Master of Education in Literacy 4+1 for Education Majors

Literacy is the foundation of education.
A master’s in literacy will make you more prepared — and more marketable — as a teacher.

ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATION: Graduates of this program are eligible for an additional certification as a literacy specialist through the Rhode Island Department of Education.

RIGHT TO READ: According to the Right to Read amended legislation, graduates of a Master’s in Literacy program fulfill proficiency requirements in the Science of Reading and structured literacy practices.  

Providence College offers a Master’s in Literacy program that provides an opportunity for Providence College education majors to earn a graduate degree in one year (4+1 Program).  This advanced degree in literacy prepares certified teachers for additional certification as PK-12 reading specialists. Education majors are eligible to apply to the 4+1 Plan in Literacy in their senior year and, with approval from their academic advisor, PC education majors may begin the graduate program in the fall or spring semester of that year. A maximum 12-credit undergraduate course load is required for a student who wishes to begin graduate studies while an undergraduate. After completing a maximum of two courses, continuation in Literacy requires formal acceptance to the program, completion of undergraduate studies, and state certification. The 4+1 timeframe includes two (2) summers and one (1) academic year (fall and spring). Please refer to document at the link below for a sample plan of study.

Sample Plan of Study

The Graduate Studies Program in Literacy requires participants to complete 36 semester hours of graduate credit, which includes both campus-based courses and practical field experience in local schools. Through a carefully designed sequence of courses and experiences, graduates will be prepared to meet the literacy needs of students in elementary, middle, and secondary classrooms. The program follows the International Literacy Association (ILA) Standards.

The program reflects a commitment to the integration of literacy theory, curriculum, and practice with methods of research and inquiry. In addition, participants will develop the leadership skills necessary to organize and support school wide literacy programs.

Admission Requirements

• Completed online application
• Application fee of $65.00
• Official in-progress undergraduate transcript – you may authorize graduate admissions to download your transcript in your online application, or click here to order your PC E-Transcript.
• Two Recommendation Forms (one from a school supervisor, i.e., cooperating teacher or college supervisor) – instructions will be emailed to Recommenders
• Professional Statement – approximately 1,000 words
  Guidelines: What experiences have motivated you to pursue a career as a reading specialist?  Identify 3 to 5 competencies that you bring to the position and provide specific examples of how these skills will benefit you in your anticipated role or position. In your response, consider the following: 
  1.       the core values and beliefs that you bring to the position
  2.      the experiences that have shaped your thinking
  3.      your observations of other professionals in this position
  4.      the impact you hope to have on a school community
• State teaching certification required for full admission.

Application Deadlines
November 1
March 1

A 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA is required for full admission. 

Program Requirements

To earn a degree, candidates are required to maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA in all course work and develop a portfolio that demonstrates mastery of current ILA Standards for Reading Professionals.

Successful completion of the program qualifies candidates for a M.Ed. degree and fulfills the coursework requirements of a PK-12 Reading Specialist/Consultant certificate in Rhode Island.

Candidates who have successfully completed the literacy program at Providence College, who have three years of teaching experience, and who have passed the Praxis Reading Specialist assessment are eligible for Rhode Island certification as a reading specialist.  Click here for more information regarding the Praxis Reading Specialist assessment.

For more information about program requirements, please refer to the PROGRAM HANDBOOK.

Required Courses

Candidates follow a developmentally appropriate sequence of courses.  Therefore, students should complete all coursework in one strand before moving on to the next.

Consult the program handbook for additional information.