Program Overview

MEd in Language, Literacies, and Learning

Admission Requirements

In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, applicants must meet the following program requirements:

• Baccalaureate Field: No restrictions.
• Grade Point Average: Recommended minimum of 2.75/4.00 for the final 60 semester (90 quarter) hours of undergraduate study and at least 3.00 for all postbaccalaureate/graduate coursework.
• English Proficiency: Minimum test scores for this program are:
  • TOEFL iBT: 80, with minimum scores of 19 (Reading), 17 (Listening), 20 (Speaking), and 21 (Writing)
  • IELTS Academic: 6.5, with minimum scores of 6.0 (Reading), 6.0 (Listening), 6.0 (Speaking), and 6.0 (Writing)
  • PTE Academic: 54, with minimum scores of 51 (Reading), 47 (Listening), 53 (Speaking), and 56 (Writing)
• Letters of Recommendation: Two letters required, addressing the applicant’s academic qualifications, teaching experience, research ability, and ability to carry on advanced degree studies. At least one of these letters must be written by a former professor or supervisor familiar with the applicant’s academic work in an undergraduate or graduate setting.
• Other Requirements: A resume and personal statement (500–1000 words) that indicates interests and addresses relevant personal background, professional experiences, and professional goals. For the Bilingual-ESL, Reading Teacher and Reading Specialist Endorsements, an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) is required. In addition, the Reading Specialist requires a minimum of two years of teaching experience.

Degree Requirements

In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, students must meet the following program requirements:

• Minimum Semester Hours Required: 32 hours.
• Coursework:
  • Required Courses: Select two of the following courses with approval of advisor:
    • CI 450: Societal Bases of Languages, Literacies and Learning
    • CI 481: Foundation and Current Issues in Educating English Language Learners
    • CI 533: Language and Literacy Policy
    • CI 534: Languages and Literacies In and Out of School
  • Electives: Select 24 semester hours of electives approved by an advisor. Students seeking the endorsement options will need to consult an advisor for additional course requirements.
• Comprehensive Examination: None.
• Thesis, Project, or Coursework-Only Options: Coursework only. No other options are available.

Interdepartmental Concentrations

Students earning a graduate degree in this department may complement their courses by enrolling in select concentrations after consulting with their graduate advisor. Interdepartmental concentrations available for this degree include:

• Black Studies
• Gender and Women's Studies