The M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Literacy Studies is a program that specializes in advanced coursework designed to meet a variety of professional goals related to improving student literacy. For example, students may pursue professional certificates in several areas:
- Reading Specialist — This is an advanced national certification that teachers may add to
their existing credential upon completion of two year's teaching experience and a master's degree with at least
27 hours of graduate coursework in literacy. Once recommended for the Reading Specialist program from UT
Arlington, students may also apply for the Master Reading Teacher (MRT) certificate without the additional MRT exam.
- English as a Second Language — In Texas, ESL is an add-on certificate that individuals
with an initial teaching certificate can add to their existing credential with only 12 hours of graduate
coursework. This is a national certification available in all states.
- Master Reading Teacher (MRT) — A Texas-only certificate. MRTs work in designated schools to
tutor struggling readers and may also serve as literacy coaches. This program includes 12 graduate hours of coursework.
Students who hold the Reading Specialist Certificate can apply for the MRT without additional coursework or the MRT test.
In addition to these professional certificates, students may choose focused coursework in areas such as writing or working with culturally and linguistically diverse students.
List of required textbooks (.pdf)