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Master of Education in Literacy Education (M.Ed. in LIT ED)

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Program Description:

UTEP’s M.Ed. in Literacy Education program is a fully online, 36-credit hour degree designed for individuals who wish to pursue graduate studies focused on the teaching and learning of literacy in diverse PK-12 and other educational settings. Intended for busy educators (licensed or un-licensed) seeking to take on instructional leadership roles in Literacy Education and to apply theoretical and research knowledge to their own literacy teaching practice, this degree program can be completed in as little as 20 months.

The M.Ed. in Literacy Education prepares specialized professionals to develop in-depth knowledge of literacy research, theory, and practice—while utilizing a social-justice lens with a commitment to promoting equity through linguistically and culturally responsive teaching. This program is designed to train individuals to be reflective literacy leaders and to apply foundational knowledge of literacy to curriculum, assessment, and professional development, as well as data-driven methods for literacy program improvement. Though graduate coursework, literacy is broadly explored as not only a discrete set of skills learners acquire but also how literacy is situated within the social, cultural, and historical contexts in which it is practiced. Students in this program engage in applied research and field experiences that focus on diverse learners and expanded conceptions of literacy in the digital age. This M.Ed. in Literacy Education program fully aligns with the International Literacy Association’s Standards for the Preparation of Literacy Professionals. 

This program does not include a teaching credential.  However, the M.Ed. in Literacy Education may be combined with our on-campus Alternative Certification Program [ACP] for individuals seeking to obtain this M.Ed. degree and who also want to earn a Texas teaching license (48 credits total). Admission to the Alternative Certification Program requires a separate application process. For more information on the ACP program, including specific admissions information, please contact acp@utep.edu.

Are you a Texas Certified teacher with at least three years of teaching experience?

The M.Ed. in Literacy Education provides coursework that follows the State Board of Educator Certification guidelines for professional certification as a Reading Specialist. Texas certified Reading Specialists provide tailored assistance to EC-12 students in reading and writing, and they work with teachers to provide effective literacy instruction in their classrooms. Pursuit of this state teaching certification is additional and optional; having a Texas teaching credential or obtaining this professional certification is not a requirement to graduating with a M.Ed. in Literacy Education from UTEP. However, qualified students (i.e., Texas certified teachers with at least three years teaching experience) who desire Texas Reading Specialist certification may choose to obtain this professional certification in addition to the M.Ed. in Literacy Education degree.  This additional program requires a separate admission and acceptance. Students who apply and are admitted into the Reading Special program complete the M.Ed. in Literacy Education coursework and additionally, they complete a 160-hour internship as part of their final practicum course and challenge the TExES Reading Specialist (#151) exam. For more information about obtaining Texas Reading Specialist Certification or to be sent a link to the additional required application, please contact tedgrad@utep.edu.

Admission Requirements:

To apply for the M.Ed. in Literacy Education program, individuals must complete the application process through UTEP’s Graduate School.  Prospective students submit:

1)  a resume;

2) a written statement of purpose describing personal and professional goals related to obtaining the degree; and

3) transcripts from all previous colleges and universities attended; transcripts should indicate at least a minimum satisfactory undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0.

International students whose first language is not English must also submit an Official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score; the score requirement can be found at .

The admission materials submitted will be reviewed holistically to assess the potential of the applicant for this advance course of study.  The successful applicant would typically have an undergraduate upper division GPA of 3.0 or higher that demonstrates focus on academics, a current resume that demonstrates basic knowledge or experience in education or education-related fields, and a written statement that demonstrates maturity and commitment to the field of Literacy Education.

Program Application Deadlines:  

• To begin in Fall Semester, applications must be received by August 9th.
• To begin in Spring Semester, applications must be received by January 5th.
• To begin in Summer Semester, applications must be received by May 3^rd.

To apply for the M.Ed. in Literacy Education program, go to Graduate School Application, select this program when prompted and follow the directions provided to submit your application.

Degree Requirements and Courses:

To earn a M.Ed. in Literacy Education, UTEP requires for graduation: 1) successful completion of 36 hours of required coursework with a grade of “C” or better; 2) completion of a capstone project and a grade of “pass” in the Literacy Education Practicum course; and 3) a final GPA of 3.0 or higher [Graduate School Requirement].

Capstone Requirement: The Literacy Education Practicum Course fulfills the comprehensive exam requirement for M.Ed. students. The intent of the practicum course is to provide students the opportunity to synthesize and apply core content knowledge gained in the program and to demonstrate their academic and professional skill development; the practicum project provides an opportunity to connect literacy theory, research, and practice in applied settings through an action research project. To graduate from the M.Ed. in Literacy Education program, all students must do a practicum project and register and pass the Literacy Education Practicum Course.

During the final semester of coursework, students will meet virtually with the Teacher Education Department Graduate Studies Coordinator for an audit and verification of coursework and final GPA, and for verification of completion of the application for graduation with UTEP’s Graduate School office. 

Degree Plan:

Still have questions about the M.Ed. in Literacy Education? Teacher Education Department staff are ready to answer your questions.  Please contact us at tedgrad@utep.edu.

Ready to apply to the M.Ed. in Literacy Education program? Go to Graduate School Application