Master of Science in Literacy

Help Students Discover the World as a Literacy Professional

The Master of Science in Literacy programs are designed for the certified, working teacher. Keuka College offers two different master of science degree programs in literacy. While both programs provide opportunity for certification as a literacy professional, one is focused on birth through 6th grade, and the other is focused on grades 5 - 12.

Every course in the program is online and asynchronous, allowing you to balance your academic pursuits with the increasing demands of teaching. 

A Literacy Degree Isn't Just for Reading Teachers

Becoming a certified literacy professional is about more than just teaching children and adolescents to read. It's about ...

  • Becoming a leader who works with other faculty to streamline innovations in literacy instruction at their school district.
  • Serving as the expert on literacy, assessment, and reading intervention programs at your school.
  • Helping all teachers to become confident in their own literacy instruction in any content area by using evidence-based practices.
  • Helping students with their unique needs in areas of developmental, social and cultural adaptations, and utilizing their specific strengths and abilities to lead them to become lifelong learners by building a strong literacy foundation a skill they’ll need for the rest of their lives.

But mostly, it’s about improving your skills as a teacher and enhancing the way you educate the next generation of learners.

Learn More About the Literacy Degree

  • Although the program is offered online, there are plenty of opportunities for live interaction with professors. 
  • The program is designed by teachers and around a teacher's schedule. 
  • You’ll complete 30 credit hours of coursework, leading to the ability to apply for initial New York state certification as a literacy specialist.
  • The coursework provides the opportunity to meet the standards set by New York state and the International Literacy Association.
  • The curriculum requires extensive research and demonstration of professional competence throughout the program.
  • You’ll be challenged to achieve advanced levels of theoretical and practical knowledge.
  • Coursework culminates with an independent, mentored capstone literacy project commensurate with master’s-level work.

We make it as convenient as possible for working adults like you to start on the path to becoming literacy professionals.

Admissions Requirements

  • Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
  • Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Have a minimum 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the major field of study
  • Successful completion of all educational program requirements
  • Be a certified teacher or have recently completed a registered teacher education program leading to initial certification

How to Apply

  • Complete your Application for Admission
  • Submit all official transcripts from each college or university you've attended
  • Submit all supplemental items (letters of recommendation, personal/professional statement)
  • GRE scores (New York State requires that you take your GRE prior to entrance)

Worried About Something?

We realize one size never fits all. If there's something on your mind, reach out to us and let us know! Give us a call at (315) 279-5254 or 1-800-335-3852 or by email at [email protected].

The list below is a sample of the courses you'll take as part of your program. Please know that this list is subject to change as the program is reviewed and enhanced to provide you the best Literacy program possible.

EDU-501 : Introduction to Educational Research 3

An introduction to the rationale and procedures of educational research, placing primary emphasis on literacy research. The intent of the course is to help the student become an intelligent consumer of research, and to develop an appreciation for the importance and utility of research. Students will develop critical skills needed as consumers and producers of research. Topics include: the nature and purposes of research, critiquing and evaluation of research, reviewing research literature, valid measurement issues, the use of statistics in research, and types of research. Content from this course will lay the foundation for all courses throughout the program.

EDU-530 : Theoretical and Social Found of Literacy 3

The focus of this course is to lay the groundwork for making evidence-based instructional literacy decisions, and to begin the process of appreciating the need to communicate complex ideas to multiple stakeholders in literacy education. To accomplish these goals, students will: understand current theoretical perspectives in literacy education and literacy acquisition (such as the Piagetian and Vygotskian theories); understand the impact of research and diversity on literacy education; explore the impact literacy and lack of literacy have on individuals; and explore the social-cultural implications surrounding the competing theories of literacy education. To accomplish these goals, the course examines: the evolution of theories of learning that apply to literacy; research that has contributed to evolving models and definitions of reading; and the contributions of theories of literacy (reading and writing) as language-based processes. The course examines this information in the context of social, cultural, and political milieu of education in the United States. An important factor in understanding and using theories is the ability to recognize one's own history, biases and beliefs, and how these impact one's own interpretation and implementation of knowledge. This course begins with students engaging in a self-reflective review of their own literacy learning and beliefs, and how that history and those beliefs affect their literacy education beliefs.

EDU-536 : Tech/Intruct Materal to Promote Literacy 3

This course is designed to provide students with knowledge of genres and uses of children's literature, materials, and technology as an instructional tool for literacy learning in grades B-6. This course will include assessing student interest, evaluating the developmental levels, qualities, and efficacy of the literature, materials and technology, developing aesthetic and critical responses to literature, and consideration of instructional frameworks for technology-enhanced literacy instruction.

EDU-537 : Prof Leadership in Literacy Education 3

An important component of leadership in literacy education is the ability to evaluate, plan, and conduct research. This course will begin to provide students with skills to be effective leaders for literacy education. These skills include: (1) identification of current concerns or issues in literacy; (2) evaluation of research surrounding the issue or concern; (3) planning the implementation of an action to address the issue or concern; and (4) communicating the research-based plan to others. As a culminating activity in this course, each student will prepare a draft capstone proposal (as defined by the Graduate Handbook), and present that proposal to peers and other stakeholders of the program. A second component of literacy leadership is the ability to advocate for effective literacy education. Therefore, an additional goal of this course is to provide students with the opportunity to develop their leadership and advocacy skills.

