Degree Requirements

M.A. Language and Literacy


To qualify for graduation from the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Language and Literacy (formerly Reading/Language Arts) program, students must:

  • Complete master’s coursework with a 3.0 overall grade point average on a 4.0 scale with no individual grade below a "C".
  • Complete and present an action research project.
  • Complete an oral presentation.
  • Pass a comprehensive examination (written) which is embedded into courses throughout the program.
  • Obtain faculty recommendation for graduation.
  • Complete all requirements for the master’s degree within seven consecutive academic years.

Course Requirements

Includes Reading Teacher (316) and Reading Specialist (17) certifications

  • RLA 502 Issues of Diversity in the Literacy Classroom
  • RLA 558 Reading and Writing with Children
  • RLA 519 Word Recognition
  • RLA 507 Emergent Literacy
  • RLA 559 Comprehension
  • RLA 510 Language, Cognition and Literacy
  • RLA 509 Practicum: Assessment and Instruction of Literacy Instruction
  • RLA 516 Supervision of K-12 Literacy Program
  • RLA 517 Literacy Development in the Content Area
  • RLA 550 Research and Readings in Literacy
  • RLA 552 Action Research
  • CEd 549 Technology Based Research and Statistics

Reading Teacher Certification Only (316)

  • RLA 502 Issues of Diversity in the Literacy Classroom
  • RLA 558 Reading and Writing with Children
  • RLA 519 Word Recognition
  • RLA 507 Emergent Literacy
  • RLA 559 Comprehension
  • RLA 510 Language, Cognition and Literacy
  • RLA 509 Practicum: Assessment and Instruction of Literacy Difficulties