SUNY Potsdam

• MSED Literacy Specialist Early Childhood and Childhood (Birth–Grade 6)
• MSED Literacy Specialist Middle Childhood and Adolescence (Grades 5–12)

The Literacy Specialist program is nationally recognized by the International Reading Association (IRA). 

Requirements for Admission

1. Submission of a copy of current teaching certificate is required for admission.  In accordance with New York State certification regulations, candidates for the Literacy Specialist program must have preparation in general education at the level they are seeking in literacy certification.  For example, candidates holding a certificate in Early Childhood or Childhood may enroll only in the Literacy Specialist Birth–Grade 6 program. Candidates holding a certificate in Middle Childhood or Adolescence Education may enroll only in the Literacy Specialist Grades 5–12 program.  Candidates holding certificates in K–12 areas (i.e., Art, Music, Physical Education) should consult with the Coordinator of Graduate Admissions.
   
2. A minimum grade point average of 2.75 (A = 4.0) in the most recent 60 credit hours of undergraduate study is required for admission.
3. Candidates will submit three letters of recommendation including at least one focusing on teaching performance,  using forms available from the Office of Graduate Studies web page.
4. Candidates will submit a thoughtful and well-written letter of intent in which they discuss why they wish to develop their knowledge and skills in the field of literacy education and highlight their personal attributes that will help them meet the challenges of graduate study in the program. The letter shall include a statement that the candidate has read and understands the  MSED Literacy Procedures for Assessing and Monitoring Professional Dispositions.
5. Six (6) credit hours of undergraduate study in literacy education focusing on teaching methods is required.

Additional Degree Information
Candidates are strongly encouraged to review the Policies and Procedures in the Graduate Catalog, focusing on the specific information related to education programs.

Candidates are advised that most, but not all, degree requirements may be completed in the Watertown area.

These programs have been designed so that full-time candidates who begin their study on campus in the Fall semester may complete their study in one calendar year. Part-time students and those intending to complete the program in Watertown should consult with their advisers about the time needed to complete their degrees.

For candidates in the Literacy Specialist programs, a practicum must be completed in the last semester of study. GRDG 600, GRDG 605 and GRDG 655/656 are prerequisites for the practicum. While New York state certification requirements have set a minimum of 50 clock hours in the field, candidates in our programs can expect to serve additional hours.

All degree candidates are required to complete a Culminating Experience in the School of Education and Professional Studies designed to synthesize the academic experience.  For candidates in the Literacy Specialist program this requirement is fulfilled by completion of the practicum (GRDG 690/691 or 696/697) or by completing the yearlong six-credit internship (GRDG 699).

Candidate progress is carefully monitored throughout the program, based on demonstration of appropriate knowledge, skills, and dispositions.  Candidates are provided with information on program expectations in the first semester (GRDG 600). Candidates not making satisfactory progress will be counseled by their adviser and may be dropped from the program. 

Course Requirements
A minimum of 36 credit hours with an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher is required for the granting of the Master of Science in Education, Literacy Specialist degree.  The 36 credits include 21Core Requirement credits plus 15 credits in one of the Concentrations (including the clinical experience requirements: