Reading Curriculum and Instruction, M.Ed. (Online)

Contact Information

Dr. Dianna Townsend
Professor of Literacy Studies
College of Education and Human Development/299
dtownsend@unr.edu.

Graduate Handbook *

Program Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes

The program objectives for the online master’s program are aligned with International Reading Association’s Standards for Reading Professionals. Graduates of the Master’s program will be able to:

1. Explain key components of literacy development, including: phonemic awareness, phonics knowledge, vocabulary knowledge, fluency, comprehension skills and strategies, and writing skills and strategies
2. Use research and theory to critique, design, and implement literacy curricula and evidence-based instruction for all learners in culturally responsive classrooms and schools
3. Evaluate and use valid, reliable, fair, and appropriate literacy assessment tools and data to measure student literacy achievement, make instructional decisions, and communicate with relevant stakeholders  
4. Evaluate leading research articles and policies on a wide variety of literacy topics and translate research to practice for a wide range of audiences, such as educators, administrators, parents, and community members 

Student learning outcomes include summative assessments for each course which demonstrate learning in one or more of the above objectives. Students complete the comprehensive exam or a master’s thesis, based on their enrollment in the thesis or non-thesis option, and this final paper demonstrates learning for all of the program objectives.

Admission Requirements

Priority consideration will be given to M.Ed. graduate program applicants who meet the requirements of the graduate degree admission status listed below:

1. meet the Graduate School admission requirements;
2. have an overall cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better (on a 4-point scale) or 3.0 for the last half of the undergraduate degree;
3. submit TOEFL scores (international applicants only);
4. complete the Graduate School application
5. complete the Literacy Studies Program Application, including:

a.  application form,
b.  a signed disposition statement for the degree sought,
c.  confidential letters of recommendation from two persons who can comment on your professional qualifications and/or ability to be successful in graduate work,
d.  a brief (1-2 page) resume, and
e. 2 “entry” essays presenting your incoming knowledge and experience in literacy instruction (see program manual for guidelines).

I. Program Requirements

Students must enroll in either the thesis option (30 units) or the non-thesis option (32 units) for the M.Ed. degree. For all students, 15 units of core courses are required, and a minimum of 15 units of courses at the 700-level must be taken. In addition to the 15 units of core courses, thesis-option students take an additional 9 units of electives and 6 thesis units (EDS 797  ). Non-thesis option students take the 15 units of core courses, an additional 12 units of electives, and 3 credits of EDS 795  (comprehensive exam).

II. Program Total Hours (30 units)

Undergraduate Requirements

There are no specific undergraduate prerequisites, but this program is designed for practicing teachers. Qualified applicants will have a valid teaching license.