Academics
Graduate Programs
Graduate Programs
Literacy Specialist (Birth-Grade 6), M.S.Ed.
About the Program
Master of Science in Education Program
The Elementary Education and Reading Department offers two programs leading to New York State certification as a literacy specialist: one for the elementary grades and another for middle and secondary grades. Both programs prepare professional literacy specialists to provide instruction for students with reading or writing difficulties. Graduates of these programs also will be able to serve as effective resources and leaders for schoolwide literacy curriculum and instruction.
Students should expect to complete the last four required courses (EDU 642, EDU 643, EDU 647, and EDU 655) in sequence, on a part-time basis, beginning in a fall semester. EDU 647 is offered as a summer course.
About the Elementary Education and Reading Department
302 Bacon Hall
1300 Elmwood Ave
Buffalo, NY 14222
Phone: (716) 878-5916
Fax: (716) 878-6033
www.buffalostate.edu/elementaryeducation/
Contact Faculty and Staff in the Elementary Education and Reading Department
Admission Requirements
1. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
2. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (4.0 scale), or a combined quantitative/verbal minimum score of 1000 on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), or a minimum score of 50 on the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). Candidates who do not meet these requirements also may be considered for admission if they satisfy all other requirements and complete an interview with the Admission Committee.
3. Submit a copy of a New York State Certificate of Qualification (CQ), provisional certificate, or Initial Certificate along with the admission application. If you are a recent graduate or just completing your undergraduate program at the time of application, write in the date of your expected certification on the admission application. You must submit a copy of your certification to the Elementary Education and Reading Department by the time you apply for degree candidacy (after completing 6 credits and before the completion of 12 credits).
4. A written statement of professional interests, goals, and relevant professional experience.
5. Three letters of reference that attest to the applicant's potential as a literacy specialist. Forms are available for download at http://www.buffalostate.edu/graduateschool/
formsandpolicies.xml.
6. Demonstrated command of oral and written English.
7. Supplemental application forms for this program may be downloaded from the Graduate School Web site.
In addition, all applicants should review the "Admission to a Graduate Program" section in the graduate catalog.
Admission to both programs is limited; and consequently highly competitive. Admission decisions are based on a combination of candidates' previous academic performance, letters of recommendation, experience working with children, and a statement of professional interests.
Degree Candidacy
A student who has completed at least 6 credit hours must submit an Admission to Degree Candidacy form before completing 12 credit hours.
Program Requirements
Graduates of the master of science program earn eligibility for certification as literacy specialists (birth through grade 6). Applicants to the 36-credit program must be certified in elementary education, early childhood education, or childhood education.
Required Courses (27 credits)
EDF 689 Methods and Techniques of Educational Research
EDU 513 Survey of Basic Concepts of Elementary Reading Instruction
EDU 606 Literacy Instruction for Linguistically Diverse Students
EDU 611 Literacy in the Primary Grades
EDU 642 Reading Assessment and Evaluation
EDU 643 Teaching Students with Reading Difficulties: Childhood
EDU 647 Clinical Practicum (6)
EDU 655 Seminar in Reading
Elective Courses* (9 credits)
Select three courses from the following:
EDU 535 Teaching Writing in the Elementary School
EDU 546 Improvement of Instruction in Language Arts
EDU 609 Improving Reading in the Content Areas
EDU 612 Developing Literacy through Literature
EDU 615 Applying Psychology to the Teaching of Reading
OR
Other courses in language arts, young adult literature, linguistics, or other literacy-related areas selected under advisement.
Total Required Credit Hours: 36 credits
* Selected under advisement
All courses are 3 credit hours unless otherwise indicated.
