Master of Education (M.Ed.) with a major in Reading, Literacy, and Language

Program Description

Available at the Graduate & Professional Center in Macon. This program consists of hybrid courses with face-to-face sessions and online components.

The Master of Reading, Literacy & Language degree offers extensive professional development in the field of literacy and focuses on three primary areas:

1) professional knowledge and practices in literacy development and instruction;
2) specialized training in assessment, interpretation of test scores, and formulation of data-driven instructional programs; and
3) literacy leadership, involving mentoring and coaching, presenting professional development sessions, and supporting school wide literacy initiatives.

Graduates of the program will develop the knowledge and skills to provide leadership in the field of literacy within public schools to improve student achievement and academic performance.  

Successful completion of the program of study will culminate in eligibility for certification at Level 5 (T5) through the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. The program is aligned with the Georgia Professional Standards for Reading Specialist and the 2010 International Reading Association Standards for Reading Specialists.  

It is important to note that this program is designed specifically for individuals who already hold or qualify for a level four (4) Georgia Teacher's certificate.

M.Ed. Prerequisites

1. Meet minimal Grade Point Average 2.25
2. Hold or be eligible for a clear renewable, level four (4) Georgia Teacher Certificate-except Instructional Technology and Library Media Programs

M.Ed. Admission

To be admitted as a graduate student in a M.Ed. degree program, an applicant must:

1. Submit a University Admissions Form including application fee, if applicable, 
2. Submit two professional recommendations (pdf) using the College of Education format, 
3. Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended 
4. Submit verification of immunization (pdf), and 
5. Pass an on-site writing assessment http://www.gcsu.edu/education/writing.html

Applicants must have a Program of Graduate Study approved, signed and filed.

M.Ed. Program of Study

The Master of Education degree requires a minimum of 36 semester hours of course work in professional education, the certification area, and program requirements or electives. The degree program must be completed within six years beginning with the initial date of course work. Students may be required to take more than the minimum 36 hours in order to qualify for certification in initial certification programs. Only those courses listed on the Program of Graduate Study fulfill degree requirements. Substitutions must be approved by the advisor prior to course enrollment and a Change of Graduate Program of Study form submitted to the appropriate departmental chairperson prior to enrollment. Grades below a C do not fulfill degree requirements.

M.Ed. Graduate Assistantships

Limited Graduate Assistantships are available. Applications can be accessed at: http://www.gcsu.edu/education/assistantships.html

Dismissal Policies for Literacy Program

Any course in which a student earns less than a C will not be counted for graduate credit in the student’s master’s degree program. A graduate student will be placed on academic probation if the student’s institutional grade point average falls below 3.0 at any point during his or her graduate studies. A graduate student will be dismissed from the program if his/her grade point average stays below 3.0 for two consecutive semesters of if his/her grade point average falls below 3.0 for a second time.

As iterated in the student Honor Code, academic honesty is a critical component of the academic process in the Literacy Program.  Submitting another’s work as one’s own is plagiarism; allowing another student to copy one’s own work is cheating.  Both, along with any other evidence of academic dishonesty, will be dealt with using the procedures outlined in the Graduate Catalog. In addition, based on the instructor's discretion, any student who plagiarizes may fail (receive an F) in that course.

Total Credit Hours: 36