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Master of Arts in Literacy Education, Reading and Writing, Reading Specialist (Endorsement)

School of Education & Human Development

Overview

Degree: MA Endorsement

Classroom Type: Fully Online

Prepares educators to work with diverse K - 12 students to develop reading, writing, and oral language skills. This concentration and endorsement enhance literacy instruction skills and credentials and provide advanced knowledge and training to build on students' languages, abilities, cultures, and real-world experiences.

Application​ deadlines


Rolling Admission

Program Details

Interest Categories: Education & Counseling

Campus: CU Denver Online

What you'll learn

CU Denver’s MA in Literacy Education with a concentration in reading and writing plus Reading Specialist (K-12) endorsement deepens the knowledge and skills of educators to work with diverse, K-12 student populations as they develop reading, writing and oral language skills. This concentration and endorsement will enhance your literacy instruction skills for all learners and provide you with the advanced knowledge and training to be developmentally and culturally responsive to students’ differing languages, abilities, cultures and real-world experiences.

As part of this program, you will learn to fully engage students in your classroom by exploring:

  • Language and literacy acquisition
  • Best practices in teaching reading and writing
  • Culturally relevant teaching practices
  • Children’s and adolescent literature
  • Digital literacy & use of technology to enhance literacy instruction
  • Literacy assessment and informed instruction
  • Hands-on practical learning opportunities
  • Teacher 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.

Courses

Recommendations for endorsements are made by the Literacy Education program, but endorsement is granted by the State of Colorado. Individual state requirements vary and may include teaching experience in addition to a valid teaching credential. Students should consult with the Colorado Department of Education or another state in which they wish to be endorsed for the most updated endorsement requirements. Please note that the Colorado Department of Education also requires two years of post-license teaching experience to apply for the Reading teacher endorsement.

Sample Courses

  • LCRT 5810 - Language and Literacy Use in Schools, Homes, and Communities 3 credits
  • 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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