Program Overview

Language and Literacy Studies Master’s Program

The Master of Education degree program in Language and Literacy Studies (LLS) is designed to help teachers improve the quality of their practice, read and think deeply about their work, and influence their school, colleagues, professional network, and district, state, and national policy. The program is based on a commitment to four principles:

• Literacy is in a constant process of change in form and function.
• The practicalities of teaching are more interesting, humane, and effective when they are built upon a sound foundation in research and theory that informs inquiry and personal development.
• Literacy professionals improve their practices best in the context of the study of their own practices (in the company of others working toward the same goal).
• Literacy professionals must be conscious and critical of the contexts for teaching and prepared to challenge present circumstances out of concerns for equity and social justice.

Program Details

The program has been designed to affect instruction in our geographic area. The LLS faculty is committed to the establishment of close working relationships with local teachers and schools through such initiatives as the Heart of Texas Writing Project.

Faculty

The program faculty includes:

• Denise Davila, Associate Professor, who studies children's literature and researches the home literacy practices of families with young children in under-resourced communities.
• Cody Fernandez, Assistant Professor of Practice, who focuses on Teacher Language Ideologies and Writing Instruction.
• Tracey T Flores, Associate Professor, whose research focuses on Latina mothers and daughters language and literacy practices, the teaching of young writers in culturally and linguistically diverse classrooms, and family and community literacies.
• Deborah C Kelt, Associate Professor of Practice, who brings her experience in literacy education to UT with a specialization in preparing secondary teachers to work in urban schools.
• Grace MyHyun Kim, Associate Professor, who studies literacy, language, and multicultural education, especially involving new media and globalization.
• Beth Maloch, Senior Associate Dean, College of Education, who examines literacy teacher preparation, specifically the role of coaching and mentoring that occurs inside programs.
• Mónica Vásquez Neshyba, Associate Professor of Practice.
• Allison Skerrett, Professor, who focuses on secondary English and literacy education in urban contexts, including among transnational youth.
• Melissa Wetzel, Department Chair, whose research focuses on literacy teacher preparation, coaching and mentoring, literacy instruction.

Applicant Requirements

Applicants to the Language and Literacy Studies M.Ed. program must already be certified to teach. Some teaching experience is preferred (most applicants have at least two years of teaching experience, which can be achieved concurrently with enrollment).

Coursework

The program requires a total of 36 credit hours, including:

• Basic Course Requirements (3 hours): EDC 380R Educational Research and Design.
• Specialization Courses (18 hours):
  • EDC 385G Sociolinguistics in Research and Teaching
  • EDC 385G Literacy Leadership for Change
  • EDC 385G Literacy and Social Change
  • EDC 385G Classroom Discourse and Teacher Research
  • EDC 385G Reading Difficulties
  • EDC 385G Research on Adolescent Literacy In and Out of School
  • EDC 382S Secondary English & Reading
  • EDC 380T Teaching Composition
  • EDC 380T Writing Process & Pedagogy
  • EDC 390T Children’s Literature
  • EDC 390T The Art of the Picture Book
  • EDC 390T Young Adult Literature
  • EDC 382E Issues and Trends in Literacy
  • EDC 385G History of Reading Instruction
  • EDC 385G Literacy Acquisition
  • EDC 385G Literacy and Culture
  • EDC 385G Orality, Literacy and Technology
  • EDC 395L Family and Community Literacies
• Electives (15 hours): Note that 6 elective hours must be out-of-department courses and can be chosen in consultation with your advisor.

Program Details at a Glance

• Program Starts: Fall
• Deadline to Apply: December 31
• Credit Hours Required: 36
• Schedule: Flexible
• Program Location: On Campus
• GRE Required?: No
• Program Coordinator: Tracey Flores
• Master’s Advisor: Melissa Wetzel
• Graduate Admissions Coordinator: Stephen Flynn

Additional Resources

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Current Student Resources