FAQ

The online MSEd, LIT program can be completed in as little as 1.5 years. Students may choose to attend full time, enrolling in up to four courses per semester, or earn their degree on a part-time schedule. There is no requirement to complete the program within a specific timeframe.

The practicum consists of 100 clock hours working with children in literacy assessment and instruction. As part of this experience, master’s students must also complete several seminar assignments and a capstone binder or portfolio project. The seminar assignments include:

• A presentation of a student case study
• A presentation that introduces and models a literacy education strategy
• A reflective self-study paper
• Participation in the development of a proposal or presentation for a conference of the New York State Reading Association or the International Reading Association

The capstone will present evidence of learning by documenting and reflecting on three instruction and assessment cycles. The portfolio or binder should demonstrate growing competency in planning instruction and learning activities, carrying out those plans, assessing student work, and utilizing assessments to reflect upon and improve teaching practices.

The director of school partnerships will assist you in arranging an acceptable school placement that includes clinical supervisors and mentor teachers. If you work at a school that meets all the requirements, you can complete the practicum in your own classroom.

For the Early Childhood certification: Candidates who have Initial Certification in Teaching—Childhood Track and complete two Early Childhood courses in the MSEd program (ED 655A and one elective) must:

• Provide a transcript with the two courses listed
• Pass all three parts of the New York State Content Specialty Test in Early Childhood
• Apply through the New York State Education Department Teaching Pathway for Early Childhood certification.

For the Adolescent Education certification: Candidates who have Initial Certification in Teaching—Adolescent Education (Grades 7-12) and complete two Adolescent courses in the MSEd program (ED 757 and one elective) must:

• Provide a transcript with the two courses listed
• Pass all three parts of the New York State Content Specialty Test for Secondary Teachers
• Apply through the New York State Education Department Teaching Pathway for Adolescent Education certification.

To be eligible for the Middle School Extension to teach a subject area in grades 7–9, Childhood Education candidates must:

• Earn 30 credits in a subject area such as English or biology
• Take two additional courses: TCH 455/ED523: Middle Childhood/Early Adolescent and TCH 456/ED524: Differentiating Curriculum and Instruction in Middle Childhood Education)
• Pass the Content Specialty Test in their subject area.

To be eligible for the Middle School Extension to also teach a subject in grades 5-6, Adolescent Education candidates must:

• Take two additional education courses: TCH 455/ED523: Middle Childhood/Early Adolescent, and TCH 456/ED524: Differentiating Curriculum and Instruction in Middle Childhood Education
• Pass the Content Specialty Test in their subject area.

Most of the required and elective courses may be taken in any order depending on availability. Many students find it beneficial to take the practicum (ED 693B or 694B) and Teacher as Researcher (ED 690) courses at the same time, and these are usually the final two courses of the program. See the curriculum page for more details on required coursework.

There are three opportunities to start the MSEd, LIT program each year, in the fall, spring, and summer. Contact an admission advisor at literacyonline@pace.edu for more information about the academic calendar and application deadlines.

Students may transfer a maximum of six credit hours toward earning a master’s of education with a literacy specialization. Following acceptance into the program, students can meet with an academic program advisor to discuss transfer credit

No, GRE scores are not required for admission to the online MSEd, LIT program. For more information on application requirements, see the admissions page.