MAEd in Reading/Literacy
Maryville University, located in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, offers a Master of Arts in E...
MAEd in Reading/Literacy
St. Louis, Missouri
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
Maryville University, located in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, offers a Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) with a Reading/Literacy Specialization. This graduate program is highly regarded for its innovative and integrated approach to literacy education, aiming to produce leading reading teachers and literacy specialists. The program is specifically designed for practicing teachers with at least one year of experience, preparing them to enhance student achievement through their classroom practices and to manage literacy programs within schools.
Curriculum: The MAEd in Reading/Literacy Specialization at Maryville University is a 33-credit hour program. The curriculum is comprehensive, covering both theoretical and practical aspects of reading and literacy. Key courses include Language Acquisition and Development, Analysis and Correction of Reading Disabilities, Literature and Literacy, Examination of Literacy Programs, Behavioral Intervention for Diverse Struggling Readers, Analysis of Reading Data, Instructional Coaching, and Psychological-Educational Testing. A strong emphasis is placed on clinical experience, with required courses like Clinical Experience with Students Experiencing Reading Difficulties at both elementary and secondary levels. The program culminates in a Capstone Experience, allowing students to synthesize their learning. For those seeking Missouri State Reading Specialist certification, additional prerequisite courses in areas like Educational Developmental Psychology and Education and Psychology of Exceptional Children may be required if not already met during undergraduate studies.
Research Focus: Maryville University's MAEd in Reading/Literacy program integrates a research focus to ensure graduates are informed practitioners capable of evidence-based decision-making. The curriculum includes a dedicated course, "Educator as Action Researcher," which equips students with the skills to conduct research within their own educational settings. This focus empowers teachers to analyze reading data, assess the effectiveness of instructional strategies, and contribute to the body of knowledge in literacy education. The program's commitment to a comprehensive and balanced approach to literacy is underpinned by research-based effective strategies, particularly those aimed at helping students access and think critically about text-based content.
Industry Engagement: The MAEd in Reading/Literacy program at Maryville University demonstrates strong industry engagement, particularly within the St. Louis region. The program is known for producing highly skilled reading teachers and literacy specialists, directly addressing the needs of local school districts. A significant aspect of this engagement is the built-in field-based practicum experience, which allows students to work with struggling readers in local schools under the direct mentorship of reading coaches and Maryville literacy faculty members. Maryville also emphasizes professional connections in learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom, with a strong network of partners in education. This hands-on, real-world involvement ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the demands of their future roles in schools.
Global Perspective: Maryville University's MAEd in Reading/Literacy Specialization implicitly fosters a global perspective by preparing educators to work with diverse student populations. The program's intentional use of the word "literacy" signals its commitment to a comprehensive approach that recognizes varied backgrounds and learning needs. Courses like "Language Acquisition and Development" and "Behavioral Intervention for Diverse Struggling Readers" inherently address the complexities of learning for students from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. While not explicitly focused on international teaching experiences, the program's emphasis on culturally responsive pedagogy and supporting students with a variety of literacy proficiencies equips graduates to be effective in diverse educational environments, whether local or global, and to embrace the importance of understanding different cultural frames for learning.
Location
St. Louis, Missouri
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 12082
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 92 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 62 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 115.
Maryville University in the United States offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed for international students to help make higher education more affordable and accessible. Recognizing the diverse backgrounds and talents of its global student community, Maryville provides merit-based and need-based scholarships that reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students applying to Maryville University are automatically considered for merit scholarships based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall application strength. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are renewable for multiple years provided students maintain satisfactory academic performance.
International Student Scholarships: Maryville offers exclusive scholarships tailored for international students to encourage global diversity and inclusion. These scholarships support students from various countries and academic disciplines, promoting cultural exchange and enriching the university community.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Certain colleges and departments within Maryville University provide scholarships targeted at students enrolled in specific programs such as business, nursing, education, and technology. International students pursuing degrees in these areas can apply for additional funding opportunities aligned with their fields of study.
A Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) with a Reading/Literacy Specialization from Maryville University is designed to empower educators with advanced expertise in the crucial field of literacy. This program stands out for its integrated approach, preparing experienced teachers to not only enhance reading and literacy instruction in their own classrooms but also to take on leadership roles in managing literacy programs within school settings. The curriculum emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of language acquisition, reading disabilities, and evidence-based strategies for diverse learners.
Reading Specialist/Interventionist: This is a primary role, where graduates work directly with students (K-12) who are struggling with reading and literacy skills. They conduct assessments, diagnose reading difficulties, and provide targeted, individualized, or small-group interventions to improve comprehension, fluency, vocabulary, and phonological awareness.
Literacy Coach: Graduates serve as vital resources for schools, working collaboratively with classroom teachers to improve their instructional strategies in reading and writing. They provide professional development, model effective teaching techniques, co-teach, and help implement school-wide literacy initiatives.
District Reading Curriculum Specialist: These professionals work at a district level to develop, implement, and evaluate reading and literacy curricula across multiple schools. They ensure alignment with state standards, select appropriate instructional materials, and provide ongoing support and training to reading specialists and teachers.
Literacy Coordinator/Director: In this leadership role, graduates manage and oversee all literacy programs within a school, a cluster of schools, or even an entire district. They are responsible for program effectiveness, budget management, professional development for staff, and ensuring high-quality literacy instruction for all students.
Instructional Coach (General Education with Literacy Focus): While broader than just literacy, many instructional coaches specialize in helping teachers improve their pedagogical practices, with a strong emphasis on integrating effective literacy strategies across all subject areas (content area reading).
Adult Literacy Instructor/Coordinator: Graduates can work with adult learners in community colleges, libraries, or community organizations. They provide instruction in basic reading and writing skills, help adults prepare for high school equivalency exams, or assist non-native English speakers with English language acquisition.
Educational Writer/Curriculum Developer (Literacy Focus): With a deep understanding of reading and literacy development, graduates can create educational materials, textbooks, online content, or instructional programs specifically designed to teach reading and writing skills for educational publishers or tech companies.
Reading and Writing Center Coordinator: In a school or university setting, these professionals manage and staff a reading and writing center, providing tutoring, workshops, and resources to students needing support in literacy.
Special Education Teacher (with Literacy Expertise): While a Master's in Special Education might be a separate degree, an MAEd in Reading/Literacy significantly enhances a special education teacher's ability to address the unique reading and writing challenges faced by students with diverse learning needs.
Educational Consultant (Literacy): Experienced graduates can work independently or for consulting firms, advising schools, districts, or educational organizations on how to improve their reading and literacy programs, implement evidence-based practices, and address specific literacy-related challenges.
