Completion of the Master of Arts in Education with Literacy specialization fulfills the academic requirements for teacher certification as a P-12 literacy specialist within the Commonwealth of Kentucky. In addition to certification as a literacy specialist, successful degree completion can lead to rank change (Rank I or Rank II) within Kentucky’s classification of teachers. The Literacy Specialist Endorsement P-12 with Master of Arts in Education program offers a variety of graduate-level courses, field experiences in local schools, and research opportunities with faculty. The combination of these classroom and experiential activities result in graduates who are prepared for the literacy challenges they may face in educational and community contexts. The program is delivered in a variety formats including via distance learning, hybrid, and face-to-face courses.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are evaluated holistically, with attention paid to prior educational achievement and professional experience. In addition to the admission requirements set by the Graduate School, departmental requirements include a statement of professional goals, an autobiographical sketch, professional writing samples, and three letters of professional reference. Interviews are frequently requested. Applicants wishing to obtain teacher certification as a literacy specialist must already possess initial teacher certification. All materials may be submitted through The Graduate School’s online application process.
Degree Requirements
The master’s degree program requires 33 credit hours of coursework. Students may elect to complete a Plan A (thesis) or Plan B (non-thesis) option within the program. Curriculum plans for both Plan A and Plan B options may be found at this link: https://education.uky.edu/edc/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/08/Literacy-Specialist-Curriculum-Contract-Nov-2-2015-protected.pdf
Plan A (thesis) students must successfully defend a thesis for program completion. Plan B (non-thesis) students must successfully defend a professional portfolio to complete the program.
Students in the Literacy program may elect to add a graduate certificate, such as the departmental certificate in Teaching in Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Classrooms, along with their required coursework. This certificate may result in additional credit requirements.
https://education.uky.edu/edc/literacy/ma/
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