Literacy Education (MAE)

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Overview

In 2018, UNI was recently featured as the #6 “Best Online Master’s in Reading Degree Programs” by TheBestSchools.org. UNI received top honors based on the quality of program and range of courses provided to students from a distance.

New cohort program to begin Fall 2019

Submit applications by June 3, 2019 for full consideration.

Program highlights

Master's degree program designed for practicing teachers with courses offered via interactive video conferencing technologies and online.

Prepares culturally responsive literacy teachers through the integration of research, theory and practice.
Engages learners in critical thinking and strategic processing.
Fosters professional development for practicing teachers.
Delivered on a cohort basis with coursework completed in three years.

Increased job opportunities

A Literacy Education specialty often helps UNI graduates move to the top of the list in job searches. For further employability, students may also consider taking courses to earn an Iowa Reading Endorsement. UNI Literacy Education offers three types of reading endorsements: Reading Education grades K-8 (also available at a distance), Secondary Reading grades 5-12 and/or Reading Specialist K-12, depending on your choice of electives. A majority of the courses for these endorsements are offered at a distance through the University of Northern Iowa.

Course delivery

Courses in this program are offered via interactive video conferencing (including Adobe Connect) during fall and spring semesters and held on Tuesday nights. Some courses and coursework are offered online using eLearning, a Blackboard learning management system requiring Internet access and a web browser. A recommended in-person orientation is scheduled on the UNI campus on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

While most students encounter very few technical difficulties with our online courses, our team of support specialists is available to assist you as needed.

Scholarship opportunity for Literacy Education majors

The Stanley and Norma Reeves Scholarship offers financial support for master's students enrolled in the UNI Literacy Education program. Scholarships of $1,000 are awarded annually through an application process. Applications are due no later than March 1 preceding the academic year for which the scholarship will be awarded.

To learn more about this scholarship opportunity, please contact the UNI Literacy Education Department at 319-273-2698.

Program Schedule

Literacy Education (MAE) - Fall 2019 Cohort

Tentative course schedule
Click on a course title to view the course description (if available).

Fall 2019

LITED

6212

Methods and Materials in Literacy Education

Integrated approach to language learning within and across grades K-12, with a strong emphasis on reading and writing connections within content areas and across children’s and young adult literature. Prerequisite(s): graduate standing; previous course work in literacy education or consent of instructor.

3 unit(s)

Spring 2020

LITED

6239

Advanced Literacy Studies

Students locate, read, examine, analyze, and evaluate a variety of historical and contemporary literacy research pieces; make plans for research studies and write literature reviews, conference and grant proposals.

3 unit(s)

Summer 2020

LITED

6240

Language Development and Variability

Exploration of research on factors generally associated with variability in language and literacy development, on methods designed to promote language and literacy development, and on roles of teachers and parents in promoting this development in children with differences. Prerequisite(s): graduate standing, previous course work in literacy education, or consent of instructor.

3 unit(s)

MEASRES

6205

Educational Research

An introduction to research methods relevant to educational research with an emphasis on how these methods address the challenges of conducting research in applied settings such as schools. Course content includes a survey of major types of research designs (both quantitative and qualitative) and their associated approaches for minimizing bias, establishing validity, collecting data and drawing conclusions. A primary goal of this course is to equip students with an understanding of basic concepts and tools so they can systematically locate, efficiently read and critically evaluate empirical research studies.

3 unit(s)

Fall 2020

LITED

6245

Ideological, Cultural, and Sociopolitical Issues in Children's Literature

Advanced literacy course exploring ideological, cultural, social, and political issues in children's literature. Study in sociocultural contexts of literacy instruction, with critical analysis of literature as an instrument to inform and transform life as well as learning. Prerequisite(s): LITED 1044 (230:044) or consent of instructor.

3 unit(s)

Spring 2021

LITED

6238

Advanced Assessment and Evaluation of Literacy Development

Experience in assessment and evaluation of literacy processes. An in depth examination of the interrelationship of assessment and evaluation to literacy development including current issues and practices. Prerequisite(s): graduate standing, previous course work in literacy education, or consent of instructor.

