Master of Science in Education – Teacher Education – Curriculum and Instruction – Literacy online
Transform the lives of children by inspiring a love of reading.
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Program Overview
A snapshot of the master's in Curriculum and Instruction – Literacy program
$12,450*
In-State Tuition
As few as 12 months
Program Duration
30
Credit Hours
Prepare to lead the way in literacy and work in a variety of roles, such as reading instruction specialist, with the Master of Science in Education – Teacher Education – Curriculum and Instruction – Literacy online program.
This 100 percent online literacy master's degree is designed for teachers who want to develop and enhance their expertise in the teaching of literacy. In this education program, you will focus on understanding and applying major theories, current research, and practical classroom strategies to support the development of your students’ speaking, listening, reading and writing abilities.
Learn from expert faculty who specialize in reading and gain the knowledge and resources you need to create an environment that fosters interest and growth in all aspects of literacy. Study topics that include brain-based teaching and learning, literacy and phonics, reading and language arts assessment, and curriculum development. The courses in this program meet the requirements for the reading endorsement for Ohio teachers.
As a graduate of this curriculum and instruction program, you will be prepared for literacy leadership roles within the classroom and beyond.
The educator preparation programs at Youngstown State University meet rigorous national standards for educator preparation set by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). For more information, contact CAEP by mail at 1140 19th St. NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036 or by phone at 202-223-0077.
In this online literacy master's program, you will learn to:
- Develop a deep understanding of the critical concepts and principles of literacy and, by completion, will be able to use professional specialty practices flexibly to advance the learning of all P-12 students toward attainment of college- and career-readiness standards
- Learn and apply specialized content and discipline knowledge contained in approved state and/or national discipline-specific standards
- Demonstrate proficiencies to understand and apply knowledge and skills appropriate to literacy so that learning and development opportunities for all P-12 students are enhanced through:
- Applications of data literacy
- Use of research and understanding of qualitative, quantitative and/or mixed methods research methodologies
- Employment of data analysis and evidence to develop supportive school environments
- Leading and/or participating in collaborative activities with others such as peers, colleagues, teachers, administrators, community organizations, and parents
- Supporting appropriate applications of technology for their field of specialization
- Application of professional dispositions, laws and policies, codes of ethics and professional standards appropriate to their field of specialization
- Develop a deep understanding of the critical concepts and principles of literacy and, by completion, will be able to use professional specialty practices flexibly to advance the learning of all P-12 students toward attainment of college- and career-readiness standards
- Learn and apply specialized content and discipline knowledge contained in approved state and/or national discipline-specific standards
- Demonstrate proficiencies to understand and apply knowledge and skills appropriate to literacy so that learning and development opportunities for all P-12 students are enhanced through:
- Applications of data literacy
- Use of research and understanding of qualitative, quantitative and/or mixed methods research methodologies
- Employment of data analysis and evidence to develop supportive school environments
- Leading and/or participating in collaborative activities with others such as peers, colleagues, teachers, administrators, community organizations, and parents
- Supporting appropriate applications of technology for their field of specialization
- Application of professional dispositions, laws and policies, codes of ethics and professional standards appropriate to their field of specialization
- Develop a deep understanding of the critical concepts and principles of literacy and, by completion, will be able to use professional specialty practices flexibly to advance the learning of all P-12 students toward attainment of college- and career-readiness standards
- Learn and apply specialized content and discipline knowledge contained in approved state and/or national discipline-specific standards
- Demonstrate proficiencies to understand and apply knowledge and skills appropriate to literacy so that learning and development opportunities for all P-12 students are enhanced through:
- Applications of data literacy
- Use of research and understanding of qualitative, quantitative and/or mixed methods research methodologies
- Employment of data analysis and evidence to develop supportive school environments
- Leading and/or participating in collaborative activities with others such as peers, colleagues, teachers, administrators, community organizations, and parents
- Supporting appropriate applications of technology for their field of specialization
- Application of professional dispositions, laws and policies, codes of ethics and professional standards appropriate to their field of specialization
