Language and Literacy Studies

Master’s Program

Departments of Curriculum and Instruction

The Master of Education degree program in Language and Literacy Studies (LLS) stands at the intersection between practice, theory, and leadership for change. In other words, the program is designed to help teachers improve the quality of their practice; to read and think deeply about their work; and to influence their school, their colleagues, their professional network, and district, state, and national policy. The program is based on a commitment to four principles:

  • Literacy is in a constant process of change in form and function.
  • The practicalities of teaching are more interesting, humane, and effective when they are built upon a sound foundation in research and theory that informs inquiry and personal development.
  • Literacy professionals improve their practices best in the context of the study of their own practices (in the company of others working toward the same goal).
  • Literacy professionals must be conscious and critical of the contexts for teaching and prepared to challenge present circumstances out of concerns for equity and social justice.

The program has been designed to affect instruction in our geographic area. The LLS faculty is committed to the establishment of close working relationships with local teachers and schools through such initiatives as the Heart of Texas Writing Project.

Program Details

Semester Start: Fall

Deadline to Apply: December 1

GRE Required? No

Location: On Campus

Schedule: Flexible

Length of Program: 24 months, 36 hours

Photo of faculty member Denise  Davila
Assistant Professor

Studies children's literature and researches the home literacy practices of families with young children in under-resourced communities.

Photo of faculty member Tracey T Flores
Associate Professor

Dr. Flores' research focuses on Latina mothers and daughters language and literacy practices, the teaching of young writers in culturally and linguistically diverse classrooms, and family and community literacies.

Photo of faculty member Deborah C Kelt
Associate Professor of Practice

Brings her experience in literacy education to UT with a specialization in preparing secondary teachers to work in urban schools.

Photo of faculty member Grace MyHyun Kim
Associate Professor

Studies literacy, language, and multicultural education, especially involving new media and globalization.

Photo of faculty member Beth Maloch
Senior Associate Dean, College of Education

Examines literacy teacher preparation, specifically the role of coaching and mentoring that occurs inside programs.

Photo of faculty member Allison  Skerrett
Professor

Focuses on secondary English and literacy education in urban contexts, including among transnational youth.

Photo of faculty member Melissa Wetzel
Department Chair

Literacy teacher preparation, coaching and mentoring, equity and justice in literacy instruction

Applicants to the Language and Literacy Studies M.Ed. program must already be certified to teach. Some teaching experience is preferred (most applicants have at least two years of teaching experience, which can be achieved concurrently with enrollment). 

Total: 36 Credit Hours

General Option

Basic Course Requirements (3 hours)

  • EDC 380R  Educational Research and Design

Specialization Courses (18 hours)

  • EDC 385G  Sociolinguistics in Research and Teaching
  • EDC 385G  Literacy Leadership for Change
  • EDC 385G  Literacy and Social Change
  • EDC 385G  Classroom Discourse and Teacher Research
  • EDC 385G  Reading Difficulties
  • EDC 385G  Research on Adolescent Literacy In and Out of School
  • EDC 382S  Secondary English & Reading
  • EDC 380T  Teaching Composition
  • EDC 380T  Writing Process & Pedagogy
  • EDC 390T  Children’s Literature
  • EDC 390T  The Art of the Picture Book
  • EDC 390T  Young Adult Literature
  • EDC 382E  Issues and Trends in Literacy
  • EDC 385G  History of Reading Instruction
  • EDC 385G  Literacy Acquisition
  • EDC 385G  Literacy and Culture
  • EDC 385G  Orality, Literacy and Technology

Electives (15 hours)

Note: 6 elective hours must be out-of-department courses and can be chosen in consultation with your advisor.

Photo of Tracey Flores

Program Coordinator
Tracey Flores 

Photo of Melissa Wetzel

Master’s Advisor
Melissa Wetzel



Request Information

Tell us a bit about yourself and what programs you are interested in. We’ll be in touch with information soon!