Literacy Studies, MA

• Career advancement: The program prepares you for leadership roles in the education field, such as a reading specialist or literacy coach.
• Flexibility: The program is offered entirely online, allowing you to complete your master's degree while you continue to work.
• High success rate: Graduates of the program have a pass rate of over 96% on the Reading Specialist Certification Test.
• Faculty engagement: 100% of graduates in the literacy studies program had instructors who made them excited about learning.

A strong literacy education encompasses much more than just the basics. It's a dynamic process that integrates reading (comprehension, vocabulary, fluency, and phonological awareness) with effective writing (developing a unique voice, understanding different genres, and mastering vocabulary and spelling). 

The program also delves into related processes like speaking, listening, visual imaging, viewing, and thinking, while emphasizing the critical connection between assessment and instruction. The curriculum further prepares educators to address diversity and inclusion by focusing on the needs of English language learners and encourages continuous growth through involvement in professional development and organizations for teachers.

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.

WMU's graduate program in literacy studies is led by faculty who are at the forefront of research, bridging theory and practice in crucial areas. Their work spans key topics like literacy processes and strategies, language and literacy, and clinical practice. The program also addresses contemporary issues such as diversity and inclusion, critical literacies, and new literacies, including those related to STEM. 

This focus on cutting-edge research ensures students are well-prepared to apply the latest findings in the field, explore their own questions through an inquiry framework, and understand the importance of motivation and self-efficacy in learning.

• Tuition and fees
• Cost of attendance
• Scholarships
• CEHD assistantships
• WMU assistantships
• Grants
• Loans
• Employer-paid tuition
• Military and veterans