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Master of Education in Literacy (MEd)

Peterson Hall
gradadmissions@spu.edu | 206-281-2091
spu.edu/soe

Faculty

The MEd in Literacy (45 credits) is designed for educators who would like to become reading specialists, literacy coaches, or better-equipped teachers of reading in K–12 classrooms.

The program is aligned with the endorsement competencies for reading/literacy in the state of Washington and will help prepare you for the NES Essential Components of Elementary Reading Instruction (104) exam. Students may apply for and begin the program in any quarter.

Graduates of this program will have a foundation in the theoretical and empirical bases of effective literacy instruction, with an understanding of reading and writing development, the nature and causes of reading difficulties, and principles and strategies for effective teaching.

The NES EXAM

Qualifications for adding the reading endorsement include passing the NES Essential Components of Elementary Reading Instruction (104) exam and a successful pedagogy assessment.

Due to the focus of the MEd in Literacy degree on the K–12 school system, it is preferred that students have completed an approved program for Washington state teacher certification prior to enrollment. Exceptions can be approved by the literacy program chair.

MEd IN LITERACY, PLUS TEACHER CERTIFICATION

The MEd in Literacy plus Teacher Certification route combines the required coursework and internship experiences for a Washington state Residency Teaching Certificate with the MEd in Literacy degree. The certification component is designed to be completed on a part-time basis over a two-year period. Following certification, the MEd in Literacy can be completed in approximately one additional year (see suggested course sequence).

This route is designed for those who seek a Washington state Teaching Certificate, including teachers from other states, those who wish to return to teaching and need a current certificate, and those who wish to become teachers and have a passion for literacy instruction. Completion of the program prepares students to add a reading endorsement to their teaching certificate.

COMPREHENSIVE EXAM

Students will be required to pass a written comprehensive exam taken at the end of the program to receive the MEd in Literacy degree.

ENROLLMENT POLICY

Students must be continuously enrolled in required SPU courses to earn a graduate degree or until the student is officially withdrawn from the program. Exceptions to continuous enrollment must be approved by the program chair.

A student who decides to no longer pursue a graduate degree may officially withdraw from the program and the university by notifying the program chair and the graduate programs manager.

A student may be granted a leave of absence for up to four quarters by the program chair. Once the leave of absence has expired, the student will either enroll in graduate coursework or be dropped from the program.

SPU's Student Academic Services (SAS) requires continuous enrollment to remain admitted in a graduate program. After four quarters of non-enrollment, students will be placed in “inactive status” and will need to reapply for admission.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MEd IN LITERACY

(Candidates for the MEd in Literacy plus Certification should see the admissions requirements for the Master of Arts in Teaching program).

Applicants must submit the following materials for admission into the program:

• A .
• A $50 processing fee. Make checks payable to Seattle Pacific University.
• A transcript from each college/university where a degree was obtained, a professional certification program was completed, and where any graduate coursework was taken. These must be official transcripts and remain sealed in the original envelopes. Transcripts may be mailed directly to The Graduate Center at SPU.
• Scores from either the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Official results must be sent directly to at SPU. Test scores must be less than five years old to be valid. However, if the applicant has a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.4 or higher MAT or GRE scores are waived. Note: An alternative to submitting a GRE or MAT score may be available to certain applicants with permission of the chair.
• Copy of front and back of current teaching certificate.
• Two letters of recommendation. These letters should provide a current assessment of qualifications relative to past and future service in the professional setting, and capability for graduate study. Recommendations should come from present principals, supervisors, former professors, pastors, or colleagues.
• A personal statement. Applicants are to submit a one- to two-page Word or PDF document that includes a statement of personal academic and professional goals.
• A professional résumé.

APPLICATION AND ADMISSIONS QUESTIONS

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3307 Third Avenue West, Suite 115-G
Seattle, WA 98119-1922

gradadmissions@spu.edu
206-281-2091

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