Program Overview

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Master of Arts in Literacy Studies

The Master of Arts in Literacy Studies is a program offered by the College of Education at the University of South Florida.

Program Overview

The program is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in literacy education.

Program of Study

The program typically takes 2-3 years to complete, with courses offered every semester, including summers.

Admission Requirements

• Students are not required to be practicing teachers, but most courses require interaction with a literacy learner (preK-adult) for developing expertise.
• It is helpful for students to identify a population of participants with whom they can work in schools or outside of school settings.

Program Requirements

• Students must have an updated computer with an operating system that is less than 2 years old.
• The use of Mac computers is strongly encouraged.
• Students should also have access to an iPad or tablet.
• Students must purchase the Explain Everything app, which allows for the creation of explanation videos of teaching and enables students to teach and present to the class.
• Students must also purchase a Chalk & Wire access code, which is an assessment system used to monitor student completion of specific course assignments.

Computer Competencies

• Students are required to create and upload videos and images, participate in online discussions, post digital media, and navigate websites, apps, and Canvas tools.
• Students are expected to have access to and be able to work in word processing programs, presentation software, spreadsheets, and digital media creation and video editing.
• Students should be familiar with basic operations in the online environment as well as Canvas, the USF Course Management System.

Synchronous Courses

• Each instructor will provide accommodations for students who live in another time zone.
• For example, some faculty may record the course session and require alternative forms of participation.
• Others may ask students to submit comments and questions prior to the synchronous session.

Attendance Requirements

• Advanced notification of the days and times of required sessions is provided in Student Self-Service when students register and again in the course syllabus.
• If a student is unable to attend a session, they should contact their instructor.
• Whole group discussions can be recorded, but absence from a session means missing out on the organic learning opportunity afforded by discussion of course-related ideas and themes.
• Professors require full participation for the entire session to receive credit for participation.

Online Classes

• Students do not need to travel to the USF campus for coursework, as all coursework is online.
• No one from this program will require students to travel to campus.

Program Suitability

• The program is not primarily for elementary teachers.
• The field of reading has changed to reflect the ways in which literacy develops across the lifespan.
• Job positions have also changed, with most high schools and community colleges having reading and writing programs that require expert teachers with advanced degrees in literacy education.
• The Plan III Reading MA does not require a teaching certificate, and many corporations and different fields of work have literacy components and literacy education initiatives.