Graduate this online literacy master’s program prepared for a variety of elevated roles, including:
- Reading Instructional Specialist
- Reading Coach
- E-Learning Consultant
- District or State Literacy Initiative Council Member
In this online literacy master's program, you will learn to:
- Develop a deep understanding of the critical concepts and principles of literacy and, by completion, will be able to use professional specialty practices flexibly to advance the learning of all P-12 students toward attainment of college- and career-readiness standards
- Learn and apply specialized content and discipline knowledge contained in approved state and/or national discipline-specific standards
- Demonstrate proficiencies to understand and apply knowledge and skills appropriate to literacy so that learning and development opportunities for all P-12 students are enhanced through:
- Applications of data literacy
- Use of research and understanding of qualitative, quantitative and/or mixed methods research methodologies
- Employment of data analysis and evidence to develop supportive school environments
- Leading and/or participating in collaborative activities with others such as peers, colleagues, teachers, administrators, community organizations, and parents
- Supporting appropriate applications of technology for their field of specialization
- Application of professional dispositions, laws and policies, codes of ethics and professional standards appropriate to their field of specialization
- Develop a deep understanding of the critical concepts and principles of literacy and, by completion, will be able to use professional specialty practices flexibly to advance the learning of all P-12 students toward attainment of college- and career-readiness standards
- Learn and apply specialized content and discipline knowledge contained in approved state and/or national discipline-specific standards
- Demonstrate proficiencies to understand and apply knowledge and skills appropriate to literacy so that learning and development opportunities for all P-12 students are enhanced through:
- Applications of data literacy
- Use of research and understanding of qualitative, quantitative and/or mixed methods research methodologies
- Employment of data analysis and evidence to develop supportive school environments
- Leading and/or participating in collaborative activities with others such as peers, colleagues, teachers, administrators, community organizations, and parents
- Supporting appropriate applications of technology for their field of specialization
- Application of professional dispositions, laws and policies, codes of ethics and professional standards appropriate to their field of specialization
- Reading Instructional Specialist
- Reading Coach
- E-Learning Consultant
- District or State Literacy Initiative Council Member
Nationally recognized by the Educational Leadership Constituent Council
Tuition
Experience the value of our affordable online master's program
YSU offers students the opportunity to earn their online degree with affordable, pay-as-you-go tuition.
Tuition breakdown:
$415*
Per Credit Hour
$12,450*
Total Tuition
*In-state tuition.
Note: No payment plans are available for accelerated online students.
| Program | Per Credit Hour | Per Course | Per Program | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-State | Out-of-State | In-State | Out-of-State | In-State | Out-of-State | |
| M.S.Ed. Teacher Ed – C&I – Literacy | $415 | $420 | $1,245 | $1,260 | $12,450 | $12,600 |
Additional Fees
Application: $45 (waived if you are an active/veteran military member)
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available for those who qualify. The first step in applying for financial aid is to file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). YSU's Federal School Code is 003145.
Contact Us
Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships1 Tressel Way
Meshel Hall, 203
Youngstown, OH 44555
Phone: 330-941-3505
Fax: 330.941.1659
Email: [email protected]
Calendar
Take advantage of Youngstown State's convenient online dates and deadlines
At YSU, we offer multiple start dates throughout the year so you never have to wait long to get started on your online degree program. The chart below shows upcoming start dates, along with important deadlines, such as when your application should be submitted and when payments are due.
Next Start & Application Due Dates:
2/17/25
Next Application Deadline
3/10/25
Start Classes
| First Starts | Program Start Date | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Tuition Deadline | Last Class Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 1 | 1/6/25 | 12/16/24 | 12/23/24 | 1/1/25 | 1/3/25 | 2/16/25 |
| Spring 2 | 3/10/25 | 2/17/25 | 2/24/25 | 3/5/25 | 3/7/25 | 4/20/25 |
| Summer 1 | 5/12/25 | 4/21/25 | 4/28/25 | 5/7/25 | 5/9/25 | 6/22/25 |
| Summer 2 | 6/30/25 | 6/9/25 | 6/16/25 | 6/25/25 | 6/27/25 | 8/9/25 |
| Fall 1 | 8/25/25 | 8/4/25 | 8/11/25 | 8/20/25 | 8/22/25 | 10/12/25 |
| Fall 2 | 10/20/25 | 9/29/25 | 10/6/25 | 10/15/25 | 10/17/25 | 12/7/25 |
Admissions
Steps to being admitted to our online literacy master's program
YSU's online M.S.Ed. programs have specific requirements that applicants must meet to enroll. Please read the admission guidelines to ensure you qualify.
Online application
Bachelor's degree
Minimum 2.7 GPA
Online application
Bachelor's degree
Minimum 2.7 GPA
- Complete online application for admission
- Pay $45 application fee ($90 International). Waived for active/veteran military members or for applicants who have attended the College of Graduate Studies in the past.