EDU-540 : Best Practices in Teaching Writing 3

In this course students learn about the development of writing, theories about writing, and effective instructional practices to use with children, birth through grade six. Throughout the course, the focus in on communicative intent, with an awareness of the conventions (spelling, grammar, punctuation, handwriting, etc.) that children must learn and use in order to carry out that intent. Emergent writing skills and the spring ties of writing to oral language development are examined. Participants learn how to implement a process approach to writing, scaffolding the process and expectations of the learner to changing developmental levels of students as they mature. Participants also learn to construct learning environments that support and facilitate the development of writing strategies and skills, using peer as well as teacher assistance. Process in this course is approaches as a recursive, individual approach to writing, rather than a linear, formulaic sequence of activities. Varied purposes for writing are explored along with the craft skills that writers use to enhance their writing. Application of writing across the subject areas is also stressed.

EDU-560A : Research Seminar I 1

This course is designed to facilitate the research of graduate students in the MS in Education Literacy B-6 and 5-12 as they write their capstone papers. In this course the students will prepare Parts 1 and 2 of their capstone projects as well as complete the IRB proposal. This is a pass/fail course.

EDU-560B : Research Seminar 2 1

This course is designed to facilitate graduate students in the completion of their capstone projects. In this course, the students will completed parts 3, 4, and 5 of their capstone projects. This is a pass-fail course.

EDU-560C : Professional Seminar 3 1

This is a course designed to facilitate the professional completion of graduate student's capstone projects. In this course, students will complete the final editing, by peer and external reader, of the project, preparation for publication in the Division's capstone compilation. This includes the preparation of an abstract, professional editing, the creation of a professional presentation as well as the attendant materials. This is a pass/fail course.

For Birth - 6th Grade Certification

EDU-531 : Assessment-Based Instruction I 4

This course provides an in-depth exploration of teaching methods and materials relevant to literacy instruction for the emergent and developing readers in today's diverse classrooms. This course will examine both the nature and function of formal and informal assessment processes in literacy instruction and best instructional practice that emanates from this assessment. In order to both design literacy instructional programs and to assess student learning, it is vital to be able to place students along a developmental continuum and identify students' proficiencies and areas needing strengthening. Awareness of the influence of culture, class, gender, and context on literacy acquisition informs the teacher's knowledge base when considering this developmental continuum. Language development and its relationship to literacy acquisition will also be examined. Teachers will learn a wide range of instructional practices, strategies, and methods to support reading and writing instruction. Teachers will also demonstrate competency in using a wide range of formal and informal assessment tools and practices that provide data used to craft appropriate teaching strategies for addressing student strengths and needs. Teachers will develop the skills necessary to ensure that students experience developmentally appropriate growth in literacy skills. In addition, teachers develop skills to identify students who are not making developmentally appropriate growth, and also learn the appropriate strategies to recover those skills.

EDU-532 : Practica B-2 1

This supervised field experience in a 3-6 setting provides practice, demonstration, self-evaluation and validation of competencies gained in the literacy program. Students under the supervision of a college faculty member will be expected to plan for and practice the course objectives listed in EDU 534 Instruction and Assessment II. Students will be in the practicum for a minimum of 30 hours.

EDU-534 : Assessment-Based Instruction II 4

This course extends the goals identified for Assessment-based Literacy Instruction I (B-2) to the students in elementary grades three through six. The goals include: (1) understanding literacy development and learning, with special application to students at these grade levels; (2) determining individual needs for instruction in literacy skills and strategies with a variety of assessment tools, both formal and informal; and (3) using assessment data and knowledge of development to select and implement instructional strategies and curriculum materials that will facilitate progress in literacy for all students. The intent of these goals is to provide teachers with the skills necessary to facilitate appropriate, timely literacy development in students, as well as to identify and resolve issues that impede progress in literacy. Participants in this course learn to implement a balanced literacy program based on best practices while addressing the needs of older, struggling readers and writers. The course continues awareness of the influence of culture, class, race, ethnicity, gender, and historical and geographical contexts on literacy acquisition.

EDU-535 : Practica 3-6 3

This supervised field experience in a 3-6 setting provides practice, demonstration, self-evaluation and validation of competencies gained in the literacy program. Students under the supervision of a college faculty member will be expected to plan for and practice the course objectives listed in EDU 534 Instruction and Assessment II. Students will be in the practicum for a minimum of 30 hours.

