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Graduate Literacy Programs

Master of Science in Literacy and Reading Specialist Endorsement (PK-12)

The Master of Science in Literacy from the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences prepares education professionals with the knowledge, skills and disposition to effectively integrate contemporary theories of literacy with sound pedagogical practice.

During the program candidates will expand their knowledge in the following areas:

  • Ability to apply research in reading and writing to teaching in all content areas
  • Skills for working with struggling readers and writers in PK-12 settings
  • Leadership skills to work with students and their teachers in literacy
  • Understanding components of students' diversity as readers and writers
  • Using various types of literature to increase students' skills as readers and writers

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

The Master of Science in Literacy leads to eligibility for an added PK-12 Reading Specialist Endorsement. The Nebraska Department of Education also requires two years contracted teaching experience and a passing score on the Praxis II Reading Specialist Content Test. Students seeking admission to graduate programs in the College of Education should first apply through the Office of Graduate Studies at UNO.

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; 3.0 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.

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).

For more information contact Dr. Jennifer Lemke at jenniferlemke@unomaha.edu or 402.554.2726.