Master of Science in Education Program
Program Code: MSED-ED
Major Code: LBT

Elementary Education, Literacy and Education Leadership Department
Accredited: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) (formerly NCATE)
Bacon Hall 302, (716) 878-5916
elementaryeducation.buffalostate.edu/

Enrollment in all teacher education programs follows the guidelines for "Admission to Teacher Education Programs" found in this catalog.  Applicants who do not yet meet all admissions criteria should consult with the department.

This program prepares professional literacy specialists to provide instruction for students with reading or writing difficulties. Graduates of this program will also be able to serve as effective resources and leaders for school-wide literacy curriculum and instruction.  Students who successfully complete this program are eligible for a college recommendation for NYS certification in Literacy Birth - Grade 6 and Literacy Grades 5-12.

Candidates should consult the Teacher Certification website for current seminars and workshops. https://teachercertification.buffalostate.edu/seminars-and-workshops

Admission Requirements

1. Have a degree from an accredited college or university leading to New York State teacher certification.
2. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale) in undergraduate work. Please submit all transcripts.
3. Write a well-crafted statement addressing the following:
   1. Your reasons for seeking Literacy Specialist certification
   2. The professional challenge(s) you encountered during your field experiences/first classroom experiences that you hope to address in your graduate work
   3. Discuss what you hope to learn in your graduate program focusing on your interest in working with striving readers
      . Your statement will be evaluated according to the following criteria (see rubric):
      1. Organization
      2. Conventions of language
      3. Content
      4. Interest in working with struggling readers, rationale, and significant support for rationale
         Note: Please refer to the rubric provided with the application materials for the statement prompts and specific evaluation criteria.
4. Submit three letters of reference that attest to the applicant’s potential as a literacy specialist. Please note that references should be from professors, school administrators, cooperating teachers (only one), or student teaching supervisors (only one).  
5. Submit a professional resume

Applicants will be judged on demonstrated academic records; the strength of recommendations, and the quality of the candidate's statement.

In addition, all applicants should review the Admission to a Graduate Program section in this catalog

Program Requirements

Program may be completed on a part-time basis through advisement.  Pre-requisites apply.