College of Education and Human Services
School of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies
www.kent.edu/ehs/tlcs

About This Program

The Master of Education in Literacy Specialization equips educators to inspire confident readers and writers through innovative, research-based literacy practices. Through hands-on learning and advanced study, you’ll gain the skills to support diverse learners and lead meaningful literacy improvement in classrooms, schools and communities. Read more...

Contact Information

• Lori Wilfong | lgkrug@kent.edu | 330-675-3200

• Connect with an Admissions Counselor

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • Fully online

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Goal statement
• Two letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:¹
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 DET score

¹

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Spring Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Summer Term
  • Rolling admissions

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

¹

Courses must be taken in sequence and are required for reading endorsement. MCED 50005 may be waived for students who completed a phonics course in their undergraduate program. Students who have MCED 50005 waived may graduate with 31 credit hours.

Graduation Requirements

• No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
• Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.

Licensure information

Candidates seeking Ohio licensure are required to pass specific assessments in order to apply for licensure. Students should consult their advisors for specific program requirements and refer to the Ohio Department of Education-Educator Preparation website for more information on assessments specific to licensure type.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate outstanding or satisfactory knowledge of the foundations of reading and writing processes and instruction.
2. Use a wide range of instructional practices, approaches, methods and curriculum materials to support reading and writing instruction.
3. Use of a variety of assessment tools and practices to plan and evaluate effective reading instruction.
4. Create and engage their students in literacy practices that develop awareness, understanding, respect and valuing of differences in society.
5. Create a literate environment that fosters reading and writing by integrating foundational knowledge, use of instructional practices, approaches and methods, curriculum materials and the appropriate use of assessments.
6. View professional development as a career long effort and responsibility.

Full Description

The Master of Education degree in Literacy Specialization develops practical and professional knowledge that is essential for educators concerned with the improvement of literacy at all instructional levels. Students study the nature of the reading and writing processes; the interrelationships between language, literature and literacy; literacy learning and teaching; the nature and needs of students who find reading and writing difficult; reading and writing as vehicles for learning and enjoyment; and the role of research in literacy instruction.

The program's curriculum is aligned with the Science of Reading, which is large body of interdisciplinary research showing how people learn to read and identifying the most effective, evidence-based practices for teaching literacy.