Dec 11, 2024  
2024-2025 University Catalog 
    
2024-2025 University Catalog

Literacy and Reading Education, M.S.


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(30 UNITS)

The Master of Science in Literacy and Reading Education includes courses in foundational reading, disciplinary literacy, literacy curriculum, instruction, and assessment, sociocultural theory, clinical practice and literacy leadership. The program’s faculty believe that reading is a developmental, social and meaning-making process. Reading is embedded within the broader constructs of literacy, or “the ability to understand, interpret, create, compute, and communicate using visual, audible, and digital materials across disciplines and in any context.”[1} This includes affirming the multiple literacies that permeate students’ homes, schools and communities. The faculty adopt an approach that meaningfully integrates issues of social justice, diversity and inclusiveness.

Effective equity-minded specialized literacy professionals must have a thorough knowledge of the theoretical underpinnings and relevant pedagogies of literacy and learning. Literacy instruction involves making informed choices about the multitude of issues that impact curriculum and assessment, and a deep analysis and evaluation of the strengths and needs of students’ diverse intersecting identities.

The M.S. in Literacy and Reading Education focuses on the need to think critically and creatively and consider possible alternatives so that candidates are prepared to become advocates for their students, families and their communities.

[1] ILA Standards 2017

Admission to Graduate Standing - Conditionally Classified


Students must meet the CSU requirements for admission to a master’s degree program. Please consult the Graduate Admissions  section in this catalog for complete information. In addition, an applicant must have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or a grade-point average of 3.0 in the last 60 semester units; and an approved major, and confer with the graduate program adviser to discuss the prerequisites for attaining classified standing.

Graduate Standing - Classified


A student who meets the admission requirements and the following requirements may be granted classified graduate standing upon the development of an approved master’s study plan:

  • successful teaching experience or other approved experience
  • 3.0 or better GPA in academic and related work
  • sufficient background in reading
  • satisfactory interview
  • four references from school administrators, school supervisors or professors

Culminating Experience (1 unit)


The culminating experience marks the end of a graduate program. It demonstrates mastery of disciplinary materials and meets requirements from Section 40510 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations. Please consult the Culminating Experience section in this catalog for more information.

Total (30 units)


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