3 unit(s)

LITED

6299

Research

Intended as the final course in the Curriculum and Instruction: Literacy Education program; focuses on completion of final research project and preparation for comprehensive examination in a collaborative seminar setting. Thesis requires a total of 6 hours. Non-thesis requires a total of 3 hours. Prerequisite(s): consent of department.

1-6 unit(s)

Summer 2021

ELEMECML

6201

Issues and Trends in Curriculum

Current ideas influencing the planning and implementation of curriculum. Prerequisite(s): consent of department.

3 unit(s)

LITED

6260

Roles of the Reading Specialist

Exploration of the five major leadership roles required of school personnel who serve as reading and language arts specialists. Prerequisite(s): graduate standing or consent of instructor.

3 unit(s)

Fall 2021

EDPSYCH

6214

Foundations of Instructional Psychology

Study of factors involved in designing and implementing effective instructional environments.

3 unit(s)

LITED

6299

Research

1-6 unit(s)

Spring 2022

LITED

6290

Practicum

Supervised experience in teaching and/or supervision of instruction. May be repeated for maximum of 4 hours. Prerequisite(s): consent of instructor.

2-4 unit(s)

LITED

6299

Research

1-6 unit(s)

Research requirement options

Students in this program of study have the choice to write either a research paper or research thesis. The focus of the research area develops from individual interests as students progress through the program of study. Students writing the research thesis will enroll for 2 hours in each Research course.

FAQs

General information

What are the costs?

All students pay the same tuition rate, regardless of location, making it an affordable option for all students.

Tuition for the 2018-19 academic year is $509 per unit of graduate credit or $320 per unit of undergraduate credit. An additional technology fee per course may apply. Tuition and fees are expected to rise each May, typically announced by the Iowa Board of Regents in March.

Do I qualify for financial aid?

Distance education students may qualify for financial aid with the following eligibility requirements:

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Be admitted to UNI and enrolled in a degree-seeking or Advanced Studies Certificate program
Be enrolled for a minimum number of credits per semester or summer session
Be in compliance with satisfactory academic progress standards

Specific questions about financial aid should be directed to the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships at 319-273-2700 or fin-aid@uni.edu

Why choose the University of Northern Iowa?

Since its establishment in 1876 as the Iowa State Normal School, the University of Northern Iowa has maintained its affirmed commitment to the support of excellence in teacher education. That commitment remains strong as the university continues to prepare students to become teachers, as well as provide opportunities for career advancement in the field of education. In addition to a commitment to teaching, our faculty members are engaged in research, writing and professional development. View UNI's national rankings and honors.

I'm not sure about distance learning. How can I make sure it’s right for me?

Research findings demonstrate that students of all types of learning styles can succeed in a distance environment. View our tips for being a successful distance learner.

What kind of support services can I expect to receive?

The University of Northern Iowa is committed to providing comprehensive support services for distance education students. The Office of Continuing and Distance Education serves as your primary point of contact in accessing distance education support services, including enrollment services, technical support for online course tools and more. You are also given access to the UNI Rod Library’s print and electronic collections for your convenience. View a complete list of services and support resources.

Please contact the Office of Continuing and Distance Education at 319-273-5970, 800-648-3864 or distance@uni.edu with any questions. If we don’t have the answer, we will do our best to find it.

Will academic advising assistance be provided?

You will work with the program coordinator when communicating about the program of study. Once participating in the program, you will be assigned a faculty advisor who will work with you one-on-one regarding your progress in the program.

Program specific information

How do I get started?

See the "Next Steps" tab above for information. If you have any questions, please contact the program coordinator(s) and/or enrollment contact below or contact the Office of Continuing and Distance Education at ContinuingEd@uni.edu.

What happens if I miss a course in the sequence?

