Literacy or Reading Specialist

NOTE: Course requirements may change as the program evolves. Candidates are accountable for completing the program of study listed in the catalog for the year in which they entered the program.

Learn more about the core curriculum of EMU’s master of arts in education.

Program Core (12 credits)

[Early in program]

EDCC 501 Creating Cultures of Change (3 credits)
EDCC 521 Peacebuilding & Conflict Resolution (3 credits)
EDCC 531 Social & Ethical Issues in Education (3 credits)

[Later in program]

EDCC 551 Action Research in Educational Settings (3 credits) (Prerequisite: Admission to Candidacy)

Concentration Area (21 credits)

EDLA 501 Foundations of Literacy (3 credits)
EDPC 602 Clinic I: Diag. Rdg & Wtg Diff. (3 credits)
EDLA 521 Integrated Literacy Instruction (3 credits)
EDLA 531 Literacy in Community and Family Arenas (3 credits)
EDSL 581 Language and Culture (3 credits)
EDLA 651 Developing an Effective Reading Program (3 credits)
Electives chosen from other MA in Education concentrations (6 credits)

Reflective Practice (3 credits)

EDPC 611 Action Research Project: Literacy (3 credits)

Program Core (12 credits)

[Early in program]

EDCC 501 Creating Cultures of Change (3 credits)
EDCC 521 Peacebuilding & Conflict Resolution (3 credits)
EDCC 531 Social & Ethical Issues in Education (3 credits)

[Later in program]

EDCC 551 Action Research in Educational Settings (3 credits) (Prerequisite: Admission to Candidacy)

Concentration Area (24-25 credits required)

EDLA 501 Foundations of Literacy (3 credits)
EDLA 521 Integrated Literacy Instruction (3 credits)
EDLA 531 Literacy in Community and Family Arenas (3 credits)
EDLA 601 Multicultural Children’s Literature or EDLA 611 Adolescent/Young Adult Literature (3 credits)
EDLA 651 Development of an Effective Reading Program (3 credits)
EDSL 581 Language and Culture (3 credits)
(in PA) EDPC 602 Clinic I: Diagnosis of Reading & Writing Difficulties (3 credits)
(in PA) EDPC 603 Clinic II: Integrative Approach to Assessment & Instruction (3 credits)

Reflective Practice (3 credits)

EDPC 611 Action Research Project: Literacy (3 credits)

Note: Coursework from the Reading Specialist Certificate can apply to the MA in Education: Reading Specialist Concentration or the MA in Education: Literacy Concentration. 

Required Courses (24 credit hours)

Initiatory: (6 credit hours)

EDLA 501 Foundations of Literacy (3)
EDLA 521 Integrated Literacy Instruction (3)

Mid-Level: (12 credit hours)

EDLA 531 Literacy in Community and Family Arenas (3)
EDSL 581 Language and Culture (3)
EDLA 601 Multicultural Children’s Literature (3) OR EDLA 611 Adolescent/Young Adult Literature (3)
EDPC 602 Clinic I: Diagnosis of Reading & Writing Difficulties (3)

Culminating: (6 credit hours)

EDPC 603 Clinic II: Integrative Approach to Assessment & Instruction (3)
EDLA 651 Developing an Effective Reading Program (3)

Note: EMU’s Reading Specialist certification program is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and meets content guidelines for Standards for Reading Professionals as established by the International Reading Association. Unique to EMU’s program is an emphasis on literacy in community and family arenas. Candidates participate in developmental coursework and field experiences which may occur within their classroom context. Candidates who hold a valid Pennsylvania Instructional Certificate, successfully complete all Reading Specialist certification courses, and pass the Reading Specialist Praxis Exam #5301 will be recommended to the Pennsylvania Department of Education for certification.