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Master of Arts in Literacy Education

School of Education & Human Development

Overview

Degree: MA

Classroom Type: Fully Online Online and on campus classes

Prepares educators to work with diverse K - 12 students to develop reading, writing, and oral language skills. Graduates gain in-depth knowledge about building on students' languages, abilities, cultures, and real-world experiences to design highly effective and relevant teaching practices.

Application​ deadlines


Rolling Admission

Program Details

Interest Categories: Communication & Writing Cultural Diversity & Global Perspectives Education & Counseling Humanities & Languages

Campus: CU Denver Online

What you'll learn

University of Colorado Denver’s MA in Literacy Education prepares educators to work with diverse, K-12 student populations as they develop reading, writing and oral language skills. Enhance your literacy instruction and assessment skills for all learners, including those who struggle with reading and writing, gifted students and students with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Our graduates learn to identify and build upon their students’ languages, abilities, cultures and real-world experiences to design highly effective and relevant reaching practices.

As part of this program, you will learn to fully engage students in your classroom with your knowledge and skills in:

  • The research of reading and writing
  • Literacy and language acquisition
  • Culturally relevant and responsive teaching practices
  • Children’s and adolescent literature
  • Digital literacy & use of technology to enhance literacy instruction
  • Literacy assessment and informed instruction
  • Differentiated teaching for students with diverse abilities and learning needs
  • Leadership

Our goal is to help you have a transformative impact on student learning, creativity and achievement, while also supporting you as a leader and innovator in your school and professional networks.

Personalized Professional master’s degreeTM

The degree is part of CU Denver’s Personalized Professional master’s degree™. Join an innovative program that provides courses and deepens your expertise in serving culturally and linguistically diverse students, families and organizations. At the same time, this Personalized Professional Master’s Degree allows you to customize your curriculum by selecting up to half of the credits of your program from courses outside your main area of focus according to your own needs and interests. Please discuss your course options with your academic advisor and your faculty advisor.

Choose CU Denver's School of Education & Human Development

You can trust CU Denver to provide an education that will prepare you for excellence in your career as a reading and writing teacher. The university and school are recognized for preparing leaders of distinction who value educational excellence and social justice. Additionally, CU Denver’s School of Education and Human Development is counted among U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Graduate Schools,” making us one of the top education schools in the country.

Sample Courses

  • LCRT 5720 - Responsive Writing Instruction 3 credits
  • LCRT 5020 - Equity and Joy in Reading Instruction 3 credits
  • LCRT 5055 - Literacy Assessment & Informed Instruction 3 credits
Course Catalog

Recommended Completion Time:2 to 3 years

Required Credits for Completion:30

Admission Requirements


Application Deadlines

We practice "rolling admission" and after your application is complete, we strive to notify you of your admission status in no more than two to three weeks.

The following deadlines are firm, early submissions are encouraged.

Fall Semester: June 30

Spring Semester: November 1

Summer Semester: April 30

Application Requirements

  • 2 recommendation letters
  • Official Transcripts from all institutions attended
  • If applying for an endorsement, proof of teaching license or special services license is required
  • Resume/CV
  • Written Statement: Describe your interest in the program, your special strengths, and the goals you hope to achieve through your work in the program
  • $50.00 application fee
  • International Applicants only: Proof of English Language Proficiency (International applicants should review the following information regarding English language proficiency)
  • Admissions Interview: An interview may be required as part of the admissions process. If so, applicants will be contacted with more details.

For more information, email education@ucdenver.edu or call 303-315-6300.

Additional Information


We welcome applications from licensed individuals who have a strong interest in bringing hands-on literacy learning to their students.

A teaching license is not required for this program, but access to students is required.

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