Overview

The Literacy Specialist programme at the University at Buffalo provides a comprehensive foundation in the psychological and social processes of reading and writing. This Master of Education (EdM) is specifically designed for educators seeking to enhance their instructional expertise and obtain New York State initial or professional certification.

Students engage with a curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with practical application across all grade levels. The programme explores the complexities of literacy acquisition, offering deep insights into how diverse learners develop essential communication skills. You will investigate modern instructional methods and evaluation techniques to support students with varying needs.

Why Literacy Specialist at University at Buffalo?

The University at Buffalo offers a distinctive learning environment through its Graduate School of Education, which is recognised for reshaping literacy standards. The programme is built for professionals, providing the necessary flexibility to balance personal commitments with rigorous academic training in reading assessment and diagnosis.

Facilities such as the Centre for Literacy and Reading Instruction offer students a unique space for hands-on practice under expert supervision. The curriculum is deeply rooted in equity frameworks, encouraging educators to elevate the achievement of culturally and linguistically diverse student populations. This focus ensures graduates are leaders in inclusive education.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 12870 per semester
National fee: USD 12870 per semester
Local fee: USD 5655 per semester

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

Syllabus

The curriculum consists of 33 credits of required coursework and 3 credits of electives. Modules may include:

Classroom Literacy Assessment and Instruction
Literacy Leadership, Coaching and Assessment
Clinic-Based Practicum in Teaching Literacy
School-Based Practicum in Teaching Literacy
Improving Instruction in Elementary Language Arts
Language, Literacy, and Culture
Literature for Children and Young People
Literature for Young Adults
Literacy Acquisition and Instruction PreK-2
Childhood Literacy Methods
Middle Childhood-Adolescent Literacy Methods

Careers with Literacy Specialist

Graduates of this programme are prepared for specialised roles within the education sector, primarily serving as literacy specialists in public or private schools. The training provided by the University at Buffalo enables educators to take on leadership positions, such as literacy coaches or curriculum coordinators.

By obtaining the institutional recommendation for New York State certification, alumni are qualified to work with students across all grade levels. The expertise gained in diagnosis and evaluation also opens opportunities in clinical settings and educational consultancies focused on reading difficulties and language development.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Literacy Acquisition & Instruction Pre-K/2

Childhood Literacy Methods

Middle Childhood/Adolescent Literacy Methods

Language, Literacy and Culture

Improving Instruction in Elementary Language Arts

Classroom Literacy Assessment & Instruction

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months
Part-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-22 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-05-27 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-15 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-07-15 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

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Credits

36 SCH

36-37

Delivered

On Campus, Online

Campus Location

Buffalo, United States

Disciplines

Special Education Teaching Literacy Education View 213 other Masters in Literacy Education 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

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

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

To be eligible for this program, you must have applied for, or received, initial New York State teacher certification

You must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution

Application fee: A $50 non-refundable application fee

Test scores

Contact information for two individuals who will each be asked to provide an electronic recommendation letter

Unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended

Statement of education and career goals

Official original proof of your degree

A course-by-course transcript evaluation by a NACES member organization

A copy of your passport biographical page

Official test scores for either the TOEFL, the IELTS or PTE

Financial documentation

An official bank statement

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

25740 USD / year

≈ 25740 USD / year
Out-of-State

25740 USD / year

≈ 25740 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

11310 USD / year

≈ 11310 USD / year

Living costs

Buffalo

United States

920 - 1560 USD / month

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

Financing

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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 Literacy Specialist.

Available Scholarships

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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

Living costs

Buffalo

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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