Location:

Austin, United States

Program Type:

Full Degree

Degree Level:

Master

Specialty:

Curriculum & Instruction

Program Overview

Program Description:

The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) offers individuals the opportunity to specialize in the field of literacy education with the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Literacy Studies.

• Why focus on literacy education?
  According to the National Literacy Trust, “The importance of literacy has long been recognized; it underpins all educational achievement and is central to economic advancement; it helps develop human potential and raises self-esteem.” Additionally, teaching children to read, write and use language effectively is at the center stage of the American education agenda.
• Why choose UTA?
  The University of Texas at Arlington is a comprehensive research, teaching, and public service institution located in the heart of the dynamic Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. UT Arlington is the second largest member of the 15 institutions in the world-renowned University of Texas System and the seventh largest university in Texas.
• Why choose the College of Education? 
  Meeting the needs of all teachers and children in today's increasingly diverse classrooms is a continuing challenge, and the College of Education at University of Texas at Arlington is leading the way in providing teachers and students with sound, research-based strategies and innovations in developing language and literacy. Additionally, the MEd with an emphasis in literacy offers graduate students convenience and quality with a degree available entirely over the Internet. Each class is highly interactive, while still allowing you a great deal of freedom in pacing yourself. Finally, UTA and the College of Education are leaders in online education.
• What does the program involve?
  In this program, students specialize in advanced coursework designed to meet a variety of professional goals related to literacy. For instance, students may pursue professional certificates including the following:
  • Reading Specialist is a national certificate recognized by all states. Literacy coaches generally work with teachers to help them with best literacy practices. Reading Specialist is an advanced certificate that certified teachers may add to their existing credential upon completion of two year’s teaching experience and a master’s degree with at least 27 credits of graduate coursework in literacy.
  • English as a Second Language (ESL) is a national certificate. All states have some type of ESL designation. In Texas, ESL is an add-on certificate that individuals with an initial teaching certificate can add to their existing credential with only 12 credits of graduate coursework.
  • Master Reading Teacher (MRT) is a Texas-only certificate. MRTs work in Title I/low performing schools and tutor struggling readers, and they may also serve as literacy coaches. The MRT sequence includes 12 credits of graduate coursework.

 

Out of state students seeking certification should refer to the FAQ section below for information about their certification options.

In addition to these professional certificates, students may choose focused coursework in areas including:

• Writing
• Working with culturally and linguistically diverse students

 

Plus, students have the unique opportunity to complete all but one of the program tracks completely online. (The MEd with Writing Focus requires 6 credits of on-campus work during the summer.)

GetEducated.com ranks the MEd in Curriculum and Instruction program as a Best Buy in the category of Most Affordable Online Education Masters Degrees.

PROGRAM TRACK CONFIGURATIONS 
Following are just a few of the program track configurations. 

• MEd with ESL Endorsement
• MEd with Master Reading Teacher Certificate
• MEd with Reading Specialist
• MEd with Triple Literacy Certificate Focus
• MEd with Writing Focus
• ESL Endorsement only
• Master Reading Teacher Certificate only
• Reading Specialist Certificate only

 

PARTICIPATING INSTITUTION AND ADVISOR

UT Arlington

Kathleen Tice, PhD
Program Coordinator
(817) 272-5167
ktice@uta.edu

Degree Awarded: Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction

Additional Program Information

Accreditation:

SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools)

Financial Aid:

Yes