Program Description

The Master of Arts in Literacy Education consists of five foundation courses, four advanced courses, two of which are practicum experiences, and one elective course, for a total of 36 credit hours.

Teacher Licensure

None of the degree or certificate programs in Literacy Education leads to an initial teaching license.

Additional Endorsements For Literacy Teachers

West Virginia teachers who wish to add the West Virginia endorsement for the Reading Specialist may do so by completing the M.A. in Literacy Education program, passing the PRAXIS 5301 test, and applying to the West Virginia Department of Education.

West Virginia teachers who wish to add the West Virginia endorsement for Reading Teacher may do so by completing the Certificate in Literacy Education program and applying to the West Virginia Department of Education. Students from other states and countries will need to contact their state Department of Education to verify eligibility for added endorsements. 

Admission Requirements

Applicants should follow the admissions process described in this catalog or at the Graduate Admissions website at www.marshall.edu/graduate/admissions/how-to-apply-for-admission.

In addition, applicants must have:

• A degree from an accepted, accredited university.
• An undergraduate Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.7 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
• A valid teaching certificate.

Program Requirements

Degree candidates follow a planned program of study and must maintain a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0. The program of study includes several assessments that are completed as candidates move through the program. A minimum of one year of teaching experience or equivalent as a long-term substitute is required by the time of program completion.

This program requires six hours of supervised practicum in CIRG 623 and CIRG 643. Students must earn a grade of "B" or better in CIRG 623 Lit Facilitator Pract and CIRG 643 Tch Strug Readers Practicum and complete a series of performance assessments completed as they move through the program.  

Plan of Study

A Plan of Study approved by the student’s advisor must be on file with the Literacy Education program within 30 days of acceptance into the program. The Plan of Study is a student’s “blueprint” for completing graduation requirements.

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
CIRG 636	Developmental Reading	3
CIRG 644	Literacy in the Content Area	3
CIRG 615	Writing in Literacy Curriculum	3
CIRG 653	Literacy Acquisition	3
CIRG 637	Literacy Assessment	3
CIRG 654	Aligning Assess with Instruct	3
CIRG 643	Tch Strug Readers Practicum	3
CIRG 623	Lit Facilitator Pract	3
CIRG 621	Curr Issues & Prob Reading	3
Students will be required to select one elective course, chosen in consultation with the program advisor.		3
Total Credit Hours		30

This program requires six hours of supervised practicum and a series of performance assessments completed as candidates move through the program.