There are three opportunities to start the ADV CERT LIT program each year, in the fall, spring, and summer.
• Can I transfer credits from graduate-level courses into this program? Students may transfer a maximum of 3 credit hours toward earning an advanced literacy certificate.
• Do I need to take the GRE? No, GRE scores are not required for admission to the online ADV CERT LIT program.