The MA in Literacy Education is offered through Marshall’s College of Education and Professional Development (COEPD). Accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) since 1954, COEPD is the oldest academic unit within Marshall University, dating back to 1867. COEPD offers 16 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs, and 32 educational certifications ranging from early childhood and elementary education to secondary education and administration.
The College is adept at meeting the needs of adult learners who are primarily fully employed students. COEPD was recognized in 2019 for the best online master’s teaching degree programs. The MA in Literacy Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
The Literacy Education graduate degree program is committed to reaching typically working students who wish to continue their graduate education. The MA in Literacy Education at Marshall is a 30-hour graduate degree, that can lead to a West Virginia Reading Specialist Certification (Pre-K to Adult). Distance education students who reside outside West Virginia should contact their state licensure agencies for information about their state requirements.
The MA in Literacy Education program at Marshall is rooted in extensive field experiences that enable candidates to develop both the theoretical and practical knowledge needed by specialists in the field of literacy education.
Graduates with an MA in Literacy Education achieve important learning outcomes that fully prepare them to advance in the teaching field or pursue new opportunities. Learning outcomes include developing the abilities to:
- Construct lesson plans to teach reading and writing across all content areas
- Provide professional development to their staff
- Assess students, analyze the data, and construct lessons to apply to students learning
- Coach staff on literacy interventions and programs
- Conduct school-based research
Career Outlook
Most Marshall graduates with an MA in Literacy Education already have a teaching job. This degree allows them to pursue specialized positions such as literacy interventionist and literacy coach. Marshall graduates are typically employed by County School Boards in West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky.
The College of Education and Professional Development provides an array of degree and professional development programs, continuing education opportunities and services that fully address the needs of adult learners who are primarily fully employed students. The College provides professional/technical expertise for students and is actively involved in addressing regional and state-level educational, mental health and social issues.