³ÉÈËÍ·Ìõ

MASTER OF EDUCATION IN LITERACY AND LEARNING SCIENCES (M.Ed. in LIT & LS)

[Fully Online]

Program Description:

³ÉÈËÍ·Ìõ’s M.Ed. in Literacy and Learning Sciences program is a fully online, 30-credit hour degree designed for individuals who wish to pursue graduate studies focused on the teaching and learning of literacy in PK-12 schools, industry, and community settings. ³ÉÈËÍ·Ìõs of this degree use their knowledge of the learning sciences to implement research-based literacy practices in classrooms and across learning contexts, to develop and lead educational programs, and to engage learners effectively across multiple modalities, including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The M.Ed. Literacy and Learning Sciences program has two defined degree concentrations, allowing students to focus on either: 1) pedagogical leadership focused on the connection between language, technology, and AI, particularly in multilingual contexts; or 2) advanced literacy training for teachers seeking all-levels Reading Specialist certification in the state of Texas. Intended for busy educators (licensed or un-licensed) seeking to take on instructional leadership roles in diverse Literacy Education settings, this degree program can be completed in as little as 16 months.

Concentration 1: M.Ed. in Literacy and Learning Sciences – Literacy, Learning, and AI 

The M.Ed. in Literacy and Learning Sciences with a concentration in Literacy, Learning, and AI is a fully online, 30-credit hour master’s program designed for individuals who wish to pursue advanced preparation for pedagogical leadership in industry, community, and schools focused on the connections between language, technology, and AI, particularly in multilingual contexts. This concentration provides specialized content in learning sciences, bilingualism, and pedagogical uses of generative AI, with a culminating capstone focused on the integration of research-based theory and practice in applied contexts. 

Concentration 2: M.Ed. in Literacy and Learning Sciences - Reading Specialist 

The M.Ed. in Literacy and Learning Sciences with a concentration in Reading Specialist is a fully online, 30-credit hour master’s program designed to provide advanced literacy training for currently certified teachers seeking all-levels Reading Specialist certification in the state of Texas. This concentration provides specialized content in the science of reading, early literacy development, and reading assessment, with a culminating capstone that includes a 160-hour specialized internship in a school setting as part of state-level certification requirements. 

Admission Requirements:

To apply for the M.Ed. in Literacy and Learning Sciences program (either concentration), individuals must complete the application process through ³ÉÈËÍ·Ìõ’s ³ÉÈËÍ·Ìõ School.  Prospective students submit:

1)  a resume;

2) a written statement of purpose describing personal and professional goals related to obtaining the degree; and

3) transcripts from all previous colleges and universities attended; transcripts should indicate at least a minimum satisfactory undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0.

International students whose first language is not English must also submit an Official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score; the score requirement can be found at .

The admission materials submitted will be reviewed holistically to assess the potential of the applicant for this advance course of study.  The successful applicant would typically have an undergraduate upper division GPA of 3.0 or higher that demonstrates focus on academics, a current resume that demonstrates basic knowledge or experience in education or education-related fields, and a written statement that demonstrates maturity and commitment to the field of Literacy Education.

Program Application Deadlines:  

• To begin in Fall Semester, applications must be received by August 9th.
• To begin in Spring Semester, applications must be received by January 5th.
• To begin in Summer Semester, applications must be received by May 3^rd.

To apply for the M.Ed. in Literacy and Learning Sciences program (either concentration), go to ³ÉÈËÍ·Ìõ School Application, select this program when prompted and follow the directions provided to submit your application.

Degree Requirements and Courses:

To earn a M.Ed. in Literacy and Learning Sciences (either concentration), ³ÉÈËÍ·Ìõ requires for graduation: 1) successful completion of 30 hours of required coursework with a grade of “C” or better; 2) completion of a capstone project and a grade of “pass” in a Literacy Education Practicum course; and 3) a final GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Capstone Requirement:  Literacy Education Practicum Courses fulfill the comprehensive exam requirement for M.Ed. students. The intent of the practicum courses are to provide students with the opportunity to synthesize and apply core content knowledge gained in the program and to demonstrate their academic and professional skill development; the practicum project provides an opportunity to connect literacy theory, research, and practice in applied settings through an action research project. To graduate from the M.Ed. in Literacy and Learning Sciences program, all students must do a practicum project and register and pass a Literacy Education Practicum Course.

During the final semester of coursework, students will meet virtually with the Teacher Education Department ³ÉÈËÍ·Ìõ Studies Coordinator for an audit and verification of coursework and final GPA, and for verification of completion of the application for graduation with ³ÉÈËÍ·Ìõ’s ³ÉÈËÍ·Ìõ School office. 

Degree Plan:

Still have questions about the M.Ed. in Literacy and Learning Sciences? Teacher Education Department staff are ready to answer your questions.  Please contact us at tedgrad@utep.edu.

Ready to apply to the M.Ed. in Literacy and Learning Sciences program? Go to ³ÉÈËÍ·Ìõ School Application