READING SPECIALIST PROGRAM OF STUDY
September 2008
PITTSBURG STATE UNIVERSITY
MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN READING
Reading Specialist Licensure Pre-K - 12
The Master of Science Degree in Reading (Reading Specialist Licensure PreK-12 choice) is offered with two Options,
both of which prepare the teacher for Reading Specialist Licensure. Candidates may choose from Option I or Option
III, both of which are described fully in the University Catalog. Option I requires 39 hours which includes a thesis;
Option III requires 39 hours of coursework, and no thesis is required. Candidates should read the University Catalog
information and then consult with their advisor about which plan to follow. Initial Licensure may be granted by the state
with two years of teaching experience and completion of this Master’s Degree. Following graduation, a year long
district administered mentoring program is required by the state to successfully complete the performance assessment
to upgrade to a professional license.
Program Guide
I.
COURSES TO BE TAKEN TO MEET DEPARTMENTAL GENERAL
REQUIREMENTS: (Option I - 15 hours; Option III - 15 hours)
A.
RESEARCH: Option I - 6 semester hours required (See courses listed below.)
Option III - Methods of Research (3 semester hours) required.
CURIN 890
CURIN 891
B.
UNDERSTANDING THE INDIVIDUAL: Option I and Option III - 6 semester hours
required. (See courses listed below.)
SSLS 738
CURIN 854
C.
Research and Thesis
Methods of Research
Characteristics of Students with Adaptive Learning Needs
Advanced Methods and Instructional Materials for
English Language Learners
UNDERSTANDING THE SCHOOL: Option I - Apprenticeship (3 semester hours)
required.
Option III - Apprenticeship (3 semester hours) required, plus
three additional semester hours. (See choices below.)
CURIN 874
Apprenticeship in Reading (required for both options)
(All 24 hours of reading courses must be completed prior to this course.)
Option III - Choose three additional hours from among these courses:
CURIN 869
CURIN 850
CURIN 843
SSLS 888
SSLS 835
II.
Literacy Topics and Trends
Current Teaching Practices
Trends and Issues
Foundations of Education
Elementary and Middle School Curriculum
COURSES IN READING: (Option I and Option III - All 24 hours required)
CURIN 720
CURIN 870
CURIN 871
CURIN 872
CURIN 873
CURIN 834
CURIN 845
Content Literacy for Middle and Secondary Teachers
Developmental Reading Instruction
Diagnosis of Reading Difficulties
Methods and Materials in Remedial Reading
Practicum in the Diagnosis and Remediation of Reading Difficulties *
Advanced Children’s and Young Adult Literature
Approaches to Teaching Writing
READING SPECIALIST PROGRAM OF STUDY
CURIN 848
Advanced Language Arts
* CURIN 870, 871, 872 are prerequisites for CURIN 873.
Reading Specialist Licensure Pre-K - 12
Additional Information
MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN READING, resulting in preparation for the Reading Specialist Licensure for the
state of Kansas.
NOTE: There are five important procedural steps which are the candidate’s responsibility while pursuing a
master’s degree:
1. The candidate must apply for and be admitted to a degree program through the Office of Graduate Studies.
2. The candidate must apply for candidacy in conference with his/her advisor.
3. The candidate must petition the Graduate Office to graduate.
4. The candidate must complete a portfolio during his/her last semester of enrollment.
5. The candidate must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 or above at the time of licensure.
At least one-half of all hours must be 800 level courses or above.
For general regulations regarding a master’s degree, consult the University Catalog.
Specific regulations include the following:
1. A maximum of nine (9) semester hours may be transferred from another accredited graduate school.
2. All credits toward the degree must be earned in the six years prior to and including the year in which the candidate
receives the degree. Courses up to ten years old may be validated. Courses older than ten years will not be
accepted.
3. A minimum of 39 hours is required for both Option I and Option III of this degree.
See the University Catalog for complete details.
4. A portfolio will be submitted as a requirement for program completion.
5. The Praxis exam for Reading Specialist must be taken and passed prior to initial licensure.
6. A Master’s Degree is required prior to initial licensure.
7. Admission to candidacy is required for all candidates and must be completed upon 15 hours of coursework.
Consult your advisor.
8. Each candidate is responsible for filing an application (petition) to graduate with the Dean of Graduate Studies.
Applications must be filed no later than four weeks prior to the granting of the degree.
9. Candidates may not apply for candidacy and graduate in the same semester.
10. If you plan to seek Missouri or Oklahoma certification or licensure, please contact the
State Department of Education in those states for specific requirements.
See catalog for specific information.
Important: You must hold a valid five-year professional teaching license to be eligible for a reading specialist
license.