Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Walden University's online M.S. in Education program with a specialization in Literacy and Learning in the Content Areas (Grades 6-12) is designed to teach you about self-directed learning, students use of technology, how to support different learning styles and technologies, and how to increase writing and literacy abilities across content areas. Additional specialization courses cover topics such as technology and literacy in the reading areas, reading in the content areas, and supporting struggling readers. This program was developed to reflect professional guidelines published by the International Reading Association (IRA) in the field of education.

What Are the Prerequisites?

If you apply to Walden University's M.S. in Education program with a specialization in Literacy and Learning in the Content Areas (Grades 6-12), you should have some teaching experience in grades 6-12 and a desire to learn methods that can impact the reading and writing development of students. Candidates should have a bachelor's degree. Applicants may need to complete additional requirements.

What Are the Program Requirements?

Degree program curriculum and credits are subject to change, and you should contact Walden University for the most current information before enrolling in a program. To earn Walden's M.S. in Education with a specialization in Literacy and Learning in the Content Areas (Grades 6-12), you must complete 30 semester credits. The degree program includes core and specialization courses. There is no capstone course requirement.

Core Courses

• Teacher as Professional
• Designing Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
• Enhancing Learning Through Linguistic and Cultural Diversity
• Action Research for Educators
• Creating an Effective Classroom Learning Environment
• Designing Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for Students With Special Needs

Specialization Courses

• Reading in the Content Areas, Grades 6-12
• Writing in the Content Areas, Grades 6-12
• Technology and Literacy in the Content Areas, Grades 6-12
• Supporting Struggling Readers, Grades 6-12

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

Once you have completed Walden University's M.S. in Education with a specialization in Literacy and Learning in the Content Areas (Grades 6-12), you have an opportunity to compete for jobs in the public school system and private schools. As a job candidate with a specialized interest in literacy and development, you should be able to demonstrate to potential employers an ability to communicate effectively and to generate ideas about how to incorporate literacy skills into a curriculum. Potential job titles include:

• Educator
• Assessment specialist
• Reading specialist
• Literacy coach

Advanced Degrees

When you have finished Walden University's M.S. in Education with a specialization in Literacy and Learning in the Content Areas (Grades 6-12), you have an opportunity to enroll in a related doctoral program. A doctoral program in reading and literacy may require courses such as literacy in the content areas, literacy and curriculum integration, facilitating literacy in school or community settings, foundations of literacy, and advanced reading methods. A dissertation is also required and must be successfully defended before the degree can be awarded. Degrees listed are not institution-specific but constitute a sampling of continuing education options for graduates. Degrees you could pursue include:

• Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Literacy and Learning)
• Doctor of Education (Literacy)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Reading Education
• Doctor of Philosophy in Literacy Education

Walden offers both state-approved educator licensure programs as well as programs and courses that do not lead to licensure or endorsements. Prospective students must review their state licensure requirements prior to enrolling. For more information, please refer to www.WaldenU.edu/educlicensure.

Prospective Alabama students: Contact the Teacher Education and Certification Division of the Alabama State Department of Education at 1-334-242-9935 or www.alsde.edu to verify that these programs qualify for teacher certification, endorsement, and/or salary benefits.

Prospective Washington state students are advised to contact the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction at 1-360-725-6275 or prof.educ@k12.wa.us to determine whether Walden's programs in the field of education are approved for teacher certification or endorsements in Washington state. Additionally, teachers are advised to contact their individual school district as to whether this program may qualify for salary advancement.