Degree Requirements

M.A. Literacy and Learning Disabilities


To qualify for graduation from the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Literacy and Learning Disabilities (formerly Reading and Learning Disabilities) 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

Program includes Reading Teacher (316, K-12) and Learning Disabilities (42-811, K-8) certifications.

  • RLD 518 Special Education Law
  • RLD 502 Issues of Diversity in the Literacy Classroom
  • RLD 558 Reading and Writing with Children
  • RLD 519 Word Recognition
  • RLD 507 Emergent Literacy
  • RLD 559 Comprehension
  • RLD 510 Language, Cognition and Literacy
  • RLD 509 Practicum: Assessment and Instruction of Literacy Instruction
  • RLD 512 Math Strategies and Modifications
  • RLD 515 Instructional Support in the School and District
  • RLD 530 Foundations of Literacy and Learning Disability
  • RLD 550 Research and Readings in Literacy and Learning Disability
  • RLD 552 Case Study Research
  • CEd 549 Technology Based Research and Statistics

Reading Teacher Certification Only (316)

The requirements for this certification are as follows:

  • 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