Literacy Education (M.Ed., Ed.S.)
About
Our 100% online graduate programs in Literacy Education provide practicing teachers and other professionals opportunities to explore vital issues related to reading and writing for individuals from birth to adulthood. Working with nationally and internationally recognized faculty who have a wealth of experience teaching and researching at the intersection of language and culture, our graduates emerge as strong advocates for literacy in their schools and communities. While Maine is a national leader in many measures of literacy achievement, changing global needs require continual examination and implementation of best practices. Our coursework balances theoretical and practical issues to inform literacy instruction and outcomes.
We offer a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Literacy Education, which is designed for students interested in helping individuals develop strong reading and writing skills across the lifespan. Our master’s degree includes a Literacy Specialist concentration, which leads to eligibility to become a certified K-12 literacy specialist. We also offer an individually designed program, where students can choose a program that meets their professional and career goals, whether that’s working in schools or another setting, such as adult literacy programs.
Beyond the master’s level, our Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) in Literacy Education is a terminal degree providing a cohesive program of professional development for students interested in further honing their skills and knowledge in specific areas of literacy, language and culture.
Program Highlights
Program Delivery
Both the M.Ed. and Ed.S. are offered entirely online. The flexible course load and various electives ensure you’re in control of the learning outcomes you need to achieve your goals and how you earn your degree. Students seeking the M.Ed. have two options:
The Ed.S. degree in Literacy Education requires 30 credits beyond a master’s and is individually designed with a faculty advisor to meet your career and professional goals. Candidates must complete a minimum of 12 semester hours in professional education coursework at the 500- and/or 600-level at the University of Maine.
Certificates
In addition to our master’s and Ed.S. programs, we offer graduate certificates in Literacy Education that allow you to build knowledge and skills in focused areas to better serve the needs of PreK-12 students and other learners. If you don’t already have a graduate degree, you can apply the courses from a certificate toward an M.Ed. or Ed.S. should you choose to continue your studies. Our graduate certificates include:
Advising & Support
The College of Education and Human Development provides students with academic guidance and personal support before they set foot on campus through graduation and beyond. Our graduate students work with professional advisors from UMaineOnline as well as faculty advisors, who build genuine relationships and provide timely information to help you navigate your program, your work in schools and communities, and whatever else is on your plate.
Requirements
Program Learning Outcomes
Our Literacy Education graduate programs are designed to help our graduates meet certain professional standards. Our student learning outcomes (SLOs) are adapted from the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC), a group of state education agencies and national educational organizations dedicated to the preparation, licensing and ongoing professional development of teachers.
Careers
Schools and districts around the United States are in need of highly qualified teachers to address shortages and replace educators who retire or leave the profession for other reasons. Many school districts offer increased pay to teachers with a master’s degree. In addition, research has shown that educators with advanced degrees have better job satisfaction and are more likely to stay in the profession as they advance in their careers.
Alumni of our Literacy Education graduate programs are leaders in their schools and communities. Possible career paths include:
For students wishing to continue on in graduate school, an M.Ed. provides an outstanding foundation for doctoral study in Literacy Education, as well as fields such as general education and educational leadership.

At a Glance
College of Education & Human Development
Degree Level
Master
Degree Earned
Master of Education in Literacy Education
Education Specialist in Literacy Education
Mode of Study
Online
time to Complete Degree
33-36 Credits
Featured Courses
XXX 101
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XXX 101
Research Learning Experience
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Scholarships
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Accreditation
The Literacy Specialist concentration in our M.Ed. in Literacy Education degree is a Maine Department of Education (MDOE) Pathway 1 approved program (MDOE endorsement 092). Contact Maine DOE for more information about certification and credentialing.
In addition, the College of Education and Human Development’s teacher preparation programs are nationally accredited by CAEP, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. CAEP accreditation is a seal of approval that assures quality in educator preparation and that our programs prepare new teachers to know their subjects, their students and have the training that allows them to enter the classroom ready to teach effectively.
National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) statement
This program will prepare students to be eligible for licensure within the State of Maine. Visit the UMS State Authorization & Licensure page to learn more about the licensure requirements in other states and territories, in addition to the contact information needed to inquire further into the licensure requirements associated with this program.
Next Steps
Contact
International
Chadbourne Hall, Room 122
go.umaine.edu/international-undergraduate-admissions/
P
207.581.3437
F
207.581.2920



