https://www.newpaltz.edu/elementaryed/master-of-science-in-literacy-education/

Program Overview

Literacy Education 5-12 (New Paltz Campus)

Program Coordinator Kiersten Greene, (845) 257-2887, greenek@newpaltz.edu
Program ID 30BN
Credits 36
Program Length The MSEd can be completed in 3 semesters if enrolled full-time, but students must complete degree within 5 years
Modality In-person or Online
Transfer Credits 6
Capstone Clinical Intervention Course

Literacy Education 5-12 (Second Master's Degree)

Program Coordinator Kiersten Greene, (845) 257-2887, greenek@newpaltz.edu
Program ID 30BS
Credits 36
Program Length The MSEd can be completed in 3 semesters if enrolled full-time, but students must complete degree within 5 years
Modality In-person or Online
Transfer Credits 12
Capstone Clinical Intervention Course

Program Description

The State University of New York at New Paltz offers a graduate program in Literacy Education (grades B-6 or 5-12) for students interested in becoming a literacy specialist. Our new, flexible, fully online curriculum that lets you join a cohort of remote learners in completing classes and fieldwork requirements remotely. Our traditional, on-campus model remains available, and we can also accommodate part-time or accelerated course schedules to help you achieve your goals in a way that fits into your life. Successful applicants will have initial New York State teaching certification (in one of the areas below) and a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.  

Additionally, we offer an accelerated program for students seeking a second master's degree in literacy education. Successful second-degree applicants will have earned a master's degree in a related field within education and be certified in one of the areas below:

Acceptable NYS Teaching Certification Areas:
  • Early Childhood (B-2) or Childhood Education 1-6  
  • Adolescent Education (Grades 7-12) or Adolescence/Middle Grades Education (all subjects)
  • Special Education (B-2, 1-6, or 7-12)
  • Speech and Hearing Handicapped 
  • Music Education
  • Art Education

NOTE: Three years of teaching experience as a certified literacy teacher is required for professional certification.

Graduate Programs in Literacy Education

NOTE: Admission to our dual certification programs in literacy and special education has been suspended. Students should contact the department for alternative options.

Program Learning Outcomes 

Literacy Education B-6 (MSEd)

  • ​Content Knowledge: Candidates will demonstrate content knowledge related to:  major theories and evidence-based practices in literacy education; Literacy curriculum and assessment; understanding and valuing diversity; learning environments that accelerate literacy development; and adult learning theory and coaching.
  • Planning: Candidates will demonstrate ability design and implement curriculum to meet the specific literacy needs of learners. Candidates demonstrate ability to adapt materials and instruction to meet the evolving needs of learners as evidenced through ongoing progress monitoring.
  • Assessment of P-12 Learning: Candidates will demonstrate ability to correctly use a variety of literacy assessments to analyze students’ needs and strengths and establish individualized learning goals and progress monitoring plan.
  • Dispositions: Candidates will demonstrate positive professional dispositions with their students, students’ families, their colleagues, and their professors.
  • Pedagogical Practice: Candidates will demonstrate skill in: professional judgment and communication; use of varied evidence-based instructional and assessment approaches, tools, and texts; ability to teach from a strengths-based perspective; and design an effective physical and social learning environment.
  • Educational Technology: Candidates will demonstrate ability to use digital texts and resources to improve student literacy learning. 
  • Critical Thinking: 

    Upon program completion, candidates will demonstrate the ability to  

    • identify, analyze, and evaluate arguments as they occur in their own or others' work 

    • develop well-reasoned arguments. 

    as mandated by the Board of Trustees

  • Information Management:
    • ​Upon program completion, students will:
      • ​understand and use basic research techniques
      • locate, evaluate and synthesize information from a variety of sources
      • perform the basic operations of personal computer use as mandated by the Board of Trustees