Frequently Asked Questions about the new M.Ed. Program in Literacy Education
The Houghton College Education Department is delighted to announce the creation of the new Master of Education (M.Ed.) program leading to New York State certification in teaching literacy (birth to grade 6). This 36-credit-hour program will allow teachers in the elementary grades to meet state requirements for professional certification, to gain much-needed expertise in reading/literacy instruction, and to increase their job options by adding the specialist certificate.
Why a degree in literacy education?
Specialized knowledge in teaching reading and writing helps teachers—classroom teachers as well as specialists—to better serve all elementary school students. Reading and writing are the keys to success at all levels of education, and the more a teacher understands about literacy theory and instruction, the better she or he is able to serve all students.
Why study literacy at Houghton?
Houghton College has a strong undergraduate program in education with special strength in the area of literacy. Faculty teaching in the program hold doctoral degrees from some of the best education schools in the nation, including Indiana University, Ohio State University, the University of Central Florida, University of Rochester, University at Buffalo, and Harvard University.
When does it start?
Classes will begin in June 2009. The program is designed on the cohort model with two tracks, an accelerated schedule and a standard schedule.
How long does the program take to complete?
Students on the accelerated track will complete the program in 14 months (with the first cohort beginning in June 2009 and graduating in August 2010). This track is designed for students who can devote full attention to their graduate studies. (Students in this track may work or volunteer in part-time positions.)
Students on the standard track will complete the program in 26 months (with the first cohort beginning in June 2009 and graduating in August 2011). This track is designed for teachers or for those in full-time volunteer positions. All students in both tracks begin the sequence of classes in June.
Why a cohort model design?
This design allows cohorts of students to progress through the program together. This makes scheduling easier and more predictable. It also ensures that the content of the program is delivered in the optimal sequence — more loosely structured programs appear to give more flexibility, but that often leads to courses being taken out of sequence or repeating content. Cohort models provide a more coherent educational program and an enhanced learning environment.
Who should enroll in this program?
This program is designed for certified elementary (childhood) teachers or those who have completed the requirements for the NYS Childhood Education teaching certificate (or the equivalent in another state). Program graduates can either continue to teach as even better-equipped classroom teachers or can branch out to positions as literacy specialists.
What are the admissions requirements?
Applicants must have completed a program leading to certification to teach at the elementary level, and must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4-point scale) in their undergraduate work. (Students with GPAs between 2.5 and 3.0 may be admitted provisionally.) Applicants must also provide references, a writing sample, and complete an admissions interview as described in the application. A faculty committee evaluates each applicant's file individually to make admissions decisions.
Do I need to take the GRE or another standardized exam?
No. We feel that the information requested above will provide sufficient information for admissions decisions, so no standardized test scores are required.
What if I have started a degree elsewhere; can I transfer?
Up to 9 hours of appropriate course credit can be transferred in to the program.
When and where will classes be offered?
All classes will be offered in the late afternoon and evening to accommodate the schedules of teachers who are enrolled in the program. Classes will be taught on the main Houghton College campus, though distance connections to West Seneca may be possible at some point for some portions of classes to facilitate participation of students from the Buffalo area.
What is the cost?
The base tuition rate is $450 per credit hour (Wow! That's competitive!) . Discounts or scholarships are available for Houghton College graduates, for applicants with GPAs above 3.4, for graduates of colleges in the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities, and our neighbors—that includes graduates of Roberts Wesleyan College, Nyack College, and teachers employed in Allegany County or neighboring county schools. In addition, the College is working to develop partnerships with local schools and AmeriCorps that would make AmeriCorps positions available to some students.
Who can I contact with questions?
You can contact the Chair of the Education Department at Houghton College for more information. Call or email Mark LaCelle-Peterson at:
mark.lacelle-peterson@houghton.edu
585-567-9669
