The Department of Special Education and Literacy Studies at Western Michigan University offers a master's program in literacy that prepares educators for advanced positions in education.
The Master of Arts in Literacy Studies provides a comprehensive professional development program to meet the need in today’s classrooms for continuous literacy instruction based on current theory, research, and best practices. The program is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of reflective practitioners, as they become:
- Reading specialists
- Literacy coaches
- Innovative classroom teachers
- Advocates
- Researchers
Students will make connections between and among research, theory, policy, and practice to evaluate the teaching-learning process, inquire into how teaching can be improved, and develop effective practices. Reflective practitioners are passionate learners who embrace diversity, actively inquire and reflect upon their own practice, and nurture the development of new knowledge and skills. This is accomplished through a process of continuous professional, intellectual, and social growth.
Literacy Studies Program Requirements open close
The Master of Arts program consists of 30-33 credit hours, including education core requirements, program core requirements, and elective courses as well as thesis credits.
Education Core Requirements (6 hours)
ED 6010: Introduction to Research in Educational Settings (3 hours)
ES 6330: Human Nature and Diversity (3 hours)
or
ES 6340: Culture and Politics of Educational Institutions (3 hours)
Literacy Program Core Requirements (15 hours)
LS 5160: Professional Symposium in Reading (3 hours), meets PA 118 requirements
LS 6520: Oracy and Literacy (3 hours)
LS 6190: Clinical Studies in Reading (3 hours)
LS 6200: Educational Therapy in Reading (3 hours)
LS 6560: Creating and Administering a Balanced Literacy Program (3 hours)
Literacy Electives (3 hours): Choose one
LS 6800: Early Learning (3 hours)
LS 6120: Strategic Learning through Texts for Elementary Teachers (3 hours)
LS 6250: Reading at the Middle School Level (3 hours)
LS 6870: Strategic Learner through Texts for High School Teachers (3 hours)
Unrestricted Elective (3 hours)
To be determined in consultation with advisor
Capstone or Thesis
LS 6790: Capstone Seminar (3 hours)
or
LS 7000: Master’s Thesis (6 hours)
Participants in the master’s program in Literacy Studies will:
- Engage in collegial dialogue and networking about literacy policies within the Southwest Michigan area
- Learn to evaluate literacy initiatives and programs
- Learn to be more effective within the classroom
- Experience personal and professional growth
- Meet state mandates
Admission Information and Requirements: open close
Student applications for admission to the program are reviewed on a continuous basis. To apply, students must submit the Graduate College application and official transcripts to the Office of Admissions.
Graduate applications can be found online at
www.wmich.edu/admissions/gradapp/index.html.
View admissions procedures online at www.wmich.edu/coe/spls/literacy-admissions-ma.htm.
In addition, send the following to the Department of Special Education and Literacy Studies: a set of official transcripts, teaching certificate/endorsement(s), a 1000-1500 word written statement outlining career and professional goals, and two letters of
recommendation.
Applications are evaluated on the basis of:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- An overall grade point average of at least a 3.0 (on a 4-point scale) in the last two years of undergraduate work. Applicants with a GPA of less than 3.0 may be granted a Conditional Admission. This will be converted to a regular admission if students receive a B or better in the first two graduate courses (six credithours)
taken. - Experience working in a professional setting.
- For students seeking to obtain additional state
endorsements, a valid Teaching Certificate will be required.
