Language and Literacy Studies
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Designed For
Current PK-12 teachers who want to strengthen and refine their literacy instruction practice and expand their impact in classrooms and schools are an ideal fit for this program.
Career Objective
Graduates are prepared to be more effective in the classroom and advance into positions such as literacy specalists, instructional specialists and curriculum coordinators.
At a Glance
Program Starts: Fall
Deadline to Apply:
December 15
Length of Program: 24 months
Schedule: Flexible
Program Location: On campus
GRE Required? No
Elevate Your Practice in Literacy Education
The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Language and Literacy Studies (LLS) sits at the intersection of practice, theory and leadership for change. The program is designed to help educators strengthen their instructional practice, engage in thoughtful and critical inquiry, and influence their schools, professional communities, and broader education policy at the district, state, and national levels.
At its core, the program is grounded in four guiding principles:
- Literacy is dynamic. It is continually evolving in both form and function.
- Practice is strengthened by theory. Effective, humane teaching is rooted in research, inquiry, and ongoing professional growth.
- Improvement is collaborative and reflective. Educators refine their practice through systematic study of their own work alongside peers.
- Equity and context matter. Literacy professionals must critically examine the contexts in which they teach and be prepared to advocate for more just and equitable conditions.
The program is intentionally designed to impact literacy instruction across our region. LLS faculty are deeply committed to building strong partnerships with local teachers and schools through initiatives such as the Heart of Texas Writing Project, fostering meaningful collaboration and community engagement.
Prospective students who have earned a bachelor’s degree and are interested in becoming certified secondary English Language Arts teachers are encouraged to explore our Urban Teachers program.
Master’s Advisor
Melissa Wetzel
Program Coordinator
Tracey Flores
Graduate Admissions Coordinator
Stephen Flynn
Program Details
Application Requirements
LLS applicants must hold a current teaching certification. While teaching experience is preferred, most applicants have at least two years of experience, which may be completed concurrently with enrollment.
Questions? Contact the Graduate Admissions Coordinator.
Program Requirements
Basic Course Requirements (3 Credit Hours)
- EDC 380R Educational Research and Design
Specialization Courses (18 Credit Hours)
Select from the following:
- 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
- EDC 395L Family and Community Literacies
Electives (15 Credit Hours)
Note: 6 elective hours must be out-of-department courses and can be chosen in consultation with your advisor.
Faculty
Studies children's literature and researches the home literacy practices of families with young children in under-resourced communities.
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.
Brings her experience in literacy education to UT with a specialization in preparing secondary teachers to work in urban schools.
Studies literacy, language, and multicultural education, especially involving new media and globalization.
Examines literacy teacher preparation, specifically the role of coaching and mentoring that occurs inside programs.
Focuses on secondary English and literacy education in urban contexts, including among transnational youth.
Literacy teacher preparation, coaching and mentoring, literacy instruction
Additional Information
The application opens in early August. Apply and check MyStatus for updates.
