Literacy
(Master of Science in Education)

The Saint Rose master's program in Literacy focuses on the reading and writing processes and the various factors that impact an individual's literacy ability. Graduates of this program are proficient in determining the strengths and weaknesses of individual readers and writers, and implementing instruction tailored to their needs. Students benefit from courses that combine theory and research with field experience. For the convenience of working teachers, most classes are scheduled in the evening. During the College's summer sessions, many courses are offered during the day, as well as a summer practicum.

The Saint Rose Difference
The Literacy faculty is dedicated to developing skilled teachers who are sensitive to students' literacy abilities and development. Since The College of Saint Rose is an institution in which the top priority is high quality teaching, the department's dedicated and experienced full-time faculty make themselves available and accessible to graduate students at times that meet the students' needs.

Certification and Career Opportunities
Students are eligible for initial certification in either Literacy (birth-grade 6) or Literacy (grades 5-12).

Since school districts are currently voicing a preference for candidates who have completed advanced study in literacy, graduates of this program are finding employment immediately following, if not prior to, graduation. Completion of the Saint Rose master's program in literacy makes a teacher more marketable for employment as a literacy specialist; curriculum developer; program coordinator for literacy or language arts; classroom teacher; and teacher of special education.

Field Experience
Several courses in the literacy master's program have field experience components enabling students to implement theories learned in the classroom. Each field experience requires that students work directly with clients to improve their skills and improve their confidence with reading and writing. Students complete some of their field experience practica on-campus in the College’s Joy S. Emery Educational and Clinical Services Center, which offers literacy tutoring services to the local community.

In addition, students complete a three-credit practicum in which they administer tests and instruct children in reading. Students choose to focus on one of two populations—birth through grade 6 or grades 5 through 12—based on their current classroom certification. Practica are
college-supervised and performed under the direction of a certified reading/literacy specialist.

Admission Requirements

• Current classroom teaching certification education; grades Pre K - 6, grades 1 - 6, or grades 7 - 12;
• A completed Saint Rose
  Graduate School Application;
• A baccalaureate degree from an
  accredited institution;
• Official transcripts from all colleges/
  universities attended;
• A grade point average of 3.0 in your undergraduate major;
• International students must submit transcripts translated into English by their college/university or professional independent evaluator, a copy and translation of the original diploma and a minimum score of 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Deadlines:
While Saint Rose Graduate School applications may be obtained from Graduate and Continuing Education Admissions, we encourage applicants to use our convenient
online application.

June 1:
Preferred Deadline for Fall Admission

October 15:
Preferred Deadline for Spring Admission

March 15:
Preferred Deadline for Summer Admission

There is no guarantee that applications received after deadlines can be reviewed in a timely enough manner to ensure matriculation and registration for the upcoming term.

Financial Aid Opportunities The College of Saint Rose offers a variety of academic and some need-based scholarships for graduate students. Interested students should contact Graduate and Continuing Education Admissions for specific details. Academic, Cultural Diversity & International Scholarships Application deadline: June 30 for Fall October 30 for Spring Graduate Assistantships Application deadline: June 1 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Application deadline: May 1 Deferred Payment Plan Employer Assistance Internship in Special Education A full-year paid internship opportunity is available for those applicants who possess provisional or initial certification in elementary, secondary, or special education. We understand that earning an advanced degree is a serious investment. That's why we invite you to tour our campus and speak with an admissions counselor.

Kathleen Lyon, Ph.D., University at Albany, SUNY.
Expertise: Diagnosis and Remediation of Reading Disabilities; Psycho-physiological Factors Related to Reading Disabilities.

Irene Rosenthal, Ph.D.,
University at Albany, SUNY.
Expertise: Response to Literature; Children/Young Adult Literature.

Lori Strong, Ph.D.Ed, University at Albany, SUNY. Expertise: Students with Learning Disabilities; Developmental and Remedial Reading.

Katherine Verbeck, Ed.D.,
Nova Southeastern University; Ph.D. (cand.), University at Albany, SUNY. Expertise: Reading; Language Arts Curriculum.

Margaret McLane, Ph.D.,
University at Albany, SUNY. Expertise: Inclusive Educational Practices; Collaboration and
Co-Teaching; Action Research.