College of Education and Human Development

Department of Curriculum and Instruction

Professional studies in literacy education MEd

The Master of Education (MEd) Professional Studies in Literacy Education program is a graduate-level program designed for experienced literacy teachers who want to advance their careers and leadership capacity.

The MEd Professional Studies degree is designed for teachers that already hold a teaching license. If you wish to earn your teaching license, please apply to our MEd and Teaching License in English Education program.

Coursework

Research opportunities

With guidance from faculty advisers, you will complete courses in three areas:

  • a core academic program in curriculum, assessment, and technology
  • A literacy-focused curriculum covering topics such as culturally diverse books for children, literacy development, and literature for adolescents
  • electives planned around your interests

View all the courses in the graduate catalog.

Career outlook

  • Teachers with a master's degree are regarded as experts in their field, making you a more competitive job candidate with an MEd
  • Teachers who have a master's degree will see a roughly $7,000 annual salary increase [Teacher.org ]
  • Though the salary increase with a master's degree will vary by district and state, Minnesota teachers are on the higher end of the payscale. Median Minnesota teacher salaries were $64,790 and $64,960 for middle school and high school respectively in 2019 [BLS ].
  • Once a teacher is employed, there is much more mobility that comes with a Master's. Teachers with advanced degrees can be promoted to school administration positions and can become mentors to other teachers based upon specific graduate training.

How to apply

    Application deadline and instructions

    Applications are accepted for three different start times throughout the year:

    Priority admission deadlines:

    • December 15 (Spring start)
    • April 30 (Summer start)
    • July 31 (Fall start)

    Tuition and funding

    All master's degree programs in CEHD have the same cost per credit hour. The University of Minnesota tuition operates on a credit band where there is a flat rate for tuition each semester when taking 12 - 24 credits.

    Application requirements

    Before applying online, make sure you have all the required materials. Download and refer to this application tip sheet as you work through the application. The included directions will help you complete your application quickly and smoothly.

    We are here to help! If you have questions, please contact the academic advisor in your program area (see below).

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    What we look for

    We look for professionals and licensed teachers that have already achieved an undergraduate degree and professional experience and who want to advance their career and leadership capacity in their chosen program area.

    Required application documents

    A bachelor's degree and 2.80 GPA is required.

    To apply you need:

    • Unofficial transcripts. Upload your transcripts into the application system; please do not mail your transcripts. Official transcripts are required only after you are admitted.
    • Resume. Tailor your resume to focus on relevant academic and work experience.
    • Personal statement. Describe your career goals and rationale for pursuing your MEd Limit: 1 page.

    Program Prerequisites

    Before you are admitted to the MEd and Teaching license programs, you must complete some prerequisite coursework, which varies based on the type of license you are seeking. Below, you will find a list of prerequisites listed by license.

    Prerequisites

    Additional admissions information

    Transfer credits

    Maximum transfer credits: 10

    Credits may have been taken at UMN, or at another institution. Credits must be at the graduate level and must be approved by a faculty adviser.

    1. Contact the academic adviser (for contact info, see below) to arrange to work with a faculty adviser to have your courses approved
    2. After the faculty adviser approves your transfer courses, fill out the Academic Policy Petition.

    International applicants

    International applicants may also need:

    • An English translation of your transcripts, if the transcript is not in English.
    • A course by course evaluation may be required.
    • TOEFL scores. Official TOEFL scores are required. You may qualify for an exception if you have completed 16 semester or 24 quarter credits within the past 24 months in residence as a full-time student at an accredited institution of higher learning in the United States. Please see the University of Minnesota TOEFL score requirements and submission guidelines from the Graduate School. Early application is advised to ensure timely admission.
    • International students with F-1 visas may take no more than the equivalent of one completely online education class (or 3 credits per semester) and count it towards their full-time course requirement. Full-time enrollment for graduate students is 6 credits. If you are enrolled in an online program and studying in your home country, you do not need full-time enrollment status.

    Request information

    We’re here to help. Simply complete one of these forms and a member of our department will be in touch