Advisors: Selena Protacio, Susan Piazza
4571 Sangren Hall

The Master of Arts in Literacy Studies provides a nationally recognized, standards-based comprehensive professional development program to meet the needs of today’s classrooms for continuous literacy instruction K-12 based on current theory, research, and practices. The program is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of reflective practitioners, as they become school leaders, Reading Specialists, Literacy Coaches, innovative classroom teachers, researchers, and advocates. Reflective practitioners are passionate learners who embrace diversity, actively inquire and reflect upon their own practice, and nurture development of new knowledge and skills. This is accomplished through a process of continuous professional, intellectual, and experiential growth. Graduate students will make connections between and among literacy and learning research, theory, policy, and practice to create and adapt curriculum, instruction, and assessments to meet the needs of all learners and develop the knowledge and skill to fulfill the role of Reading Specialist and/or Literacy Coach across multiple settings.

Admissions Requirement

1. Undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 (4.0=A); graduate  grade point average may be accepted upon review of recent and relevant course work completed at an accredited institution.
2. A written statement of purpose (1,000 to 1,500 words) outlining the applicant’s philosophy of teaching and professional goals.  The statement of purpose should indicate the candidate’s career expectations and reasons for seeking admissions to the program.
3. Three contacts for professional references from persons able to judge the applicant’s potential to succeed in a graduate program.

Candidates who meet all admissions criteria will be considered for admission to the program.

Upon admission, each student will be assigned an advisor who will assist in the preparation of a program of study. The program of study should be completed during the first semester of enrollment.

A maximum of nine appropriate Western Michigan University graduate credits taken before admission may be applied to the Master of Arts in Literacy Studies with advisor approval.