Education, Literacy Studies - General Literacy Studies
Master of Education (M.Ed.)
Graduate Major
Grand Rapids • Online • 33-36 Credits
Literacy Studies focuses on understanding and improving literacy and language skills through sociopolitical, cultural, psychological, historical, and linguistic perspectives to promote educational change. Students completing the Master of Education in Literacy Studies become literacy leaders in one of four areas: general literacy studies, elementary reading, secondary reading, or K-12 reading specialist.
Overview
Grand Valley's Master of Education in Literacy Studies program is designed to equip literacy professionals with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to address diverse literacy needs in educational settings. The program is fully online, requiring a minimum of 33 credit hours, and is ideal for classroom teachers and other professionals seeking to enhance their ability to support students' literacy acquisition.
The Literacy Studies curriculum includes a variety of courses covering essential topics such as educational policy, social and cultural foundations of education, literacy methodologies, and field-based literacy assessment. Students will explore areas like ESL methodologies, elementary and secondary literacy, literacy instruction across disciplines, writing and language development, and teaching culturally and linguistically diverse students. The program also includes a capstone project or thesis to synthesize learning and practical application.
Our comprehensive approach prepares graduates to effectively address literacy challenges in diverse educational contexts. With a focus on equity, social responsibility, and democratic education, students develop a deep understanding of the social and ethical implications of educational practices. Additionally, the fully online format provides flexibility for working professionals, making it easier to balance studies with other commitments.
College of Education and Community Innovation
gvsu.edu/education/grad
401 Fulton Street West, Building C
(616) 331-6650
[email protected]
Program Director
Elizabeth Stolle, Ph.D.
(616) 331-6242
Application Deadline
Deadline for fall semester is July 15; winter, November 15; spring/summer, March 15. Early application is strongly encouraged to secure course enrollment. Applications received after the deadline will be considered on an individual basis and program availability. Late applicants should contact program director. The $30 nonrefundable application fee is waived if you have previously applied to GVSU.
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Accreditation
Grand Valley State University's College of Education and Community Innovation is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA). The faculty are leaders in their fields, melding together the philosophy of education and your needs as a practitioner.
Scholarships
Grand Valley State University offers a wide variety of merit-based
scholarships. For information on all of the scholarships that are
available to students, please visit Scholarships at GVSU.
Grand Valley offers myScholarships
(a scholarship matching tool) to help admitted students match
with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities.
myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you
to scholarships for which you might qualify.
Career Advising
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