Language and Literacy, Non-Thesis, MEd

Location(s): WWU - Bellingham

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Department of Early Childhood, Elementary, and Multilingual Education, Woodring College of Education

Graduate Faculty

Coskie, Tracy, PhD.
Dagnon, Paula, PhD.
Dillard, Beth, PhD.
French, Kristen, EdD.
Green, Jennifer, PhD.
Laman, Tasha, EdD.
Larson, Bruce, PhD.
Lees, Anna, PhD
McClanahan, Lauren, PhD.
Miller, Matthew, PhD.
Riddle Buly, Marsha, PhD.
Strachan, Steph, PhD.
Timmons Flores, Maria, PhD.

Graduate Program Advisor: Dr. Tracy Coskie, Miller Hall 301C, 360-650-2164.

Program Description

The MEd – Language and Literacy has four main components: foundations, core study, independent research, and study in a concentration area. Candidates may work toward National Board Certification in a literacy-related area and/or Washington state additional endorsements in reading, ELL, or bilingual education. The program can be combined with the Media and Digital Literacy Certificate

Program Application/Admission Requirements

Candidates must meet the requirements of the Graduate School (see pages 58-59) in addition to the following departmental requirements:

Supporting Materials:
- A résumé
- A statement of purpose for seeking the MEd, not to exceed one page
- An on-campus interview (only if requested by the department)
- In limited cases, students who do not meet the departmental requirements for full admission may be granted provisional admission by the Graduate School.

Students’ applications are first reviewed by the Graduate School before consideration for admission to a specific program.

Program Requirements (47 credits minimum)

Non-Thesis: Research Paper and General Comprehensive Exam

❑ Foundations (13 credits)
ELED 501 - Introduction to Educational Research Credits: 4
ELED 691 - Research Seminar Credits: 1-5
I T 515 - Emerging Technologies and New Literacies Credits: 4
❑ Core (15-16 credits)
ELED 518 - Current Issues in Education Credits: 1-5
ELED 521 - Seminar in Elementary Curriculum Credits: 4
ELED 535 - Research Analysis of Current Issues in Elementary Education Credits: 4
ELED 587 - Improvement of Instruction in Literacy Credits: 4
❑ Concentration Electives (19-20 credits): Concentration electives will generally be selected, by advisement, from Elementary and Early Childhood Education, Literacy, IT, Multilingual Education, Bilingual Education, Special Education and Educational Leadership courses. Contact the department office for requirements within the various concentrations.

Advancement to Candidacy

Advancement to candidacy is formal recognition that the student has completed all admission requirements and has demonstrated satisfactory performance in at least 12 credits of graduate study. In addition to the above requirements, the department requires students to submit a proposal for a research paper (ELED 691) for approval by the student’s committee.

Research Paper

The research paper plus comprehensive exams (ELED 691) represent the independent research component of the program. Students design and carry out independent research under the direction of a faculty committee. Two faculty are required for the committee directing the research paper (ELED 691).

Additional Information

Comprehensive Assessment Woodring

College of Education students in the Non-Thesis option are required to complete a comprehensive assessment. The format, timeline and criteria are defined by specific departments. For procedures, students should see their graduate advisors.

Second Master’s Degree

Enrollment must be for a single MEd, MA or MIT program. Students who have earned an MEd or MIT may apply for admission to another MEd program but all requirements of the second program must be met (with possible allowance for some course work taken in the first program). However, all programs must be completed with the minimum number of required credits.

Note: Due to a review and revision process which may affect Woodring College of Education programs and courses, the information contained in the Education section of this catalog is subject to change.

Post-baccalaureate candidates interested in combining teacher certification and master’s degree study should contact the Teacher Education Admissions office or the Graduate Office.

Some programs include an internship. A Washington State Patrol/FBI fingerprint check is required of most students prior to the internship. Students should check with their department advisor for details.