Education Specialist (EdS) in Language, Literacy and Culture Education
The EdS in Language, Literacy and Culture Education is an intensive program of professional
development between a master’s and a PhD for individuals to pursue advanced inquiry
and develop expertise in K-12 teaching and learning of language and literacies in
sociocultural contexts. Rather than focusing on conducting original research as doctoral
students would, graduates of the Education Specialist degree develop a deep understanding
of relevant theories and research to tackle contemporary issues in K-12 language,
literacies and culture education (LLCE). Graduates have the knowledge and skills to
serve in a variety of roles, including language and literacies education leaders,
curriculum specialists and global change agents.
This is a 51-credit hour program of advanced/doctoral level coursework specializing
in language, literacies and culture education, without the requirement to conduct
original dissertation research. Students have the option to apply for the PhD program
and transfer over the full credits from their EdS, if accepted. The coursework is
fairly customizable and falls under these general requirements:
Common Core - 9 credits
Research Course - 3 credits
Language, Literacy and Culture Education Specialization Courses - 24 credits
We have a large graduate faculty with a diverse range of expertise. Faculty mentor
you throughout your program and encourage you to engage in collaborative learning
opportunities. Students have many chances to work with faculty on a variety of field-based
and scholarly projects, programs and engagements. Explore some of the initiatives
and programs that our faculty lead:
Applications are accepted for fall semester admission only. To be considered for
assistantship opportunities, the application deadline is January 15 for studies that
begin in August of the same year. For applicants not seeking an assistantship, the
application deadline is April 1 for a fall start.
Fall Priority Deadline for Assistantship Application - January 15
Fall Final Deadline (Non-assistantship) - April 1
To apply to the Education Specialist in Language, Literacy and Culture Education,
complete the following:
Transcripts from all previously attended institutions (3.0 minimum graduate GPA required)
Two to three letters of recommendation
Current resume/vita
Personal and career goal statement that addresses how this program supports your professional
goals (two pages). Include discussion of qualifications related to potential assistantship
positions, if applicable.
Academic or scholarly writing sample (e.g. master’s class paper, thesis, etc.)
Video conference interview may be required
Cost
Currently enrolled students are eligible for scholarships offered through the College of Education and Human Sciences.