M. Ed. in Reading Education with an Emphasis on New and Digital Literacies (Online)

The M. Ed. in Reading Education with an Emphasis in New and Digital Literacies is a completely online degree specifically designed to meet the needs of certified teachers who are unable to pursue face-to-face coursework in Athens. The goal of the degree is to educate teachers in ways that advance their students as readers in the broadest sense from printed materials to digital multimedia environments. This M.Ed. is appropriate for teachers working with students from pre-kindergarten through grade twelve. The degree program operates on a cohort model, and admits up to 20 students every fall. Student tuition is set at the university’s e-rate for distance education.

Admissions

Prospective candidates for the M.Ed. in Reading Education with an Emphasis in New and Digital Literacies must hold a Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. Among other indicators of academic promise, candidates should also show evidence of the following:

1. A strong undergraduate GPA with usual acceptance being 3.0 or higher
2. A strong Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score with usual acceptance being 950 or higher on the combined verbal and quantitative sections OR a strong Miller Analogies Test score with usual acceptance being 402 or higher. As required by the Graduate School, these scores are valid until September 15 following the 5th anniversary of the testing date. Otherwise, applicants must take one of the tests again.
3. at least two years teaching experience, although candidates with less that two years experience will be considered.
4. Due to the importance of electronic accessibility for an online degree, students must demonstrate, before entering the program, that they have easy and consistent access to a personal computer, a high-speed Internet connection, and an email account. This accessibility will be demonstrated through online communication with the coordinator of the program.

How to Apply

Questions about the program of study should be directed to Professor Michelle Commeyras (commeyra@UGA.EDU)

Questions about the application process should be directed to Ms. Becky Hendren at bhendren@uga.edu

Applicants must submit to the Graduate School

• the proper application form and fee:
  • 2 official copies of degree conferred transcripts from all institutions.
  • official scores from GRE or MAT.

• Applicants must send to the department:
  • 3 letters of recommendation by people who know the applicant professionally as scholar, teacher or have direct knowledge of applicant’s work with adolescents. At least one letter should specifically discuss the applicant’s scholarship.
  • a statement of purpose (describe experiences working with young people and give reasons for pursuing graduate study).
  • a professional resume/vita.
  • Send documents to Ms. Becky Hendren(bhendren@uga.edu)

On line applications are available at http://www.uga.edu/gradschool/admissions/request.html.

REMINDER: Online applicants can now only submit an online form if they pay by credit card or electronic check.

When applying for the Online M Ed, look for Reading Education, Online in the course bulletin. Additional updated information can be found at the UGA LLED ONLINE wiki

Tuition & Fees

Credit hour costs for the online M Ed are governed by the university’s e-rate. Currently, it is projected that the e-rate for the coming fall semester will be $575 per credit hour, although this could change. Cohort students only pay for the green, technology, and institutional fees. The other five fees are waived.

Comparative Costs

LLED student taking 6 credits on campus: Tuition, $1800; Fees, $1095; Mileage & Depreciation, $1650 for a total of $4545

LLED student taking 6 credits online: Tuition, $3450; Fees, $573; Mileage & Depreciation, $0 for a total of $4023

Tuition and fees based on Spring 2012 rates. Mileage and depreciation figured on a 100 mile round trip commute twice a week for 15 weeks at. 0.55 per mile.

Course Sequence

The 12-Course Sequence below provides students with a strong core understanding of research-based literacy instruction, cultural and historical foundations, and research. This core is augmented by four specialization courses focused on new and digital literacies. Prior to completion of this online degree, students, having completed the first two semesters, would qualify for the Georgia Reading Endorsement.

Fall Semester First Year

Online orientation before classes begin

LLED 6010e Survey of Reading Instruction Pre-K through Grade 12 (Core Course)

Principles and practices in preschool through secondary reading instruction. An overview of the methods, principles, and practices of teaching reading. This is a reading endorsement course.

LLED 6420e Literacy Development and Instruction in Early Childhood (Core Course)

Emergent literacy development of preschool through grade three children; theory and research relevant to instructional approaches and practice. This is a reading endorsement course for elementary teachers.

Spring Semester First Year

LLED 6020e Practicum in Reading Instruction and Assessment (Clinic) (Core Course)

Formal and informal assessments, instructional procedures, and materials for children experiencing reading difficulties. This is a reading endorsement course. Tutoring is a requirement.

LLED 6060e Content Area Literacies (Core Course)

Theory and instructional strategies for enhancing reading, writing, speaking, and listening across various subjects in the school curriculum for grades 4-12. This is a reading endorsement course for middle school teachers.

Summer Semester First Year

LLED 7910e New Literacies (Specialization Course)

This course provides an overview of the ambiguities and tensions created by a current move from the long established autonomous model of “reading” to the “New Literacy Studies” (NLS). It also addresses the implications of NLS for teaching students to comprehend a wide range of texts.

LLED 8340e The History of Teaching Methods for Literacy Learning in the United States (Core Course)


A historical examination of literacy education from colonial America to the present.

Fall Semester Second Year

LLED 7070e Research Methods in Language Education (Core Course)

Research methods appropriate for studying language teaching and learning.

LLED 7110e Computer-Based Instruction in Reading Education (Specialization Course)

Integration of computers into instruction to enhance literacy in elementary through secondary schools.

Spring Semester Second Year

LLED 7930e, Culture and Literacy Classrooms (Core Course)

This course explores the ways culture transacts with teaching and learning in literacy classrooms.

LLED 7920e Assessing Literacy Materials and Programs (Core Course)


The exploration and development of criteria to evaluate and select materials and programs for use in the classroom.

Summer Semester Second Year

LLED 8330e Popular Culture in Literacy Classrooms K-12 (Specialization Course)

Examination of how schools and institutions of higher education should respond to popular culture especially in terms of literacy teaching and learning.

LLED 7940e Electronic Assessment in Literacy Classrooms (Specialization Course)

This is a capstone course on how to use online assessments with students to document their literacy learning. An electronic portfolio documenting learning across coursework will be required.