Overview

The Language and Literacy programme at The City University of New York offers a comprehensive academic foundation for those seeking to teach English to adults in diverse educational settings. This Master of Arts degree combines theoretical research with practical pedagogy to prepare graduates for careers in higher education, adult literacy centres, and secondary schools.

Students benefit from a curriculum that draws on the significant legacies of renowned scholars in composition and rhetoric. The department maintains a strong affiliation with the Consortium of Worker Education, providing a direct link to one of the largest adult education providers in New York City. This connection ensures that the teaching methodologies remain relevant to current professional demands.

Why Language and Literacy at The City University of New York?

The programme is distinguished by its focus on teaching adult learners in urban environments. It offers specialised training in writing centre theory and digital literacies, ensuring graduates are equipped for modern classroom challenges. Facilities include dedicated tutoring centres where students can observe and participate in administrative and instructional practices.

Teaching is delivered by core faculty members who are experts in basic writing theory and sociolinguistics. The flexible course scheduling, with classes held in the late afternoon and evening, is specifically designed to accommodate working professionals. This structure allows students to balance their graduate studies with existing employment or teaching commitments.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 855 per credit
National fee: USD 855 per credit
Local fee: USD 470 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

To earn the degree, students must complete 30 credits and satisfy a foreign language requirement. Modules may include:

Core Modules

Language
Theories and Models of Literacy
Second Language Acquisition
Teaching Adult Writers in Diverse Contexts

Elective Modules

Teaching Composition and Literature
Sociolinguistics
Basic Writing Theory, Research and Pedagogy
Digital Literacies
Writing Center Theory and Practice
Supervised Team Teaching

Careers with Language and Literacy

Graduates are well-prepared for a variety of professional roles in the education sector. Many find employment as instructors of college writing, humanities, and English as a Second Language (ESL). The programme also equips students for leadership positions within the academic community.

Common career paths include:

College Writing Instructor
Adult Literacy Educator
Secondary English Teacher
Tutoring Centre Administrator
Adult Education Programme Coordinator
ESL Specialist

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Theories and Models of Literacy
Second Language Acquisition
Adult Learners of Language and Literacy
Sociolinguistics
Basic Writing Theory, Research and Pedagogy
Digital Literacies

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-28 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-01-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-15 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

New York City, United States

Disciplines

Language Studies Literacy Education View 846 other Masters in Language Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

The Application
Application fee of $75
Personal Statement
Letters of Recommendation
Transcripts
Language Test Requirements: TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson (PTE) or Duolingo

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

25650 USD / year

≈ 25650 USD / year
Out-of-State

25650 USD / year

≈ 25650 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14100 USD / year

≈ 14100 USD / year

Additional Details

Resident:

Full-time - $5,545/semester
Part-time - $470/credit

Living costs

New York City

United States

1819 - 3968 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Language and Literacy.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

New York City

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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