This 30-credit Master of Education program prepares students to help people of diverse ages and backgrounds to more effectively read and communicate. They will benefit from a well-rounded program involving a variety of experiences to help develop their teaching skills. The faculty in our program prepares reading professionals who have the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to effectively integrate contemporary theories of literacy development with sound pedagogical practice. The program is offered for fully certified elementary and secondary teachers with a Reading Specialist certificate option.
Accreditation
Shippensburg University’s Literacy (MEd) program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and meets high national standards of excellence. The program follows the International Literacy Association and the Pennsylvania Department of Education standards for preparation of literacy professionals.
- Grace B. Luhrs University Elementary School – The school provides a unique opportunity to observe and participate in elementary school activities and classroom teaching experiences with children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Ship is the only university in Pennsylvania with an on-campus public elementary lab school.
- Bartos Child and Family Center – The center is adjacent to the lab school provides opportunities to observe and work with children ages one through five.
- Head Start – This program on campus provides more opportunities for observations and to work with children.
Admissions Requirements:
In addition to the application and transcript(s), Literacy applicants must submit:
- Program statement
- Please provide clear and concise answers to the following:
- Describe your three most significant professional experiences
- Describe yourself in terms of strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement
- Describe your experiences with teaching reading to students with a range of abilities
- Explain the current state of literacy instruction that you are experiencing in your school district
- Please provide clear and concise answers to the following:
- Three (3) Recommendations
- One of the three recommendations must be from your last professional supervisor
The Literacy program requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
If an applicant for the Literacy program is not presently employed in a school district, the following additional information is required upon confirmation of enrollment:
- The Pennsylvania State Police Request for Criminal Records Check (Act 34)
- The Federal Criminal History Record (Act 114)
- The Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 151)
For more information, visit our Literacy program page.
Literacy has rolling admissions with no application deadline. Students can begin the program during the spring, summer, or fall terms, although summer start is encouraged. Once the application is complete, the Teacher Education Department will begin the review process and make a prompt decision.
Take the Next Step
Course Work for Literacy, MEd
For course descriptions, visit the catalog.
Planning notes for all students:
- 30 total credits required
- Students can begin in any semester or term, including, fall, spring, winter or summer.
- Students can take core courses in any semester or term.
- The below sequence is for illustrative purposes only. Students can tailor their program to their individual needs.