Program Requirements
For successful completion of the literacy program, you must pass a comprehensive examination. A description of the content and format of this examination is available from the advisor of the graduate literacy program.
Master of Science in Education, Literacy
Kayla Lewis, Program Director
Hill Hall, Room 209; Phone 417-836-4196
KaylaLewis@missouristate.edu
Program description
The purpose of the MSEd-Literacy degree is to furnish students with the necessary knowledge and skills to be competent teachers of literacy from preschool through college. Those completing the program will be qualified to work as reading interventionists, Title I Teachers, or Reading Recovery Teachers (additional training required). In addition, graduates may supervise reading/literacy programs and may qualify as literacy coaches. The MSEd-Literacy degree includes coursework requirements for DESE K-12 Special Reading Teacher certification (note: DESE also required undergraduate coursework in special education, educational psychology, and literacy methods). A research component is required for completion of the degree.
Entrance requirements
- Admission to the program requires the following minimum criteria:
- appropriate teacher certification or eligibility for certification by a state or national board; and
- a minimum GPA of 3.00 for courses taken in undergraduate area of study. Candidates who do not meet the GPA requirement must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) earning a minimum combined score of 290. Results from the GRE must be provided prior to the candidate's registering for more than nine hours.
- Applicants must also submit a letter of intent, which includes the candidate's teaching and professional goals, future plans, background, and teaching experience.
A candidate who does not meet all the above criteria, but who demonstrates outstanding potential, may be fully admitted with approval from the Literacy Program Director, Department Head, College of Education Dean, and Graduate College Dean on the basis of individual merit and successful completion of the first nine hours (3.00 GPA or higher).
Student program of study courses
The Graduate Program Director will meet with students upon admission to map out coursework designed to meet each individual student's needs.
Accelerated Master's Degree option - MSEd, Literacy
The MSEd-Literacy accelerated master's degree option provides exceptional MSU undergraduate students the opportunity to enroll in a combined baccalaureate and master's degree program.
Eligible BSEd majors may apply for preliminary acceptance into the MSEd-Literacy program after admission requirements for the accelerated master's option have been satisfied. Once accepted, students will be able to take up to 12 hours of graduate-level literacy courses that apply to both their undergraduate and graduate programs. Before enrolling in courses for both undergraduate and graduate credit, an undergraduate student must be accepted into the accelerated program and receive prior approval from the Literacy Program Director, the Department Head, and the Dean of the Graduate College. This is done by using a mixed credit form. A student will be fully admitted to the Graduate College upon completion of the requirements for the baccalaureate degree, provided the student meets all other requirements for admission to the Graduate College. Acceptance into the program and all approvals must be completed prior to the end of the Change of Schedule Period for the course(s). See the Graduate College for further information.
Admission requirements for Accelerated Master's Option
- Junior standing, with an overall GPA of 3.00
- BSEd major
- Elementary, Early Childhood, and Special Education majors - completed or enrolled in: LTC 318 or LTC 420, and LTC 421
- Middle School and Secondary majors - completed or enrolled in: LTC 474
- Other BSEd majors - contact the Graduate Literacy Program Director
Graduate Coursework in Literacy that may be taken by undergraduates accepted into the Accelerated Master's Option:
LTC 700, LTC 640, LTC 660 or LTC 665, LTC 680, LTC 685. Other courses may be substituted with approval from Graduate Literacy Program Director.
Completion of MSEd-Literacy requirements:
Students must complete the additional course requirements and number of required hours as listed in the regular MSEd-Literacy degree upon completion of the BSEd degree
Required courses
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| LTC 640 | Analysis and Correction of Difficulties in Literacy | 3 hrs |
| LTC 660 or LTC 665 |
Diversity Issues in Literacy and Content Area Instruction or Cultural Diversity in Literacy & Instruction: Classrooms & Community |
3 hrs |
| LTC 680 | Successful Classroom Communities to Enhance Student Learning | 3 hrs |
| LTC 685 | Techniques of Responsive Support in the Literacy Classroom | 3 hrs |
| LTC 700 | Relationship of Language to Literacy and Intellectual Development | 3 hrs |
| LTC 710 | Content Area Literacy | 3 hrs |
| LTC 770 | Curriculum Design in Literacy | 3 hrs |
| LTC 780 | Assessment Procedures for the Literacy Specialist | 3 hrs |
| LTC 781 | Assessment of Literacy Problems | 3 hrs |
| LTC 782 | Remediation of Literacy Problems | 3 hrs |
| LTC 795* | Literacy Research Methods | 3 hrs |
| Literacy Elective | 3 hrs | |
| Total | 36 hrs |
* This requirement waived if candidate elects Research Option 1, a thesis.
Research (3-6 hours)
Option I: Completion of a satisfactory thesis, LTC 799, in the candidate's discipline. This credit shall be no more than 6 hours of the minimum 39 required for the degree.
Option II: Completion of one research seminar, LTC 795, which shall require an extensive paper.
Comprehensive Examinations
A comprehensive examination must be passed by the candidate before a degree will be granted. A description of the content and format of this examination is available from the Coordinator of the Graduate Literacy Program.