Program: Literacy Education, M.S.Ed. - University of Southern Maine

Apr 03, 2025

2023-2024 Graduate Catalog

The Master of Science in Education in Literacy Education, an advanced certification for teachers, provides students with a sound theoretical and empirical knowledge base relating to literacy acquisition. The purpose of the program is to enable students to become informed decision makers who are capable of designing and implementing appropriate up-to-date instruction in reading, writing, listening, and speaking at all levels. Students will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to become effective advocates for improving literacy instruction in their schools. The program is designed for classroom teachers, literacy teachers, and other experienced educators whose primary responsibility is helping students to become competent users of language.

The Master of Science in Education in Literacy Education is a 36-credit online program. Most courses are taught in a 7-week, asynchronous format.

Program Requirements

Literacy Education

Program Requirements (36 credits)

First Tier Courses (24 credit hours)

Second Tier Courses (12 credit hours)

To earn Literacy Specialist licensure from the state requires evidence of two years of teaching experience for the Reading Specialist. Evidence of this is an additional graduation requirement.

All students will complete an online portfolio documenting evidence of meeting professional standards in their areas of expertise.

Transfer Credit Policies

Previously completed graduate courses may be approved for transfer into a graduate program within the literacy education program if credits for the courses were earned no more than five years prior to matriculation, with grades of B or better.

For previous work completed through the University of Maine System, up to twelve credits may be accepted if the courses meet the requirements above and are equivalent to core courses or elective courses in the relevant USM program of study. Up to six graduate credits completed at institutions outside of the University of Maine System may be accepted if the courses meet the requirements above and are equivalent to core courses or elective courses in the relevant USM program of study. A syllabus for each course submitted for transfer credit from outside the University of Maine System must be provided upon application.

Transfer of more than twelve University of Maine System credits or six non-University of Maine System credits may be approved by the program coordinator and faculty. These credits may include a certificate of graduate study program courses and professional development in-service graduate courses. Requests for the transfer of credits taken more than five years prior to matriculation may also be evaluated and approved by the program coordinator and faculty.