- A cumulative grade point average in undergraduate work at the degree granting institution of at least 2.7 (on a 4.0 scale)
- Names and contact information for 3 professional references (in online application)
- Submit official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework from regionally accredited institutions
- Students having a cumulative undergraduate GPA below 2.7 may be required to present a satisfactory score on the general test of the Graduate Record Exam, the Miller Analogies Test, or graduate-level subject-specific exam as specified by the department of the major. In lieu of a standardized test, program directors can provide evidence that suggests likelihood of success in the program for provisional admission.
- Valid teaching certificate
Transcripts must be mailed from the granting institution or sent electronically through a secured server vendor.
Mailing Address:
YSU College of Graduate Studies1 Tressel Way
Coffelt Hall
Youngstown, OH 44555
Email Address:
[email protected]
Courses
The degree plan for our M.S.Ed. – in Teacher Education – C&I – Literacy program
For the Master of Science in Education – Teacher Education – Curriculum and Instruction – Literacy online, you are required to take 10 courses for a total of 30 credit hours.
TCED 6933: Brain Based Teaching and Learning
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A critical appraisal of dealing with learning and teaching. Each learner constructs his/her brain as learning occurs. Teachers reconsider their practices in light of the science of learning research provided by education, neuroscience and socio-psychology.
TCED 6905: Intro to Digital Teaching and Learning
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Digital teaching and learning is much more than knowing some great apps for the smart board or IPad. It is understanding a new paradigm that promotes a new pedagogy. It takes educators beyond the formal traditional classroom of lecture and paper/pencil into an interactive, student-centered environment. This course will introduce students to the paradigm of digital teaching and learning and provide the framework and foundation for change within districts and classrooms to meet 21st century learning.
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Develop an action plan for their classroom that aligns with 21st century learning and integrates digital technology including acceptable AI for a district.
- Determine technologies, including AI that support content learning and skills for 21st century learning.
- Plan differentiated learning in a content by choosing digital learning experiences, including AI that support each student.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of digital learning within their own classroom.
- Apply research-based principles to establish positive, safe, and secure student-centered learning environments where students understand their responsibility as digital citizens.
- Navigate through the LMS platform and various technologies successfully including AI.
TCED 6936: Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction to Improve Learning
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Focus on the instructional design process from a practical perspective. Emphasis on planning the curriculum to include content analysis, learning objectives, instructional strategies, and measurement of student achievement.
TCED 6932: Action Research in Urban and Rural Education
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course focuses on action research as it applies to urban and rural education. Topics include reflecting to identify a problem, reviewing literature, planning and implementing interventions, data collection and analysis strategies, and sharing outcomes with others. Course may be offered onsite, online, or as a combination of both. Field experience in an appropriate educational setting is required.
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Apply different types of reflection throughout the action research process.
- Align action research studies with personal goals and values.
- Articulate research questions that are action-oriented and outcome-based and seek support for this using AI.
- Evaluate and synthesize published research to inform practice, with the support of an AI.
- Write an action research proposal that can provide a positive intervention in a school setting, including urban and/or rural settings.
- Follow ethical guidelines in action research studies.
TERG 6926: Reading and Language Arts Assessment
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An examination and application of formal and informal assessment procedures in reading and language arts including the use of background information and discrete data. Data analysis, interpretation, and translations to instruction are applied.
TERG 6922: Organizing and Managing Diverse Literacy Environments
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An examination of the physical and social contexts of diverse literacy environments that integrate foundational knowledge, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, use of research-based instructional practices, curriculum materials, and assessment-based decision-making.
TERG 6923: Literacy and Phonics Instruction
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An investigation of the philosophy, principles, and practices of reading (including phonemic and phonetic developments) and language arts instruction. An examination and application of formal and informal assessment procedures as well as an investigation of the language learning needs of diverse populations.
TERG 6927: Practicum: Coaching for Effective Literacy Instuction
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An application of literacy coach practices in assessment-based decision-making, research-based instruction, and preparation and delivery of high-quality professional development using techniques for working with individual teachers in a coaching context and groups of teachers in whole-group PD settings.
TERG 6924: Content Literacy
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An investigation of research-based philosophies, principles, and best practices for applying content-specific concepts, vocabulary, and engagements while using the language arts and study skills to ensure comprehending.
TERG 6928: Case Study in Reading and Language Arts
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Application of previous course content involving supervised formal and informal assessment of school-age pupils, developing an individualized reading plan, selecting appropriate instructional strategies and materials maintaining tutoring logs, developing a student portfolio, evaluating results of instruction, and writing a case study report.
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