College of Education and Human Development

Literacy Education

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions from Candidates Pursuing Literacy Education

1. Will completion of the program lead to teacher certification?
2. May non-matriculated students take graduate courses for credit before applying to the program?
3. What are the criteria for admissions and when are applications due?
4. Is the program accredited and what does that mean?
5. Once accepted, how long does it take to complete the program?
6. What opportunities for graduate assistantships and scholarships are available?
7. What degrees are available upon completion of the program and how are they obtained?
8. What job opportunities are available upon completion of the program?
9. At what campuses are courses offered?
10. What is the difference between receiving a state endorsement in English as a Second Language and getting a Master of literacy with a concentration in ESL?

1. Will completion of the program lead to teacher certification?
The Master of Science in Education in Literacy Education is an advanced degree program and does not lead to initial teacher certification. The program is primarily intended for classroom teachers, literacy teachers and other experienced educators interested in the field of literacy.

2. May non-matriculated students take graduate courses for credit before applying to the program?
Non-matriculated students can take up to two classes before matriculating into a program. An additional two courses may be taken after submitting an application for acceptance into the program. It is recommended that students speak to a program faculty member before doing so.

3. What are the criteria for admissions and when are applications due?
Candidates should submit all application materials to the Office of Graduate Admissions, 39 Exeter Street, Portland, ME 04104 by the application deadlines, September 1, October 15, February 1, March 15 and May 1. The application materials include: (a) A completed copy of the Application for Admission to Graduate Study, essay detailing reasons for pursuing course of study, and a non-refundable $50.00 application fee (b) Official transcripts of all previous college or university work sent directly from the awarding institution (c) Three letters of recommendations from individuals able to judge the applicant’s preparation and ability to pursue graduate study and professional work (d) Official scores on the MAT or GRE, taken within five years of application. Scores must be sent from the testing service.

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4. Is the program accredited and what does that mean?
The literacy program is an accredited program and courses meet the standards set by the International Reading Association. The accrediting institution for the College of Education and Human Development is NCATE (National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education). NCATE is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the organization to oversee colleges and universities to ensure that qualified, competent people leave our institution. The University goes under a complete external review every five years.

5. Once accepted, how long does it take to complete the program?
Candidates have five years upon acceptance into the program to complete the 36 credit hours of coursework. Students are also required to maintain continuous enrollment upon acceptance in the program. Therefore, a student must take at least six credit hours per academic year to remain on active status. Individuals should speak to a program advisor if a problem arises.

6. What opportunities for graduate assistantships and scholarships are available?
There are two scholarships available to literacy students. The McKenna and Moore scholarships are awarded each year to eligible students. Students can also apply for graduate assistantships. These positions are offered to degree students taking at least six credit hours per semester. A student may be offered a part-time position (10 hours/week) or a full-time position (20 hours/week). The minimum salaries are $4,500 a year for a 10 hour a week and $9,000 for a 20 hour per week position. Tuition waiver credits may be available. Graduate assistants generally assist a faculty member with research or a service project. Assistantships afford a unique opportunity for professional growth.

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7. What degrees are available upon completion of the program and how are they obtained?
The Literacy Program offers a Master of Science in Education in Literacy Education, Master of Science in Education in Literacy Education with an ESL concentration, and a Certificate of Advanced Study (beyond the master’s) in Literacy or in ESL. Completion of the Master of Science in Education in Literacy Education can lead to state certification as a literacy specialist.

8. What job opportunities are available upon completion of the program?
Students completing the program can put their knowledge to work in the regular classroom. With state licensure, an individual can be hired as a literacy specialist. Other professionals become Title I teachers, literacy support personnel or work as tutors or consultants.

9. At what campuses are courses offered?
The literacy courses are offered on a regular basis on the Portland/Gorham and Lewiston-Auburn campuses. Introductory courses are offered occasionally at the University Colleges in Sanford, Saco and Bath/Brunswick.

10. What is the difference between receiving a state endorsement in English as a Second Language and getting a Master of literacy with a concentration in ESL?
Students can take five state required courses and obtain state endorsement for teaching students whose first language is other than English. This route of endorsement does not require matriculation into the literacy program and it does not result in a master’s degree. Students wanting an advanced degree in literacy with an ESL concentration should apply to the program and complete the coursework for the ESL concentration. Upon completing the degree, students will receive the ESL endorsement.

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