Literacy, MS

Literacy is foundational to every part of teaching and learning. The Master of Science in literacy focuses on literacy pedagogy, as well as supporting candidates to become critically engaged teachers who are prepared to support diverse learners in all aspects of literacy learning. Candidates will engage in experiences to bridge theory to practice, while working toward professional goals as leaders in the field.

For candidates who hold a current teaching certificate, the Master of Science in literacy leads to eligibility for an added PK-12 reading specialist endorsement. During the program candidates will:

• Bridge theory, research, and practice to support PK-12 students in authentic literacy experiences;
• Support, assess, and develop interventions to help students thrive as literacy learners in PK-12 settings;
• Create classrooms that engage culturally responsive teaching practices to support diverse students;
• Critically examine various types of literature to increase students’ skills and perspectives;
• Engage as literacy leaders at local and national levels;
• Develop skills to navigate and to build action research in classrooms.

Special Notes: 

• To add the endorsement to your teaching certificate, the Nebraska Department of Education requires a minimum of two years of teaching experience and successful completion of the Praxis II. 
• The master's degree in literacy does not lead to initial teacher certification. 

Program Related Information

Program Contact

unotedgraduateprograms@unomaha.edu

Program Website

Unclassified Students

Students who are not planning to pursue a program leading to a graduate certificate or a master’s degree can be admitted to the literacy program with unclassified status. Candidates holding a previous master’s degree in education who are seeking additional teaching endorsements may wish to choose an unclassified status. Unclassified students are allowed to take courses for which they meet the prerequisite. Successful completion of graduate courses as an unclassified student does not obligate the department to accept those courses for credit toward the fulfillment of degree requirements. Formal advisement in an endorsement area is required. Students admitted as unclassified are not eligible for financial aid.

Formal advisement in an endorsement area is required.

• Candidates should apply for endorsements as soon as they are eligible. If a candidate applies 10 years or more after completing all coursework, a review is required to determine if more coursework is needed.
• To add an endorsement 1/3 of the coursework must be completed at UNO in the endorsement area.

Admissions

General Application Requirements and Admission Criteria

Application Deadlines

• Spring 2026: December 10
• Summer 2026: June 1
• Fall 2026: August 1

Other Requirements

• A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).

• English Language Proficiency: Applicants are required to have a command of oral and written English. Those who do not hold a baccalaureate or other advanced degree from the United States, OR a baccalaureate or other advanced degree from a pre-determined country on the waiver list, must meet the minimum language proficiency score requirement to be considered for admission. 

  • Internet-based TOEFL: 80, IELTS: 6.5, PTE: 53, Duolingo: 110

• Valid teaching certificate
• International students who do not expect to teach in the US may be eligible for admission.

The requirements displayed below are for students not pursuing a concentration.

Degree Requirements

Exit Requirements:

Capstone TED 8700  or TED 8730. The professional project completed in this course takes the place of the comprehensive exam. Registration for the course is by permission only. This course is intended to be the last course in your program. A grade of B or better must be received to show satisfactory completion of the course and for program completion.

Concentration

Dyslexia Concentration