Literacy and Multilingual Studies, M.S.
- 30 Credits
- School of Education
- Bronx
- Manhattan
- Online
- Westchester
Literacy and Multilingual Studies Overview
The Literacy and Multilingual Studies M.S. Program aims to develop teacher candidates with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions for effective teaching and learning in diverse settings. This innovative program provides teacher candidates with a comprehensive foundation in both traditional and new literacy theories and pedagogies.
The courses in the program reflect the principles highlighted by the Science of Reading and adhere to the learning standards of Literacy and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Equipped with science-based approaches and strategies, teacher candidates in the program will learn how to foster students’ development of speaking, listening, reading, writing, and cultural competencies.
Our foundational courses are aligned with the key components of the Science of Reading.
Dual and Tri Certification Tracks
Dual Certification
- Literacy: 5 courses
- TESOL: 5 courses
Tri Certification
- Literacy: 5 courses
- TESOL: 5 courses
- Bilingual Extension: 3 courses
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the program will evolve into critical and reflective practitioners, adept at meeting the needs of diverse learners, including English Language Learners, in inclusive or mainstream classrooms, whether in urban or suburban settings.
Graduates can be certified* in:
- Literacy (all grades)
- ESOL (all grades)
- Bilingual Extension (through additional coursework, 9 credits)
*CST test and other requirements are needed for each certificate
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The Mercy Advantage
We have strong relationships with elementary and secondary schools across New York City and Westchester, ensuring that when students graduate they are prepared with experience and professional contacts.
Alumni Benefit
Earn Your Master's With Five Additional Courses
Mercy alumni who have completed their Literacy, Advanced Certificate or TESOL, Advanced Certificate at Mercy can use those credits toward a master's degree. With just five extra courses they'll be able to complete the Literacy and Multilingual Studies, M.S. program.
Admissions Requirements
- Teaching Certificate
- Bachelor's degree
- Official transcripts
- ¸éé²õ³Ü³¾Ã©
- Effective Educator Statement
Additional Program Requirements
Fieldwork experiences pertinent to the grade level of the certificate are required. Degree-seeking candidates must pass the Content Specialty Test in Literacy within 27 credits of course registration. For those who seek for TESOL certificate must have documentation of 12 college level credits in a language other than English, and successful completion of the Content Specialty Test in ESOL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most schools have literacy positions at all levels including emergent literacy, early childhood, childhood education and literacy for adolescents. Also: reading teacher, literacy coach, and remedial reading/writing specialist. Our graduates also remain elementary or secondary classroom teachers who have strong competence in classroom literacy instruction and assessment.
Yes. Schools need teachers who are highly trained in literacy. The recent emphasis on literacy in national and state education agendas requires that our elementary, middle and high schools employ highly qualified literacy teachers and specialists.
Yes. An initial certification from New York State or an equivalent certification from another state is required.
More than just how to teach students to read. You’ll learn about the background and foundations of literacy, practices for emergent literacy, English language learners, and teaching students with disabilities, as well as child and adolescent literature, content area reading and writing, literacy assessment, and research techniques.
Please see below for frequently used links:
Exams
Organizations
Program Details & Curriculum
Total Credits: 30 credits
Literacy and TESOL courses:
- EDUC 505 Teaching English as a Second Language (Offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer) EDUC 522 Language Development and Literacy Acquisition (Offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer)
- EDUC 561 Literacy Instruction for Students with Special Needs
- EDUC 504 Cultural Perspectives and Teaching with Literature (Offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer)
- EDUC 590 Approaches and Theories of Teaching Writing
- EDUC 659* Practicum in Literacy Assessment, All Grades (in the second semester or after 9 credits)
- EDUC 643 Literacy in Content Areas
- EDUC 629 Modern English Structure and Teaching English as a Second Language
- EDUC 636 Methods and Materials of Teaching English as a Second Language
- EDUC 707** Mentoring Seminar in TESOL (in the last semester)
Bilingual Education Extension Courses:
- EUDC 508 Theory and Practices of Bilingual Education
- EDUC 509 Linguistics and Language Development
- EDUC 604 Mathematics and Science in Bilingual Education Field Experience
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By the end of the program, teacher candidates will be able to:
1. Integrate theoretical knowledge and practical application to facilitate literacy development and language acquisition, and to create effective learning environments.
2. Provide targeted instruction for students at different levels, employing diverse methods in teaching literacy, native language arts, and catering to the needs of diverse learners, including English Language Learners.
3. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding and application of approaches in second language teaching, recognizing the significance and impact of culture and cultural identity on student learning.
4. Use technology and assessment data to make informed instructional decisions for students, and effectively communicate student learning and growth to parents, caregivers, and school personnel.
5. Exhibit professional dispositions to evolve into reflective teachers and leaders in the field of literacy and language education, contributing to both the school and the broader community.
Students must submit an Effective Educator Statement to complete their application. You can download requirements here.
Please submit the completed statement to your .
- Download a copy of the sequence map for:
Literacy and Multilingual Studies, MS - Dual Certification - Literacy and Multilingual Studies, MS - Tri Certification
Full-Time Faculty
Mi-Hyun Chung
- MeH 25A
- mchung@mercy.edu
- (914) 674-3057
Barbara J Keckler
- MeH 28A
- BKeckler@mercy.edu
- (914) 674-7126
Victoria Nunez
- MeH 24
- vnunez6@mercy.edu
- (914) 674-3037
Gulizar Bahar Otcu-Grillman
- MT 325
- botcu@mercy.edu
- (212) 615-3367
Part-Time Faculty
For curriculum & program information, contact Dr. Mi-Hyun Chung at mchung@mercy.edu
Mercy School of Education has been nationally accredited with CAEP.