Duquesne University

Program Information

Degree Offered

M.S.Ed-Reading and Language Arts

Format: Campus

Program Description:

This 30-semester hour program is designed for teachers with initial certification and satisfies the requirements for a Master of Science in Education Degree in Reading and Language Arts. In addition, to required courses, candidates must pass praxis examinations for certification in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. There is no internship or residency requirement for the degree. Course work includes six credits in Educational Foundations and Psychology, a minimum of 18 credits in Reading and Language Arts courses, and six credits of electives. Candidates have access to computer laboratories, a multi-media center, curriculum library, a fully networked and automated reference library, onsite and remote access to online databases and electronic journals. The Reading Clinic is used as a practicum center by graduate reading candidates enrolled in the diagnostic and/or tutorial labs. Graduate reading and language arts courses meet International Reading Association Standards and encompass Duquesne University themes and domains:

Standards

Standard 1: Foundational Knowledge of Dispositions

Standard 2: Instructional Strategies and Curriculum Materials

Standard 3: Assessment, Diagnosis, and Evaluation

Standard 4: Creating a Literature Environment

Standard 5: Professional Development

Themes

Diversity, Leadership and Technology

Domains

Learning Theory, Curriculum Design, and School Context

Students may qualify for reading specialist and reading supervisor certificates, valid for grades K-12, after completing specific required courses following the basic program.

Graduates of the Reading and Language Arts program will be qualified to fill these IRA specific roles:

- Instruction-The reading specialist supports, supplements, and extends classroom teaching and works collaboratively to implement a quality reading program that is research-based and meets the needs of students.

- Assessment-The reading specialist has specialized knowledge of assessment and diagnosis that is vital for developing, implementing, and evaluating the literacy program in general and in designing instruction for individual students. They can assess the reading strengths and needs of students and provide that information to classroom teachers, parents, and specialized personnel such as psychologists, special educators, or speech teachers in order to prove an effective reading program

- Leadership-The reading specialist provides leadership as a resource to other educators, parents, and the community.

Reading Supervisor

Must complete five years as a reading specialist, a master's degree and 54 credits.

Accreditation:

NCATE - National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education PDE - Pennsylvania Department of Education Middle States Association of Colleges & Schools International Reading Association Standards

Eligibility Requirements:

Along with the Online Application, the following are necessary requirements:

Transcripts from undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university

Undergraduate degree must fulfill one of the criteria below:

* A minimum overall 3.00 GPA (grade point average)

* A minimum 3.00 GPA on the most recent 48 credits

* A minimum overall 2.80 GPA with passing scores on the Praxis I PPST exam

# of Credits Required:

30

International Student Requirements:

Same academic requirements as U.S. students. In addition, TOEFL test (Paper based 550 minimum and internet based 80 minimum) must be taken and possibly the Duquesne University English Placement Tests and successful completion of any required English language course work. Letters of recommendation submitted by persons in authority at former university. Financial documentation showing ability to pay for education and living expenses. Student to maintain full time status. Must have major medical coverage.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Cost Per Credit Hour:

1010.00 USD

Financial Aid Offered: Yes

Classification: Doctoral/Research Universities - Intensive

Institution Sector: Private not-for-profit

Locale: Large City

Size & Settings: 10,000 - 19,999