While it is often possible to make up courses that are missed, our commitment is to deliver the courses as outlined in the cohort schedule. This is not designed as a program in which students come and go. Rather, the cohort model requires that students take the prescribed sequence in unison. Should you need to miss a course, you should consult with your program advisor for options.

How will I enroll in the courses?

When you have completed the steps to admission and have been accepted into the program, we will send you details and information about how to enroll in the first course. After you participate in the first term of courses in the cohort sequence, the Office of Continuing and Distance Education will notify you with enrollment details for the next term of courses as they become available. You are required to enroll in your courses each semester.

Can I take the courses out of sequence or start at a later date?

The program is planned so that students move through the sequence of courses as a cohort group. The first course forms a foundation for the program and includes an introduction unit describing the program goals, sequence of courses, standards, rubrics and academic expectations. For that reason, it is important that you enroll and complete the courses in the same sequence. Program faculty expect that students have a growing knowledge of concepts built upon a prescribed sequence of courses. In addition, program faculty work to build an online community as students move through the course sequence together.

How are the courses delivered?

For information about course delivery, please see the "Overview" tab above.

Next Steps

Express your interest

Please complete the online interest form to the right to express your interest in joining a future cohort leading to a Literacy Education MAE cohort. The next cohort is scheduled to begin Fall 2019. We will use the information you provide to send you program updates, including important information about application deadlines as they become available.

Apply for admission

We are currently accepting applications for the Fall 2019 cohort. We encourage you to apply for admission to graduate studies through the University of Northern Iowa as soon as possible. Applications received by June 3, 2019, will receive full consideration.

Former UNI students: The online application requires logging in with your CatID credentials. If you have forgotten your username or passphrase, contact the IT Help Desk at servicedesk@uni.edu or 319-273-5555 and have them reset your password.

Need help with your UNI application?

Contact us at 800-648-3864 or Distance@uni.edu for assistance. Additional resources are also available from the UNI Graduate College.

Complete the online Application for Graduate Study and the required application materials requested by the department (see below) can be attached at time of application submission or sent separately. (Note: required application materials can be attached at the time of application submission or after submission.)
Please note that you are applying for admission as a Graduate student for Fall 2019.
The program for which you are applying is Literacy Education MAE.
Entrance exams are not required.
Note that if you have received a degree from UNI, you do not have to pay the non-refundable $60 application fee or request your UNI transcripts.
International students: Please contact the Office of International Admissions at international.admissions@uni.edu or 319-273-2195 for specific instructions.

Additional application materials:

An applicant statement describing your professional background, your motivation for applying to the Literacy Education MAE program, and your professional goals
A written exam arranged through the Literacy Education Office at 319-273-2698
Two letters of recommendation

Required application materials can be attached (in .pdf format) to the application at the time of or after submission or sent directly to the Office of Admissions.

Office of Admissions
University of Northern Iowa
002 Gilchrist Hall
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0018
admissionsprocessing@uni.edu

What to expect

When your application for graduate study is complete, Graduate Admissions will forward your materials to the Department of Curriculum and Instruction for review. You will receive notice from Graduate Admissions acknowledging receipt of your application.

The department will review your application materials and contact you about your admission status. Following admission to the program, you will be provided enrollment information for your first semester of courses.

Delivery of the program is contingent on a sufficient number of students being accepted into the program.

Program Coordinator(s):

Sarah Vander Zanden

Curriculum and Instruction

(319) 273-7270

Sarah.Vanderz@uni.edu

Enrollment Contact:

Rita Gutman

Continuing and Distance Education

(319) 273-2504

Rita.Gutman@uni.edu

Pre-K	Kindergarten
1st	2nd
3rd	4th
5th	6th
7th	8th
9th	10th
11th	12th

Continuing Education and Special Programs

Tabs

New cohort program to begin Fall 2019

Program highlights

Increased job opportunities

Course delivery

Scholarship opportunity for Literacy Education majors

Literacy Education (MAE) - Fall 2019 Cohort

Research requirement options

General information

Program specific information

Express your interest

Apply for admission

Need help with your UNI application?

Additional application materials:

What to expect

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