Reading and Literacy Education, MAEd

Program Coordinator: Christy Howard (126 Speight Building; 252-737-5093; howardch14@ecu.edu)

The master of arts in reading and literacy education is a program designed to develop advanced competencies in K-12 reading and literacy education in the following areas: foundational knowledge, curriculum and instruction, assessment and evaluation, diversity and equity, the literacy environment, leadership, and practicum experiences. A minimum of 24 semester hours are in reading and literacy education with a focus on excellence and equity. The desired outcome is preparation of specialized literacy professionals, particularly reading/literacy specialists who are able to support K-12 students’ reading and literacy education and to serve as leaders in the literacy profession. The degree is administratively located in the Department of Literacy Studies, English Education, and History Education in the College of Education.

Minimum requirements for admission to the College of Education’s MAEd in reading/literacy program include a completed Graduate School application with the following components: copy of the initial teaching license (must currently hold or be eligible for an initial teaching license); written statement of purpose (professional writing sample that describes professional background and program/professional goals); two recommendations from persons who can attest to the applicant’s academic competence, ability to do graduate work, and teaching experience; overall GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale on all undergraduate work from an institution accredited by a regional association; satisfactory entrance examination scores on either the Graduate Record Examination or the Miller Analogies Test (contact graduate coordinator for exceptions to the entrance exam requirement). One or two prerequisite courses may be required if the initial area of licensure or degree coursework does not reflect foundational knowledge in reading education.

The program requires a minimum of 30 s.h. as follows: