Literacy Education
Empower learners and celebrate diversity in a collaborative, inclusive academic community. Blending practice, theory, and research in an online cohesive program, we offer courses, certificates, and a master’s degree for practicing teachers. Learn more about Literacy Education.
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Online MSEd in Education: Earn your Literacy Specialist certification
Improve literacy instruction at your school. Our online, 7-week format is a state-approved master’s program that leads to Maine’s Literacy Specialist license (092).
Online Graduate Certificate: Advance your practice in teaching literacy
Gain skills to plan effective literacy instruction. Courses offered online in 7-week sessions. Credits earned in this CGS can be transferred to the master’s degree.
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Current students, faculty, and staff: Visit us on MyUSM
We’ve moved our information for current students, faculty, and staff to MyUSM — streamlining access through our secure, single sign-on portal. Login required.
Highlights
Serving the education community: Reading & Writing Workshop
Every summer, eager K-8 learners join our master’s students for an innovative literacy program. You won’t find this unique practicum experience anywhere else.
Complete your degree or certificate in less than two years
There is no GRE admission requirement, and you can begin your studies in the fall, spring, or summer. Study part-time or full-time.
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Implement literacy instruction to meet the needs of all learners
Aligned with the International Literacy Association’s Professional Standards, our curriculum integrates research and evidence-based practices.
Post-Master's Certificate: Take on a leadership role
Our self-designed online program is ideal for classroom teachers, administrators, and other educators and can lead to Maine’s Literacy Specialist license (092).
View our course format schedule
We offer a blend of online and on-campus courses. On-campus courses are held on weekdays in the late afternoon.
Our alumni: Maine Teachers of the Year
In our learner-centered professional community, we blend tradition with innovation to explore the challenges that readers and writers face today.
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Southern Maine Writing Project
As the hosts of this National Writing Project affiliate, we partner with regional education professionals to extend our reach into the community.
Connect with us!
Questions about our program? We would love to tell you more about the benefits of graduate study at the University of Southern Maine!
News
After a decade, USM-Boys & Girls Clubs partnership continues to flourish
The Boys & Girls Club: A Ten Year Anniversary
USM launches fully online Master's in Literacy Education degree program
Foerster ’22 researches the positive effects of reading to people with Alzheimer’s disease
Southern Maine Writing Project Summer 2020 Young Authors Camps Cancelled
USM's Summer Reading and Writing Workshop Turns 50
USM Alumna Named 2019 York County Teacher of the Year
TESOL and Literacy Students and Alumnae Getting Published
