The MS in Instruction in Language Arts: Secondary Education Program is designed to offer professional development to classroom teachers who are interested in updating and refining their teaching competencies in the area of English Language Arts instruction at the secondary level. Graduates of this program will have updated and advanced knowledge of the theoretical foundations of literacy and language acquisition, principles of curriculum planning and development, and language arts research, as well as instructional strategies for enhancing young people’s acquisition of reading, writing, listening, and speaking competencies in culturally diverse classrooms. Throughout the program, there is an emphasis on enhancing teachers’ leadership skills in developing and implementing language arts and English curricula.
Within this program, students complete coursework in two areas:
- a professional core composed of coursework in literacy foundations (theory and pedagogy), curriculum development, cultural diversity, assessment, media technology, and research: 18 credit hours
- a concentration in language arts with interdisciplinary coursework in education, reading/literacy, English, linguistics, and/or speech: 18 credit hours
Admission Requirements
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 (4.0 scale)
- A current, valid, state teaching license
- Eighteen (18) credit hours undergraduate or graduate coursework in English literature/composition, linguistics, TESL, and/or speech
- Fifteen (15) credit hours of undergraduate or graduate coursework in education with at least one, 3 credit hour course in the methods of teaching reading or English
- Completed application with two letters of recommendation and official transcripts
Requirements for the degree
Course Sequence and Exit requirements: 36 credit hours
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Professional Core | ||
| EDFN-416 | Cultural Pluralism And Schools | 3 |
| SCED-401E | New Directions In Teaching English In The Junior And Senior High School | 3 |
| ELED-430 | Trends And Issues In Assessment | 3 |
| EDFN-442 | Media Technology For Educators | 3 |
| LTCY-502 | Literacy Instruction In Content Areas In Secondary Grades | 3 |
| SCED-421 | Research In Teaching In Middle And Secondary Schools | 3 |
| 2. Language Arts Concentration | ||
| SCED-407B | Teaching Multicultural Literature In Middle And Secondary Schools Without Clinical Experience | 3 |
| LTCY-506 | Writing Instruction In Middle & High School | 3 |
| LING-401 | Fundamentals Of Modern Linguistics | 3 |
| or TESL-402 | Principles Of Linguistics For Teachers | |
| Electives selected from areas of English Literature, Creative Writing, Composition, TESL, Linguistics or Speech 1 | 9 | |
| 3. Oral Examination 2 | ||
| 4. Two research papers 3 | ||
| Total Hours | 36 | |
| 1 | See your advisor for recommended courses. |
| 2 | A final oral exam is scheduled in the final term of completion of all coursework. |
| 3 | One is required in SCED-421. |
Note: For descriptions of the coursework and prerequisites, please see pertinent sections of this catalog.
This sample curricular map is provided to guide you in the planning of your progression for this major. This guide should not replace regular consultations with your program advisor. For specific recommendations of courses not identified, please consult your program advisor.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Hours | |
| EDFN-416 | Cultural Pluralism And Schools | 3 |
| LTCY-502 | Disciplinary Literacy Instruction In Secondary Grades | 3 |
| EDFN-442 | Media Technology For Educators | 3 |
| Term Hours | 9 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| SCED-401E | New Directions In Teaching English In The Junior And Senior High School | 3 |
| LTCY-506 | Writing Instruction In Middle High School | 3 |
| LING-401 or TESL 402 | Fundamentals Of Modern Linguistics | 3 |
| Term Hours | 9 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Term 1 | ||
| SCED-407B | Teaching Multicultural Literature In Middle And Secondary Schools Without Clinical Experience | 3 |
| ELED-430 | Trends And Issues In Assessment | 3 |
| 1 Elective course | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 9 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| 2 Elective courses | 6 | |
| Term Hours | 6 | |
| Term 3 | ||
| SCED-421 | Research In Teaching In Middle And Secondary Schools | 3 |
| Term Hours | 3 | |
| Total Hours: | 36 | |