For Grades 5-12 Certification

EDU-541 : Assessment-Based Literacy Instr III 4

This course provides an in-depth exploration of teaching methods and materials relevant to literacy instruction for the readers in today's diverse 5-12 classrooms. This course will examine both the nature and function of formal and informal assessment processes in literacy instruction and best instructional practice that emanates from this assessment. In order to both design literacy instructional programs and to assess student learning, it is vital to be able to identify students' proficiencies and areas needing strengthening. Awareness of the influence of culture, class, gender, and context on literacy acquisition informs the teacher's knowledge base when addressing these needs. Teachers will learn a wide range of instructional practices, strategies, and methods to support reading and writing instruction. Teachers will also demonstrate competency in using a wide range of both formal and informal assessment tools and practices that provide data used to craft appropriate teaching strategies for addressing student strengths and needs in the 5-12 classroom. In addition, teachers develop skills to identify students who are not making appropriate growth, and also learn the appropriate strategies to recover those skills.

EDU-542 : Practica III 4

This supervised 50-hour practicum in grades 5-12 settings provides practice, demonstration, self-reflection and validation of competencies gained in the literacy program. This course involves a reflective tutoring experience with students in grades 5-12 in both individual and group settings. As this course is taken concurrently with or following EDU 541, students will be applying and practicing the goals and objectives stated in EDU 541. Students will be in the practicum for a minimum of 50 hours. Practicing educators must do the practicum outside of their regular classroom.

EDU-543 : Literacy Instruct: Content Areas (5-12) 4

This course is designed to highlight the role of literacy acquisition and application within the content areas. Literacy and writing strategies will be presented in conjunction with New York State Learning Standards. An additional focus of the course will be to help literacy and subject area teachers address the needs of diverse learners through culturally relevant pedagogy and curriculum, the use of multicultural materials, and alternative and adaptive methods, and the use of technology.

To review a full list of program requirements and course descriptions, please see the Keuka College Record's information on the Master of Science in Literacy degree programs.

Graduate programs are taught only by full-time faculty who have an extensive, real-world background in the courses they teach.

Dr. Tiffany Coyle

Assistant Professor of Education

Academic Credentials

University of Rochester
Ed.D. in Teaching and Curriculum
Nazareth College
M.S.Ed. in Literacy
Nazareth College
B.A. in Psychology, Inclusive Education

Deborah Fabris-Coon

Instructor of Education

Academic Credentials

SUNY Brockport
M.S. in SAS School Administration
Nazareth College
M.S. in Special Education
SUNY Geneseo
B.S. in Special Education and N-6

Biography

Deborah spent the early part of her career teaching high school in the Palmyra-Macedon Central School District. She then went on to the Finger Lakes UCP-Happiness House for 13 years as a preschool special education teacher and ended her tenure as the administrator of the Head Start, daycare, and special needs programs.

Some of her other positions included: Arc of Yates (currently Mozaic)-Keuka Lake School. Administrator, 21 years for the special education, Pre-K, and daycare program.

Her professional focus has been on implementing quality early education programs for young children with and without disabilities.
 

Dr. Nicholas Koberstein

Associate Professor of Psychology

Academic Credentials

University of Connecticut
Ph.D.
University of Connecticut
M.S.
Eastern Connecticut State University
B.S.

Dr. Peter Kozik

Associate Professor of Education

Academic Credentials

Syracuse University
Ph.D.
Syracuse University
M.A.
Williams College
B.A.

Biography

Peter Kozik received his Ph.D. in Teaching and Curriculum from Syracuse University in 2008. He served for nine years as Project Coordinator for the New York Higher Education Support Center for Systems Change and Chairperson of the Task Force on Quality Inclusive Schooling, a consortium of 75 NYS colleges and universities with teacher preparation programs interested in advancing the inclusion of students with disabilities through professional development and partnerships.

Prior to that, he has served as a school principal PK – 12 and as a CSE Chairperson and Title 1 Coordinator. He has taught English Language Arts at all levels from 4th grade to graduate school as well as Mathematics and Social Sciences to adults in search of their GED. He is currently an Assistant Professor in the Education Division at Keuka College where he teaches courses in Adolescent Methods (Biology, Social Studies, English Language Arts, and Mathematics), Assessment, and Special Education Systems at the undergraduate level, and Professional Leadership for Literacy and Writing K-12 at the graduate level.

Dr. Klaudia Lorinczova

Division Chair
Professor of Educational Studies

Academic Credentials

University of Oklahoma
Ph.D.
University of Constantine the Philosopher
M.A. in Teaching English as a Foreign Language
University of Constantine the Philosopher
M.A. in Teaching Russian as a Foreign Language

Biography

Klaudia Lorinczova, a native of Slovakia, has been in the field of Education for several decades. Her career began as a secondary level English as a Foreign language teacher, teaching grades 8-12. She moved to United States in 2004 to pursue a degree in Literacy and Language Development adding elementary education to her experience, with focus on first grade. Working with teachers and teacher candidates has been a life-long dream and a very rewarding career. Classroom is an absolute comfort zone for her. She speaks six languages (Slovak, Czech, Hungarian, Russian, German, and English) and uses her linguistic knowledge in her courses with focus on Literacy and English Language Learners. Ask her junior/senior students about "lodka" and you will get a story about them having to sit through a lesson she teaches in her native Slovak language to demonstrate how ELLs feel in an English language classroom.

Contact Information

Dr. Klaudia Lorinczova

Division Chair

Professor of Educational Studies

(315) 279-5699
[email protected]