Applying to the M.Ed. in Reading
Admission decisions are made by the full-time faculty in literacy. Students will be admitted to the program based upon enrollment availability and their ability to meet the following minimum recommended entrance requirements. This program is designed to serve current teachers who wish to enroll in this graduate program on a part-time basis to seek certification as a Reading Specialist. Because many of the courses are offered in the summer, it would be difficult for a student to enroll in the program on a full-time basis. Students will be admitted to the program based upon program capacity and candidates' qualifications. These are minimum recommended entrance requirements:
- Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
- Transcripts showing an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants with lower than expected performance are not automatically disqualified, but should provide an explanation for their prior performance and describe the experiences, skills, and dispositions they believe indicate the ability to succeed at the graduate level.
- Transcripts showing a minimum GPA of 3.0 for all graduate courses completed (if applicable). This GPA applies to graduate level courses taken through continuing education or graduate programs at the University of Delaware and other institutions.
- Three letters of recommendation from individuals who are able to assess the applicant's academic potential. Letters should be from professors who can attest to the candidate's suitability for graduate study and supervisors who can comment on the candidate's professional commitment and experience. Letters from family, friends, and professional peers are strongly discouraged.
- For students whose native language is not English, an officially reported minimum TOEFL score of 600 (paper-based test) or 250 (computer-based test) or 100 (iBT).
- A written statement of goals and objectives. This three-question essay response is part of the standard Graduate Studies application and should (a) clearly describe why the applicant wishes to pursue an M.Ed. in Reading and Reading Specialist certification and (b) indicate and explain any areas of special interest.
- Writing sample on an important topic in the field of reading education. This essay is in addition to the Statement of Goals and Objectives outlined above. The applicant should address one of the following topics in a brief essay of 500 words or less: a) Describe an issue in literacy education which you would like to learn more about in your coursework; OR b) Describe an experience in your own life that influenced your decision to become a Reading Specialist. Alternatively, the applicant may submit a brief paper that was submitted in a recent education course.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the teaching of oral language, reading, and writing through previous coursework and teaching.
Preference in admission is given to individuals with initial teaching certification and classroom teaching experience. This program is not designed as an alternative route to initial certification. Individuals without initial certification may be admitted into the program in some circumstances, but only with the understanding that they cannot be certified as part of the program and that the state of Delaware requires both certification and three years of classroom teaching experience in addition to the M.Ed. for those seeking certification as Reading Specialists.
