Master of Education in Language and Literacy
Program Information
Deepen your knowledge of literacy, take on leadership roles in the profession, and commit to equity and social justice in Western Washington University’s Master of Education in Language and Literacy Program.
This is a program for working teachers who enroll full-time. You will complete the program in under 2 years. Contact the program director to discuss possibilities for part-time study.
Program Features
- Welcomes pre-K-12+ teachers from all content areas
- Convenient for working teachers
- Washington State Endorsement in Reading
- Embedded Digital and Media Literacies Certificate
- Opportunity to work toward National Board certification
- Engaged, practical, and mentored scholarship in the profession with faculty
What Will You Learn in the MEd in Language and Literacy Program?
The rigorous coursework in the MEd language and literacy program is built from the following professional standards: PESB's endorsement competencies for Reading professionals, the International Literacy Association's (ILA) Standards for the Preparation of Literacy Professionals, National Board for Professional Standards (NBPTS) standards for Literacy - Reading Language Arts, and the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE).
Why Earn an MEd Degree in Language and Literacy at WWU?
Faculty Committed to Your Success
- Faculty mentors who understand your complex teaching and learning contexts
- Expert faculty with on-the-ground experience in schools
- Faculty get to know you and can tailor the work to your needs
Cohort Style
The program provides a supportive and inclusive online environment where you can forge lifelong friendships and expand professional networks. You will build applicable teamwork, communication, and leadership skills while learning alongside your peers.
Location Matters
Further your education and credentials while you work full-time. WWU offers this coursework fully online so you can integrate your studies with a busy life.
Program Curriculum and Courses
In WWU’s language and literacy master’s program, you will develop high-level skills in literacy teaching and instructional technology.
MEd in Literacy and Language Opportunities
A master of education degree in language and literacy opens doors to advanced career possibilities and increased salaries. WWU’s language and literacy graduates go on to innovate, advocate, and lead as classroom teachers, specialists, coaches, administrators, program directors, and college instructors.
Application Requirements (no GRE required)
- Bachelor’s degree: Applicants must have already completed a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, or an equivalent degree from a foreign university, before the term in which they intend to begin their WWU graduate program.
- Grade Point Average: To satisfy WWU Graduate School requirements, applicants must have a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) over all their post-secondary coursework. To satisfy Language and Literacy MEd program requirements, applicants must have a cumulative 3.0 GPA.
- English Language Proficiency: Applicants must obtain at least the minimum TOEFL (86 IBT) or IELTS (7.0) unless English is their native language.
- Teaching Experience: Applicants must have one year of experience in the classroom.
Note: A teaching certificate is not required. And the program does not lead to an initial state teaching certificate.
Tuition and Cost
WWU has a competitive tuition structure. Department-specific scholarships are available. And you can make the program more affordable by applying for financial aid, grants, private scholarships, and our prestigious full-time or part-time teaching assistantships.
Read more about ways to pay for your master’s degree in language and literacy.
Learn More about WWU’s Master of Education in Language and Literacy Program
Propel your career to new heights through WWU’s fully online Master of Education in Language and Literacy program. Tailor your learning to your career goals in a program that allows you to work while you complete your degree.
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Application Requirements
- All applicants must complete the Graduate School's ApplyWeb application and pay the $100 application fee.
- Within the application you will be prompted to upload an unofficial transcript from each institution attended. If admitted, you will be asked to provide official transcripts.
- Additional application materials are specified below. Applications will not be forwarded to the department for review until all required materials have been received by the Graduate School.
- International Applicants: Please review the requirements for information regarding Degree Equivalency, English Language Proficiency and student VISA requirements.
The Language and Literacy Program starts a new cohort in the Fall Quarter of even-numbered years only.
Additional Application Requirements
- Three (3) Letters of Reference
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose: Please provide a brief (300-500 word) statement of personal career goals and reasons for seeking admission to the M.Ed. – Language and Literacy program. In your statement, please indicate your interest in adding a reading endorsement to your certificate and/or your interest in developing leadership skills in reading/literacy.
- Interview if requested
Testimonials
My time in the MEd literacy program was hugely instrumental in my growth as an educator. I learned so much about the students I was serving, and about leadership in academia. Because of the program, I found my passion for children’s literature and fighting against censorship, which I’m now pursuing in my PhD studies. My professors were hugely supportive and influential in my development; their knowledge and kindness will always stay with me. I am so proud of the work I did for my master’s and highly recommend this program to any educator who feels strongly about literacy work in the classroom.
Kait Waterhouse Master of Education in Language and Literacy, 2020
Woodring's MEd in language and literacy isn't just an academic program, but a true learning community. As a student, I learned from some of our region's most brilliant educational changemakers, all within a flexible program structure that allowed me to balance my courseload and full-time work. To say "YES!" to a program like this is to say "YES!" to learning experiences that see you, respond to your current context and envision a future in which our dreams for educational equity can become realized.
Clint Weckerly Master of Education in Language and Literacy, 2020