In schools across the United States, the literacy skills of students in K-12 settings continue to be an ongoing concern. According to the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress report, there is a downward trend in reading achievement. In 2019, the percentage of fourth and eighth grade public school students performing at or above the proficient level in reading was 35 and 34 percent respectively in the nation. These results are lower than the results in 2017. Similarly, in Texas, students are exhibiting alarmingly low reading comprehension levels. Fourth grade students scored lower than those in 27 states. Eighth grade students scored lower than those in 37 states (see The Nation's Report Card for details). Consequently, there is a dire need for K-12 educators in Texas who are knowledgeable about evidence-based reading research and can apply that knowledge to developmentally appropriate literacy instruction. To address this need, we offer embedded credentials with the master's degree that address a P-20 perspective: Professional Reading Specialist certification, Dual Credit in English, and a Developmental Literacy Graduate Certificate. These credentials are tailored to meet the needs of historically underrepresented students in early literacy to post-secondary settings. 

The master's degree in Language and Literacy is aligned with the Texas Education Agency's Science of Teaching Reading standards. (Click here to see this alignment). Thus, the Language & Literacy program complements the Region Service Centers' Texas Reading Academies by providing in-depth knowledge of foundational, affective, and cognitive dimensions of reading, writing, listening, and speaking and their sequential processes of development. Topics addressed in coursework include: motivation and engagement, oral language development, bilingual and biliteracy development, alphabetics (e.g., phonological awareness, letter naming, letter-sound association, morphemic analysis, larger orthographic units), word recognition, fluency, comprehension strategies, vocabulary, and writing.  

Additionally, the master's degree in Language and Literacy is aligned with the Texas Education Agency's standards for Professional Reading Specialist, and the International Literacy Association's Standards for the Preparation of Literacy Professionals. Through a comprehensive portfolio examination, graduate students will demonstrate their growth as literacy professionals by aligning their artifacts of learning to these standards to demonstrate evidence of mastery. Through completion of the Language & Literacy program, graduates develop the confidence and competence of literacy leaders who create change in literacy practice in K-12 and post-secondary contexts.  

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What Can I Do With This Degree?

Our Master's Degree in Language & Literacy is designed to prepare reading and literacy leaders in K-12 school districts and other educational settings. Graduates will possess in-depth knowledge of literacy processes and will be able to confidently apply their knowledge to evaluate, design, and implement effective literacy instruction for diverse learners.

Credentials Available with this Degree

• Professional Reading Specialist certification
• Developmental Literacy Graduate Certificate
• Dual Credit in English credential

Designed for Working Educators - Just Like You!

• Scholarships available
• Rolling admissions
• 100% online delivery

Application Process

Please visit the Graduate Application Process for more information on how to apply.

Scholarship and Funding Opportunities

If you wish to be considered for scholarships and other funding opportunities, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis, please complete your application by the following dates:

• November 15th for the Spring semester
• April 15th for the Summer semesters
• July 15th for the Fall semester

Semester in which the program can be started

Continuous enrollment, students may begin coursework during any semester.

Online / Synchronous Expectations of the Master's in C&I program

The Master's Degree programs in C&I can be completed completely online, but there are courses that require mandatory synchronous meetings via virtual meetings and video conferencing software.

• Coursework: Most C&I master's online classes have synchronous meetings via Zoom to maximize the effectiveness of teaching and learning; those classes may or may not require attendance at synchronous sessions as a part of the course grade. If such courses have mandatory synchronous meetings, they are noted at the time of registration (so you will know before signing up).

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How do I apply?

Download the Handbook for the Master's in Language and Literacy for detailed instructions about the degree and how to apply.

Visit the Graduate School website to begin your application today!

Download the Comprehensive Evaluation Portfolio Assessment

• Due to ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Graduate School has temporarily changed its admission requirements regarding test scores. The GRE may optionally be submitted by applicants for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 academic years, through the Summer 2024 application cycle. International applicants may use certain alternate exams in place of the TOEFL. Please visit the Graduate Admissions COVID-19 FAQ page for more information.

How can I pay for this?

Scholarships for students are available through the office of graduate education and admissions in the College of Education. Learn more about Funding for Graduate Students in the College of Education.

Use the Student Business Services Tuition Estimator to estimate your costs.

Faculty

Literacy Fair at the Lubbock Science Spectrum