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The Masters of Arts in Reading and Language equips candidates to put literacy theory into practice, to become confident decision makers, and to develop the skills needed to be change agents in the field of literacy.

Course work and related experiences focus on the many factors that influence the development of language and literacy skills with particular emphasis on understanding foundational and theoretical perspectives, improving instructional practices, and understanding relevant & current evidence-based research as a means of guiding literacy practice. Coursework examines the reading/writing processes, foundations in early literacy, second language acquisition, diverse student needs, use of literature in the classroom, and literacy assessment techniques.

Graduates of the program obtain a Reading and Literacy Added Authorization concurrently with their Master of Arts degree.

Program Highlights

• Evening classes
• Blended class options
• Small class sizes
• Interactive teaching and learning
• Summer residency format allows teachers to finish at an accelerated rate
• Direct and practical classroom application of literacy concepts
• For a detailed program brochure click here

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Faculty

Catalog

Program Director: Tara Warmerdam, Ed.D.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Candidates develop a strong, coherent vision of a culture of literacy at school and community levels which acknowledges that language and literacy experiences are individual and that cultural contexts impact instruction and learning.
2. Candidates articulate the reciprocal nature of language, reading and writing processes in the development of effective literacy practices and demonstrate an understanding of the power of language and literacy competency in shaping their students' academic identities and social capital.
3. Candidates will demonstrate an understanding of contrasting theories of learning and literacy from several perspectives—sociological, psychological, linguistic—and how these contrasting theories of learning are a reflection of the broader debates in literacy education.
4. Based on an analysis of current, high quality literacy research, candidates will create effective literacy learning environments strongly rooted in a theoretical base, that engage all students including English Language Learners, and design and carry out appropriate literacy instruction based on the needs of individual students, including struggling readers/writers
5. Candidates develop a repertoire of assessment and evaluation strategies to analyze learners' strengths and next learning steps as readers and writers and create strategic interventions and approaches to support individual literacy development.
6. Candidates will understand 21st Century literacies including a semiotic perspective that embraces a variety of sign systems to enhance the meaning-making process and will be able to articulate how critical pedagogy and critical literacy create a framework for them to enact work in diverse, urban, and multicultural settings.
7. Candidates will articulate understanding of current standards in the field and will demonstrate how to engagingly embed these standards in pedagogical practice.

Admissions Process and Requirements

Admission to the Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ M.A. in Reading and Language program is based on a review of each applicant's academic achievements, work experience, and personal statement by the admission committee.

Application Process

To be considered for admission to the M.A. in Reading and Language program, please submit the following items:

• Completed Application for Admission and $45 non-refundable application fee.
  • Fpu.edu/applygrad
• Official college/university transcript(s) verifying receipt of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and any post-baccalaureate work.
  • If you are currently finishing up your degree, please submit current transcript.
  • A final transcript will need to be submitted before you may enroll in classes.
  • Transcripts can be sent electronically by your institution to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu or via mail in an enveloped sealed by your institution to:

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Office of the Registrar

1717 S. Chestnut Ave

Fresno, CA 93702

• If your cumulative GPA for your bachelor's degree is below a 3.0 (4.0 scale), a letter of explanation is required.
• Reference Form – One reference is required for the MA in Reading and Language program. The reference should attest to your professional qualities and academic qualifications, noting your ability to complete graduate-level work.
  • Form can be found at fpu.edu/graduate-reference
• Statement of Intent – Provide a written statement explaining your interest in the program, long-term goals, and your experience in the field.
• International applicants must submit additional documentation including English Proficiency Score (TOEFL=minimum of 550 PBT or 79 iBT, IELTS=6.5), copy of passport, visa information, and a statement of financial support.

Notification of acceptance will be sent as soon as all necessary documents are on file and have been reviewed by the admissions committee.

Locations Offered

Main Campus Fresno

Required Courses (32 Units)

• LLC 700 - Reading Process and Practice Credits 3
• LLC 708 - Issues in Literacy: Multilingual Learners Credits 3
• LLC 715 - Writing Process and Practice Credits 3
• LLC 720 - Language Assessment and Evaluation Credits 3
• LLC 728 - Literacy Practicum I: Assisting Struggling Readers Credits 3
• LLC 730 - Foundations in Early Literacy Credits 3
• LLC 760 - Literacy Practicum II: Advanced Literacy Credits 2
• LLC 767 - Current Trends in Language and Literacy Credits 3
• LLC 779 - Values and Issues in Literacy Education Credits 3
• LLC 795 - Research Methodology in Literacy Credits 2
• LLC 796A - Literacy Research Project I Credits: 2
• LLC 796B - Literacy Research Project II Credits 2

Possibilities Await
With an Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ Education

The decision to embark on graduate studies is a big one. Our 40+ graduate programs will equip you to succeed in your career and in your life. You’ll become part of a small community of learners, thrive in a flexible learning environment  and be challenged by a rigorous curriculum. Learn how much further you can go at Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ!  

For more information, visit our Connect page to schedule a meeting with an admission professional or to find an upcoming information session or registration event.

Ready to take the next step?

To be considered for admission to the M.A in Reading and Language program, please submit the following items:

• Completed Application for Admission and $45 non-refundable application fee. 
  • fpu.edu/applygrad
• Official college/university transcript(s) verifying receipt of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and any post-baccalaureate work.
  • If you are currently finishing up your degree, please submit current transcript.
    • A final transcript will need to be submitted before you may enroll in classes.

  • Transcripts can be sent electronically by your institution to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu or via mail in an envelope sealed by your institution to:

    Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ
    Office of the Registrar
    1717 S. Chestnut Ave.
    Fresno, CA 93702

• If your cumulative GPA for your bachelor’s degree is below a 3.0 (4.0 scale), a letter of explanation is required.
• Reference Form – One reference is required for the M.A. in Reading and Language program. The reference should attest to your professional qualities and your academic qualifications, noting your ability to complete graduate-level work
  • Form can be found at
• Statement of Intent – Provide a written statement explaining your interest in the program, long-term goals and your experience in the field.
• International applicants must submit additional documentation including English Proficiency Score (TOEFL=minimum of 550 PBT or 79 iBT, IELTS=6.5), copy of passport, visa information and a statement of financial support.

View our State Professional Licensing and Certificate Disclosure at fpu.edu/about/disclosure-documents

Office of Graduate Studies

Phone: 559-453-3690

Email: Graduate.Studies@fresno.edu

Cost & Financial Aid

Student Financial Services

Phone: 559-453-2041

Fax: 559-453-5595

Cashier: 559-453-5586

Toll free: 866-321-7502

FAFSA code: 001253

Email: sfs@fresno.edu

Tuition & Fees

Career Opportunities

Candidates may elect to pursue the entire program or a portion of the program. All courses for the Reading and Literacy Added Authorization can be applied to the master’s degree. The coursework options are designed to meet the needs of those who seek advanced study in the field of literacy.

Career Development Center

Phone: 559-453-2073

Email: career.services@fresno.edu

Career Development Happens Here