Master of Arts in Literacy Studies

Students may apply any time, but please note that students are admitted for a start date of fall each year. Applications are reviewed until the cohort is full. Students must submit:

• Graduate College online application.
• Official transcripts.
• Teaching certificate and any endorsements.
• Statement that summarizes your teaching philosophy, professional experiences and career goals (double spaced 1,000-1,500 words). Describe your reasons for seeking admission to the Master of Arts in literacy studies program. The statement should demonstrate your communication skills and writing competence.
• Three email addresses for professional references.

Applications are evaluated on the basis of:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. 
• An overall grade point average of at least a 3.0 (on a 4-point scale) in the last two years of undergraduate work.  Applicants with a GPA of less than 3.0 may be granted a Conditional Admission. This will be converted to a regular admission if students receive a B or better in the first two graduate courses (six credit-hours) taken.
• Experience working in a professional setting.
• A valid Michigan Teaching Certificate will be required for students seeking to obtain additional state endorsements, but not for the master's degree only.

• Written statement of purpose outlining the applicant's philosophy of teaching and professional goals.
• Graduate College online application.
• Teaching certificate and any endorsements.
• Minimum of three email contacts for professional references.
• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0; graduate GPA may be accepted upon review of recent and relevant course work completed at an accredited institution.

Our faculty offer cutting edge research relating theory and practice in the following areas:

• Literacy processes and strategies
• Literacy issues related to diversity and inclusion
• Clinical practice
• Language and literacy
• Disciplinary literacy
• Children’s and adolescent literature
• Inquiry framework
• Motivation and self-efficacy
• Critical literacies
• New literacies
• STEM literacies

• Reading: comprehension, vocabulary, fluency, phonological awareness
• Writing: voice, genre, vocabulary, spelling
• Related processes: speaking, listening, visual imaging, viewing, thinking
• Reading research, theory and practice
• Relationship of assessment and instruction
• Diversity and inclusion: English language learners
• Professional development and organizations for teachers

The Department of Special Education and Literacy Studies typically hires teaching and research assistants to assist faculty during the fall and spring semesters. Graduate students wishing to be considered for one of these positions should view the graduate assistant application and guidelines.

The WMU teacher education unit is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). 

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