MSEd in Literacy Education

Literacy Education

Program Requirements (36 credits)

First Tier Courses (27 credit hours)
     EDU 511 Children's Literature or
     EDU 513 Adolescent Literature
     EDU 514 Improving Teaching in Content Areas through Literacy
     EDU 521 Digital Literacies and Education
     EDU 562 Linguistic and Cultural Diversity in the Classroom
     EDU 600 Research Methods and Techniques
     EDU 607 Teacher Research in Literacy
     EDU 620 Reading Development and Instruction
     EDU 621 Literacy Problems: Assessment and Instruction
     EDU 626 The Writing Process

Second Tier Courses (9 credit hours)
     EDU 634 Seminar in Literacy Research
     EDU 639 Practicum in Literacy Education (6 credits)

Concentration in English as a Second Language

The Master of Science in Education in Literacy Education with a concentration in English as a Second Language (ESL) provides students with the knowledge base related to language acquisition by English language learners (ELLs). The emphasis is on literacy development in the second language. The program provides classroom practitioners with the skills needed to assess language and implement instruction to improve learners' proficiency for competent second language use.

Program Requirements (36 credits)

First Tier Courses (27 credit hours)
     EDU 514 Improving Teaching in Content Areas through Literacy
     EDU 557 Teaching Writing to Multilingual Learners*
     EDU 558 Content Based Curriculum for English Language Learners*
     EDU 559 Aspects of Reading for Multilingual Learners*
     EDU 561 Aspects of the English Language*
     EDU 562 Linguistic and Cultural Diversity in the Classroom*
     EDU 563 ESL Testing and Assessment*
     EDU 600 Research Methods and Techniques
     EDU 607 Teacher Research in Literacy

Second Tier Courses (9 credit hours)
     EDU 635 Seminar in Second Language Literacy
     EDU 639 Practicum in Literacy Education (6 credits)

* These courses meet state requirements for ESL endorsement. State endorsement in ESL requires prior teacher certification as well as coursework in ESL instruction. The master's degree in literacy education with an ESL concentration does not qualify graduates for Maine literacy specialist certification; however additional courses may be taken beyond this master's degree to qualify

Minimum Requirements: Applicant must have a bachelor's degree and have earned a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) in a baccalaureate degree program; Applicants who do not have a 2.5 overall GPA must enclose a letter asking for special consideration, in which they provide evidence of an ability to complete graduate studies successfully. Without such a letter, applicants who fail to meet eligibility requirements may be automatically denied. The applicant must also have attained teacher certification (provisional or professional level).

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Exceptions to this policy will be considered on a case-by-case basis and are up to the discretion of the admitting program.

Application Deadline

Rolling with priority deadlines. May 1 for fall matriculation, October 15 for spring matriculation, and March 15 for summer matriculation.

• Candidates should submit all application materials to the USM Office of Graduate Admissions, P.O. Box 9300, Portland, ME 04104-9300 by the application deadline.

Application must include:

• A submitted online graduate admission application;
• The application fee of $65.00;
• Two sets of official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, including USM;
• Three letters of recommendation attesting to the applicant's knowledge of current scholarship, capacity to connect theory and practice in posing and solving educational problems, achievement of excellence in educational practice, and demonstrated capability and motivation to engage in advanced graduate study. Recommendations must be received either directly from the recommender or forwarded by the applicant in sealed envelopes with the recommender's signature over the seal;
• Essay: see essay question below;
• Completed and signed Teacher Credential Summary Form;
• Certification of finances (international students only);
• Submission of official TOEFL or IELTS scores (if English is not first language); and
• Current resume.

Special Essay Question

Type a brief essay (300-500 words) stating your reasons for pursuing graduate study, your professional goals, and how you think this program of study will contribute to these goals. You may include a statement of any special interest you would like to pursue in your study.

Testing Requirements

Submit official TOEFL scores of 550 or higher on the paper-based test, 79 or higher on the Internet-based test, or 213 or higher on the computer-based test, or an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher if the applicant is an international student whose first language is not English. International students who have received their undergraduate degree from an English-speaking institution may apply for a waiver of this requirement.

Transfer Credit

Previously completed graduate courses may be approved for transfer into a graduate program within the literacy education program if credits for the courses were earned no more than five years prior to matriculation, with grades of B or better. A syllabus for each course submitted for transfer credit must be provided upon application.

For previous work completed through the University of Maine System, up to twelve credits may be accepted if the courses meet the requirements above and are equivalent to core courses or elective courses in the relevant USM program of study. Up to six graduate credits completed at institutions outside of the University of Maine System may be accepted if the courses meet the requirements above and are equivalent to core courses or elective courses in the relevant USM program of study.

Transfer of more than twelve University of Maine System credits or six non-University of Maine System credits may be approved by the program coordinator and faculty. These credits may include certificate of graduate study program courses and professional development in-service graduate courses. Requests for the transfer of credits taken more than five years prior to matriculation may also be evaluated and approved by the program coordinator and faculty.