The M.A. in Reading and Literacy Education meets the needs of the candidate who is interested in becoming an effective educator of reading, writing and literacy. The program aims to improve the quality of instruction among literacy educators who work with learners at all levels (pre-K-adult), not only to develop strong literacy skills, but also to acquire a lifelong love of literacy. By advocating for research, policy, and instructional practices that are appropriate and effective, the program strives to promote and sustain a culture of literacy within the schools, homes, and communities of those we serve. Program graduates are highly qualified professionals who successfully yield successful literacy outcomes for all learners through the implementation of sound instructional practices grounded in current theory and research, including balanced literacy instruction, new literacies and digital literacies, alignment to common core standards, and literacy education for diverse learners. Graduates of this program are also prepared to serve as literacy leaders in their educational contexts.

Admission to the Program

In addition to the general requirements of the university, specific requirements for admission to classified graduate status are:

1. A valid basic California teaching credential or 3 years of teaching experience;
2. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 ("B") in all courses taken in education;

Students who do not meet these criteria may be admitted as conditionally classified graduate students. Students admitted in this category may be changed to classified standing with approval of the College of Education. 

Advancement to Candidacy

In order to be formally advanced to candidacy, a student must have:

1. Achieved classified standing;
2. Completed with a grade point average of 3.0 ("B"), 15 semester units of course work;
   Note: Between the time of completing 15 units and 21 units of applicable course work the student is required to apply for advancement to candidacy.
3. Secured approval of candidacy from the College of Education;
4. Filed an approved graduate program for completion of the degree. This must be prepared in consultation with an advisor in the College of Education and approved by the program coordinator.