Graduate Literacy Programs - The Choice is Yours - Be Exceptional!

All of our Literacy programs are completely Online! Find the Pathway that works for you.

Program Mission Statement and Objectives:

Literacy is foundational to every part of teaching and learning. The Master of Science in literacy focuses on literacy pedagogy, as well as supporting candidates to become critically engaged teachers who are prepared to support diverse learners in all aspects of literacy learning. Candidates will engage in experiences to bridge theory to practice, while working toward professional goals as leaders in the field.

For candidates who hold a current teaching certificate, the Master of Science in literacy leads to eligibility for an added PK-12 Reading Specialist endorsement. During the program candidates will:

• Bridge theory, research, and practice to support Pk-12 students in authentic literacy experiences;
• Support, assess, and develop interventions to help students thrive as literacy learners in Pk-12 settings;
• Create classrooms that engage culturally responsive teaching practices to support diverse students;
• Critically examine various types of literature to increase students’ skills and perspectives;
• Engage as literacy leaders at local and national levels;
• Develop skills to navigate and to build action research in classrooms.

The Literacy Master's program is designed for graduates of education programs who have received initial teacher certification and wish to enhance their practice for effective enhancement of students' literacy skills. "The ability to read, write, and communicate connects people and empowers them to achieve things they never thought possible," (ILA) Graduate studies in Literacy will enhance the ability to improve instruction for students' literacy and learning in all content areas and teaching specializations, including:

• Elementary Teaching
• Secondary Teaching
• Special Education
• Title I
• Reading Specialist/Interventionist
• Literacy Coaching

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job opportunities for instructional coordinators, particularly those who specialize in the development of reading curricula, should be favorable in the coming years, with a projected employment increase of 23% between 2008-2018.

Master of Science in Literacy

Entry Requirements: an undergraduate degree in education and a teaching certificate; 2.7 or better GPA in education-related undergraduate coursework.

Program Requirements: the Master of Science in Literacy is a thirty-six (36) credit hour program. Courses include theory, practice, and research; theories of learning and literacy; assessment and evaluation; and critical examination of literacy practices.

Adding the Reading Specialist Endorsement (PK-12): To add a Reading Specialist Endorsement (PK-12) to a Nebraska teaching certificate also requires two years of contracted teaching and a passing score on the Praxis II Reading Specialist Content Test.

Dyslexia Certificate

The 15 credit hour Dyslexia Specialist Certificate is open to any student with a bachelor's degree who is seeking additional expertise in Dyslexia.

Reading Specialist Endorsement (PK-12)

Program Requirements: The Reading Specialist Endorsement (PK-12) requires 30 credit hours. Required courses include reading theories and processes, principles and practices, applications and instruction, assessment and research. (Nebraska requires two years of contracted teaching to qualify for a Nebraska Reading Specialist Endorsement (PK-12) and a passing score on the Praxis II Reading Specialist Content Test).

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For more information contact Dr. Jennifer Lemke:

Email: jenniferlemke@unomaha.edu

Phone: 402.554.2726