Master of Education in Literacy 4+1 for Education Majors

The Providence College Literacy 4+1 program provides an opportunity for undergraduate education majors with teacher certification to earn a master’s degree in one year (for full-time students). Graduates of this program are eligible for an additional certification as a PK-12 reading specialist through the Rhode Island Department of Education. PC education majors are eligible to apply in their senior year and, with approval from their academic advisor, may begin the graduate program in the fall or spring semester of that year. A maximum 12-credit undergraduate course load is required for a student who wishes to begin graduate studies while an undergraduate. After completing a maximum of two courses, continuation in Literacy requires formal acceptance to the program, completion of undergraduate studies, and state certification. The 4+1 timeframe includes two (2) summers and one (1) academic year (fall and spring).

For undergraduate education majors with teacher certification coming from colleges outside of PC, the M.Ed. in Literacy may be completed in one calendar year as a full-time program by following the 4+1 timeline.

RIGHT TO READ: According to the Right to Read amended legislation, graduates of a Master’s in Literacy program fulfill proficiency requirements in the Science of Reading and structured literacy practices.  

Through a carefully designed sequence of courses and experiences, graduates will be prepared to meet the literacy needs of students in elementary, middle, and secondary classrooms. The program follows the International Literacy Association (ILA) Standards.

Literacy Master’s 4+1 Fast Facts

  • 36 credit hours (*includes campus-based courses and practical field experience in local schools.)
  • On campus delivery.
  • *One year completion of the program includes the following sessions: Summer II, Fall, Spring, Summer I, and Summer II.
  • Tuition Information.
  • Deadlines: November 1 and March 1 with rolling admission on a space available basis.
  • *Students interested in taking courses in their senior year, must apply by the Nov. 1 deadline.
  • Sample plan of study.
  • Click here for Admission Requirements

I would not be the teacher I am today without this program and its amazing instructors.

Callie Dulong ’21G

Program Requirements

Candidates follow a developmentally appropriate sequence of courses.  Therefore, students should complete all coursework in one strand before moving on to the next.

Strand I: Developing Core Knowledge
EDU763: Research in Literacy
EDU765: Models and Processes of Literacy

Strand II: Applying Core Knowledge to K-12 Learners
EDU767: Fostering Cultural Awareness and Development: Diverse Literatures K-12
EDU830: Best Practices Primary Grades
EDU832: Best Practice Middle / Secondary Schools
EDU835: Understanding Learning Differences and Responsive Pedagogy
EDU840:  Best Practice Intermediate Grades
EDU851:  Teaching Writing K-12

Strand III: Developing Leadership through Internship
EDU836: Literacy Clinic
EDU842: The Literacy Coach
EDU837: Organization and Supervision

Required Courses

Candidates follow a developmentally appropriate sequence of courses.  Therefore, students should complete all coursework in one strand before moving on to the next.

Strand I: Developing Core Knowledge
EDU763: Research in Literacy
EDU765: Models and Processes of Literacy

Strand II: Applying Core Knowledge to K-12 Learners
EDU767: Fostering Cultural Awareness and Development: Diverse Literatures K-12
EDU830: Best Practices Primary Grades
EDU832: Best Practice Middle / Secondary Schools
EDU835: Understanding Learning Differences and Responsive Pedagogy
EDU840:  Best Practice Intermediate Grades
EDU851:  Teaching Writing K-12

Strand III: Developing Leadership through Internship
EDU836: Literacy Clinic
EDU842: The Literacy Coach
EDU837: Organization and Supervision

Master’s in Literacy News

Literacy Stories

Literacy Alumna Wins Prestigious National Award

Emily Rendine ’19, a third-grade teacher at Hennessey Elementary School in East Providence, has received the prestigious Milken Educator Award. This award identifies “early-to-mid career education professionals for their already impressive achievements and, more significantly, for the promise of what they will accomplish in the future.” Nicknamed the “Oscar of Teaching,” the Milken Educator Award honors educators across the nation with $25,000 in unrestricted funds and a trip to an awards event in LA.

Smiling students receiving an award

Dr. Beverly Paesano

Director – Literacy
Harkins 328
401.865.2922
bpaesano@providence.edu

Annalise Giuffrida

Graduate Assistant
Harkins Hall 334
401.865.1347
agiuffri.ga@providence.edu