Promotes school, adult, and digital literacy in a variety of settings, including classrooms, community, college campuses, and beyond.
The Literacy Studies, M.S.Ed. program, is an interdisciplinary program focused on the study of literacy and language from sociopolitical, cultural, psychological, historical, and linguistic perspectives. Students can tailor the program to their area of interest by selecting electives from other Penn GSE programs and across the University of Pennsylvania.
The Literacy Studies M.S.Ed. program is not accepting applications for Fall 2027. Prospective students interested in literacy instruction are encouraged to explore the Teaching, Learning, and Leadership, M.S.Ed. program. Prospective students interested in literacy and technology are encouraged to explore the Learning Sciences and Technologies, M.S.Ed. program. |
Program Details
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Full or Part-Time Enrollment Format
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1 Year Duration (Full-Time)
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On Campus Modality
Overview
We cultivate literacy practitioners, researchers, and policymakers primed to navigate the nuanced environments of various schools, communities, families, and cultures. During fieldwork and research, students have the opportunity to work with learners from diverse age groups and cultures, building their expertise as researchers and practitioners.
Our program faculty, renowned scholars in literacy and language, are deeply committed to educational change, viewing institutions as vital spaces for promoting equal opportunity, equal access, and transformation. From sociopolitical and cultural lenses to psychological, historical, linguistic, and literary perspectives, our approach is holistic, reflecting the multifaceted nature of literacy.
- Curriculum
Literacy Studies M.S.Ed. (10 courses): Four required courses as well as six electives. One of the program’s highlights is the flexibility in choosing electives. Students can take electives from our program, electives from other programs at Penn GSE, or even courses offered elsewhere at the University. The culminating experience is the presentation of the student’s academic portfolio.
Literacy Studies M.S.Ed. with Reading Specialist Certification (10 or 11 courses): Eight required courses and two electives. An eleventh-course sequence is required for students without a teaching certification and one year of teaching experience. Only U.S. citizens are eligible to apply for Pennsylvania Reading Specialist certification after the completion of coursework.
For more information on courses and requirements, visit the Literacy Studies, M.S.Ed. in the University Catalog.
- Tuition and Fees
More Information
We are no longer accepting applications for new student entry to this program. Penn GSE offers many programs to support your professional journey in the higher education landscape and beyond.
Do you have questions?
We're happy to help! Contact the Admissions team at admissions@gse.upenn.edu.
Outcomes
The Literacy Studies, M.S.Ed. program prepares students as practitioners, researchers, and policy makers in educational settings that include K–12 schools, colleges and universities, community-based literacy programs, educational publishing, and government programs.
Affiliated Faculty
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