LITERACY EDUCATION

The Literacy Education program at the University of Southern Maine (USM) offers an online Master’s of Education (MSEd), Certificates of Graduate Study in Literacy Education and Literacy Coaching, and a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Literacy Education. We also welcome educators who are seeking to enroll in individual courses to gain CEUs or to advance their skill sets in literacy education.

If you don’t see an answer to your question below, please contact us.

Can I take courses before applying to, and/or before being admitted to, the certificate or master’s degree programs?

  • As a non-matriculated student, you can complete up to two courses before submitting your application, and an additional two courses after submitting your application. We recommend that you speak with program faculty before registering for courses. Contact Us.

Is the GRE required for admission to the master’s degree program?

Can I apply credits earned in the Certificate of Graduate Study to the master’s degree program?

Where can I find application requirements and deadlines?

  • Deadlines: Each certificate and the master’s degree program offer rolling admissions.
  • Requirements: You can find application information by program below:

Do the programs lead to licensure as a Literary Specialist?

  • The MSEd in Literacy Education leads to Maine’s literacy specialist license (092).
    • This program is designed for certified educators.
  • The Certificate of Advanced Studies in Literacy Education can lead to Maine’s Literacy Specialist license (092) through appropriate selection of courses.
    • This self-designed program is ideal for classroom teachers, administrators, and other educators. 

Do the programs lead to teacher certification?

  • Our Literacy Education degree and certificate programs are advanced programs and do not lead to initial teacher certification. The programs are primarily intended for classroom teachers, literacy teachers, and other experienced educators interested in the field of literacy.  

Is the program state-approved?

  • Our MSEd in Literacy Education is approved by the Maine State Board of Education and the Maine Department of Education, recognizing that we strive for continuous improvement and utilize the outcomes of new knowledge, practices, and technologies.

Are there any online courses?

  • Our Masters in Literacy Education program, Certificate of Graduate Study, and Certificate of Advanced Study are offered in an online format. Some courses are offered online live, which may include one or two synchronous (Zoom) meetings. Most of the courses are asynchronous (no synchronous meetings via Zoom).  

How long does it take to complete the program?

  • The master’s degree and each certificate can be completed in as little as two years.
  • With six sessions per year, we allow teachers to begin their program at the most convenient time for them.
  • Upon acceptance into the program, students have 5 years to complete all requirements. Students are also required to maintain continuous enrollment upon acceptance in the program. Therefore, a student must take at least six credit hours per academic year to remain on active status.

I’d like to enroll in just one course to obtain CEUs. Where can I access future course schedules?

  • You can view course offerings for the upcoming semester through our course search tool.
  • Courses planned for future semesters are available on our Course Plan.

I’d like to plan out my schedule in advance. Where can I access course offerings for future semesters?

  • Courses planned for future semesters are available on our Course Plan.

Where can I learn more about the practicum?

Are there scholarships and financial aid available?

  • Yes. The University offers a number of graduate student scholarships in addition to financial aid packages. 
  • Learn more about scholarships and financial aid.

Are there graduate assistantship positions available?

  • Yes. Our Office of Graduate Studies coordinates more than 100 graduate assistantships each year. 
  • Learn more about graduate assistantships.

What are the costs of the Literacy Education programs?

See the USM Tuition and Fees page.

What courses may I transfer into USM Literacy Education programs?

Transfer Credit is on an individual basis. Please consult with your faculty advisor.

TESOL: TEACHING ENGLISH TO SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES

Our TESOL program is dedicated to promoting equity and inclusivity for English language learners (ELLs).  We welcome graduate students of all backgrounds, including culturally and linguistically diverse students as well as ELLs.

Our program offers individual courses as well as degree and certificate programs for both pre-service and in-service teachers.

If you don’t see any answer to your question below, please contact us.

Are there online programs I can complete from my home country?

You can complete the following programs fully online:


I would like to study in America. Which programs are offered on campus?

You can complete the following programs on our campus in Maine:

  • MSEd in TESOL: This program can be completed online or through a blend of online and on-campus courses. Learn more about our blended program.
  • MSEd in TESOL — Initial PreK-12 Certification: This program can be completed through a blend of online and on-campus courses. Learn more.
  • Certificate of Advanced Study in English as a Second Language: This post-master’s program can be completed through a blend of online and on-campus courses. Learn more.


What scholarships and other financial resources are available for international students?

  • The University offers a number of graduate student scholarships. Browse scholarships. 
  • Our Office of Graduate Studies coordinates more than 100 graduate assistantships each year. Learn more about graduate assistantships.
  • We’re here to help! Contact our Office of International Programs for guidance.


Where can I find information about applying to the University?

  • Our Office of Admissions provides step-by-step guides for international students applying to the University. Get started.


Where can I find the admission requirements for each program?

Is the GRE required?

  • Our masters and certificate programs do not require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) for admission.


Is the Praxis Exam required?

  • Our MSEd in TESOL options and certificate programs do not require Praxis Core Exam scores for admission.


Where can I find the admission requirements for each program?

Can I take classes before enrolling in a program?

  • Many of our graduate students take just one class at a time to advance their education in working with linguistically and culturally diverse students, and/or to earn CEUs.
    • Use our Course Search to find courses available for registration.
    • If you would like to look further into the future, you can view our Course Plan to see what courses will be offered in upcoming semesters. 
    • It is possible to transfer credits from completed courses toward a degree or certificate program. Some restrictions may apply. Please contact us to learn more.


I’d like to earn my Certificate of Graduate Study now and pursue the MSEd in TESOL in the future. Can I transfer my certificate credits toward the master’s degree?

Can I obtain initial teacher certification through your programs?


Can I obtain ESL endorsement through your programs?

What Praxis Exam is required?

  • Our MSEd in TESOL and certificate programs do not require Praxis Core Exam.

Which programs are offered online?

  • Each of our degree and certificate programs includes online courses. Some programs are fully online and some are blended, with a mix of online and on-campus courses.
  • You can complete the following programs fully online:


How long does it take to complete the program?


Where can I find a course schedule?

  • Use our Course Search to find courses available for registration.
  • If you like to look further into the future, you can view our Course Plan to see what courses will be offered in upcoming semesters. 

Will this program prepare me to teach English as a second/foreign language?

  • Yes. Our program focuses on both practice and research, which means you’ll be prepared to serve as a multicultural educator whose praxis is informed by theory.
  • We offer degrees and certificates for both pre-service and in-service teachers. Learn more.


I’d like to take a course but I don’t want to enroll in a degree or certificate program. Where can I find more information about individual courses?

  • We offer several ways to learn more about our courses:

Do your online programs offer reduced tuition for out-of-state and international students?

  • For online learners, the University offers a low e-tuition rate to non-residents of Maine that is less than the standard out-of-state tuition. Maine residents benefit from the lower in-state tuition.
  • The following TESOL programs offer reduced e-tuition to out-of-state and international students:
    • MSEd in TESOL: This program is offered two formats — fully online and through a blend of online and on-campus courses.
      • Fully online: Students who are admitted to the fully online program format are eligible for a competitive tuition rate.
      • Blended: Out-of-state students are eligible for reduced e-tuition. Learn more.
    • Certificate of Graduate Study


Are there scholarships and financial aid available?

  • Yes. The University offers a number of graduate student scholarships in addition to financial aid packages. Learn more about scholarships and financial aid.


Are there graduate assistantship positions available?

  • Yes. Our Office of Graduate Studies coordinates more than 100 graduate assistantships each year. Learn more about graduate assistantships.