Experienced teachers can become specialists in language arts, literacy, EFL/ESL, foreign language instruction, or reading through the Specialist in Education degree. In this challenging program, you will explore literacy development, English, and language arts education theories and practices, diagnostic procedures, and remedial instruction. You will also participate in independent research into issues affecting literacy and language education.

This 65 credit hour degree prepares you for education leadership opportunities as well as careers writing and editing instructional materials. Select the option of a capstone project or comprehensive examination at the conclusion of your course work.

Degree Requirements

Required Course (3 cr.)

• L600 Issues in Literacy, Culture, and Language Education (3 cr.)

Basic Courses (12 cr.)

Basic courses consist of inquiry and substantive core courses.

Inquiry Requirements (3 cr.)

Select one course from the approved Inquiry Course list. (3 cr.)

A list of approved inquiry courses may be found at the Graduate Student Portal.

Substantive Core Requirements (9 cr.)

• A600 Problems in Educational Leadership (1-3 cr.)
• E535 Elementary School Curriculum (3 cr.)
• E695 Current Issues and Problems in Elementary Education (3 cr.)
• H504 History of American Education (3 cr.)
• H536 Problems on the Philosophy of Education (3 cr.)
• H600 Concepts and Arguments in Education (3 cr.)
• H631 Social and Political Philosophy and Education (3 cr.)
• H638 Aesthetics and Education (3 cr.)
• J630 Curriculum Theory and Practice (3 cr.)
• J636 Educational Futures/Curriculum (3 cr.)
• J637 Curriculum Development Processes (3 cr.)
• P514 Life Span Development: Birth to Death (3 cr.)
• P515 Child Development (3 cr.)
• P516 Adolescent Development (3 cr.)
• P540 Learning and Cognition in Education (3 cr.)
• P550 Cognition and Semiotics (3 cr.)
• P560 Classroom Communication (3 cr.)
• P623 Child Development (3 cr.)
• P625 Teacher Behavior (3 cr.)
• S503 Secondary School Curriculum (3 cr.)
• LING-P532 Secondary Language Acquisition
• PSYCH-P438 Language and Cognition
• PSYCH-P623 Psychology of Language
• SOC-S438 Childhood Socialization
• SOC-S332 Adult Socialization
• SPEECH-S530 Language Acquisition

Major Field Requirements (24 cr.)

Courses chosen from Literacy, Culture, and Language Education offerings, with faculty advisor approval.

Elective Requirements (26 cr.)

Courses may be taken inside or outside the School of Education but must be approved by your faculty advisor.