What will I study?
This 100% online master’s program is designed for current educators and will prepare you to become a specialized literacy professional. Students select from two concentrations in Multi-Literacy or English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL).
In the Multi-Literacy concentration, you will take coursework that leads to the SC literacy add-on certifications of Literacy Teacher and Literacy Coach, and with one additional course, you can also complete the coursework for Literacy Specialist. If you choose the ESOL concentration, you will complete coursework for the Literacy Teacher add-on and all the required coursework for SC ESOL add-on certification. Regardless of which concentration you choose, you will learn how to assess individual readers and writers and develop curriculum to meet student needs by working with learners and other educators. You will also engage in a blend of theoretical, field-based, and research-based experiences with a focus on diverse learners and evolving conceptions of literacy in 21st century schools.
What kinds of work will I be able to do?
Students who graduate from this program will be prepared to be a highly qualified literacy professional and be able to meet the demands in varied leadership positions. Depending on your choice of concentration (Multi-Literacy or ESOL), you will be prepared to serve as a:
- Reading/literacy teacher: Primarily responsible for planning, teaching, and evaluating instruction for students having difficulty with reading or writing at all levels (pre-K–12);
- Literacy coach: Primarily responsible for improving classroom instruction by supporting teacher learning and facilitating literacy program efforts;
- Literacy specialist/coordinator: Primarily responsible for developing, leading, and/or evaluating the school or district literacy program.
- ESOL/Bilingual teacher: Primarily responsible for instructing ESOL/bilingual students and preparing them for the acquisition of culture and academic success in mainstream schooling.
Special Tuition Rates
South Carolina certified teachers pay a reduced tuition rate.
Out-of-state students admitted to this program pay regular South Carolina resident
tuition rate.
| Tuition Rates | South Carolina Certified Teachers | All Other Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Per Credit Hour | $515* | $572.25 |
| Estimated Total Program Tuition including Fees | $17,146* | $18,863.50 |
*This rate applies for SC resident certified teachers completing fewer than 12 hours
per semester. These fees and rates are subject to change and are effective for the 2023-2024 Academic
Year. See Specially Priced Online Degree Programs information on the fee schedule and the Graduate One Rate estimated cost to attend based on averages across all university programs.
Financial Aid
Most students in this program receive assistance through loans and other forms of aid. Complete your FAFSA to be considered for these aid programs.
South Carolina Teacher's Loan Information for 2023
Each year, the state of South Carolina creates a pool of funds which teachers can use towards their graduate student loans. For 2023, Literacy and ESOL continue to be designated as critical need areas. This means as a student in the M.Ed. in Language and Literacy, you might be eligible for the SC Teachers Loan, which can be forgiven based on critical subject area.
Funding is available until the pool of funds is depleted for the year. Visit the South Carolina Student Loan website for more information or contact coestudy@mailbox.sc.edu in Gamecock EdQuarters.
Typical Program of Study
Courses are offered online in a convenient 8-week format.
Multi-Literacy Concentration:
- EDRD 714 – Critical Foundations of Literacy
- EDRD 715 - Instructional Strategies for Reading
- EDRD 716 - Foundations of Reading Assessment
- EDRD 730 - Teaching Reading and Writing in the Content Areas
- EDRD 750 – Literacy Curriculum Development
- EDRD 760 – Literacy Research and Inquiry
- EDRD 776 – Coaching within Classrooms: Improving Teaching and Literacy Instruction
- EDRD 783 – Literacy Leadership and Supervision
- EDRD 796 - Teaching Reading and Writing to ESOL Learners: Theory and Practice
- 3 hour in research as approved by advisor
ESOL Concentration:
- EDRD 714 – Critical Foundations of Literacy Instruction
- EDRD 715 - Instructional Strategies for Reading
- EDRD 716 - Foundations of Reading Assessment
- EDRD 730 - Teaching Reading and Writing in the Content Areas
- EDRD 760 – Literacy Research and Inquiry
- EDRD 794 Linguistic for Classroom Teachers PK-12
- EDRD 795 ESOL Principles and Strategies for PK-12 Classrooms
- EDRD 796 Teaching Reading and Writing to ESOL Learners: Theory and Practice
- EDRD 797 Assessment for English Language Learners
- EDRD 798 ESOL Curriculum Design and Materials Development