Master of Science in Education - Literacy

Program entrance requirements:

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college/university.
• Minimum undergraduate GPA of a 3.0 for full acceptance.

Reading Teacher License (#1316) requirements

For a student that wants to earn the Reading Teacher License (#1316) from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI):

• You must hold a current and valid teaching license and have two years of teaching experience.
• A teacher may start the Reading Teacher License with one year of teaching experience so that by the time they graduate they will have their two years of required teaching experience for this licensure.

Reading Specialist License (#5017) requirements

For a student that wants to earn the Reading Specialist License (#5017) from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI):

• You must already have your Reading Teacher License (#1316). We accept licensures from other academic institutions.
• Reading Specialist candidates must have earned a Master's degree in education to be accepted into the program.
• A reading specialist must earn a passing score on the Foundations of Reading Test (FoRT) of 233 or higher.

Reading Specialist and Reading Teacher Licensure requirements

Eligibility for both licensures in the Literacy program is contingent upon the following:

• Cumulative graduate grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0.
• Satisfactory completion of appropriate reading program coursework, associated experiences, and artifacts.
• Successful completion of at least two years of teaching at the PK-12 level for Reading Teacher License. (#1316)
• Successful completion of six semesters of classroom experiencEs at any grade level for Reading Specialist (#5017).

The Literacy program will accept up to 15 transfer credits from another institution. This is under the discretion of the program director, Steven Witt.

Contact admissions with any questions related to these requirements.

Review program entrance requirements here.

Admissions process for graduate school

• Application form available at www.cuw.edu/apply
  • Select the Graduate option
• One page essay which should include the following:
  • Reason for obtaining a graduate degree
  • What are your career goals
  • Why are you choosing to pursue your degree at Concordia University
• Current résumé of your education and employment experience
• Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education
• Brief video introduction recorded and submitted through your Future Falcon application
• Provide a copy of your government-issued identification
• Complete a background check as required by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (PI 34.018)

When your application is complete, the file is forwarded to the Admission Committee for review.

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Accepted into the program

• An official acceptance letter will be emailed to you that will include your Student ID number
• An email from your Admissions Counselor will be sent to you with Next-Step details
• Password information will be sent separately from the Information Technology office which will provide you access to Canvas, your Concordia email account, and your student portal
• Academic Advising Appointment: Once admitted, you may schedule to meet with your Academic & Career Advisor who will review your degree plan, discuss orientation steps, the CUW student portal, and assist with registering for classes

Please note:

• Graduate entrance exams such as the GRE, are not required
• If you have completed graduate level classes in the last seven years and wish to have them evaluated for possible transfer, please contact your admissions counselor for more information
• Uncommon Scholarships: If you meet qualifications, please complete an application Uncommon Scholarship

This is for students seeking a certification, licensure, or an individual course.

• Please complete an application at www.cuw.edu/apply
  • Select the Non-Degree option
• For certificates and licensures, submit the same documents as degree-seeking applicants
• For an individual course, only submit official transcripts for review with your application

Contact the Graduate Admission Office via email graduate.admission@cuw.edu or call 262-243-4300.