Education, Literacy Studies - Reading/Language Arts
Master of Education (M.Ed.)
Graduate Major
Grand Rapids • Online • 33-36 Credits
Literacy Studies focuses on understanding and improving literacy and language skills through sociopolitical, cultural, psychological, historical, and linguistic perspectives to promote educational change. Students completing the Master of Education in Literacy Studies become literacy leaders in one of four areas: general literacy studies, elementary reading, secondary reading, or K-12 reading specialist.
Overview
Grand Valley State University's Master of Education in Literacy Studies program is designed to prepare educators to become literacy leaders in various educational settings. The program offers specialized tracks in elementary reading, secondary reading, and K-12 reading specialist, catering to teachers who aim to enhance student learning through effective literacy practices. The program is fully online, providing flexibility for working professionals, and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The coursework in the Literacy Studies program covers a wide range of topics essential for literacy education. Students will study reading and writing instruction, literacy and language assessment and interventions, cultural and diversity understanding, language acquisition and literacy development, literacy in the disciplines, teaching English learners, twenty-first century literacy skills, literacy coaching, and literacy resources and texts. These courses are designed to provide practical application of knowledge, theory, and research through integrated field experiences.
The program's curriculum is contemporary and practical, directly relating to practice in school contexts. Accomplished faculty with extensive backgrounds in PK-12 education lead the program, ensuring that students receive high-quality instruction and mentorship. Additionally, the program is recognized by the International Literacy Association, highlighting its commitment to excellence in literacy education. The fully online format allows for flexibility, making it accessible to educators seeking to advance their careers while balancing professional and personal responsibilities.
College of Education and Community Innovation
gvsu.edu/education/grad
401 Fulton Street West, Building C
(616) 331-6650
[email protected]
Program Director
Elizabeth Stolle, Ph.D.
(616) 331-6242
Application Deadline
Deadline for fall semester is July 15; winter, November 15; spring/summer, March 15. Early application is strongly encouraged to secure course enrollment. Applications received after the deadline will be considered on an individual basis and program availability. Late applicants should contact program director Elizabeth Stolle, [email protected]. The $30 nonrefundable application fee is waived if you have previously applied to GVSU.
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Accreditation
Grand Valley State University's College of Education and Community Innovation is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA). The faculty are leaders in their fields, melding together the philosophy of education and your needs as a practitioner.
Scholarships
Grand Valley State University offers a wide variety of merit-based
scholarships. For information on all of the scholarships that are
available to students, please visit Scholarships at GVSU.
Grand Valley offers myScholarships
(a scholarship matching tool) to help admitted students match
with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities.
myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you
to scholarships for which you might qualify.
Practical Field Experience Included
Field experience integrated into coursework provides practical application of literacy knowledge, theory, and research. The practicum meets university and state requirements for completing supervised, integrated, extended clinical experiences in school-based settings.
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