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Literacy and Multilingual Studies, M.S.

Master of Science
  • 30 Credits
  • School of Education
  • Bronx
  • Manhattan
  • Online
  • Westchester
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Literacy and Multilingual Studies Overview

The Literacy and Multilingual Studies M.S. Program aims to develop teacher candidates with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions for effective teaching and learning in diverse settings. This innovative program provides teacher candidates with a comprehensive foundation in both traditional and new literacy theories and pedagogies. 

The courses in the program reflect the principles highlighted by the Science of Reading and adhere to the learning standards of Literacy and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Equipped with science-based approaches and strategies, teacher candidates in the program will learn how to foster students’ development of speaking, listening, reading, writing, and cultural competencies. 

Our foundational courses are aligned with the key components of the Science of Reading.

Dual and Tri Certification Tracks

Dual Certification

  • Literacy: 5 courses
  • TESOL: 5 courses 

Tri Certification

  • Literacy: 5 courses
  • TESOL: 5 courses
  • Bilingual Extension: 3 courses

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Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program will evolve into critical and reflective practitioners, adept at meeting the needs of diverse learners, including English Language Learners, in inclusive or mainstream classrooms, whether in urban or suburban settings. 

Graduates can be certified* in:

  • Literacy (all grades) 
  • ESOL (all grades) 
  • Bilingual Extension (through additional coursework, 9 credits)

*CST test and other requirements are needed for each certificate

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Earn an Extra $39,068*

Average Pay

*Over a 20-year career
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30 Total Credits

Credits to Earn Your Degree

Classes in Language Development and Literacy Acquisition, Literacy Instruction to Students with Disabilities, Teaching Writing and the Writing Process, Child and Adolescent Literature
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2 Certification Tracks

Dual or Tri Certification

The program has options for dual (2) certification and tri (3) certification.

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The Mercy Advantage

We have strong relationships with elementary and secondary schools across New York City and Westchester, ensuring that when students graduate they are prepared with experience and professional contacts.

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Alumni Benefit

Earn Your Master's With Five Additional Courses

Mercy alumni who have completed their Literacy, Advanced Certificate or TESOL, Advanced Certificate at Mercy can use those credits toward a master's degree. With just five extra courses they'll be able to complete the Literacy and Multilingual Studies, M.S. program. 

Admissions Requirements

  • Teaching Certificate
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Official transcripts
  • ¸éé²õ³Ü³¾Ã©
  • Effective Educator Statement

Additional Program Requirements 
Fieldwork experiences pertinent to the grade level of the certificate are required. Degree-seeking candidates must pass the Content Specialty Test in Literacy within 27 credits of course registration. For those who seek for TESOL certificate must have documentation of 12 college level credits in a language other than English, and successful completion of the Content Specialty Test in ESOL. 


Frequently Asked Questions

Most schools have literacy positions at all levels including emergent literacy, early childhood, childhood education and literacy for adolescents. Also: reading teacher, literacy coach, and remedial reading/writing specialist. Our graduates also remain elementary or secondary classroom teachers who have strong competence in classroom literacy instruction and assessment.

Yes. Schools need teachers who are highly trained in literacy. The recent emphasis on literacy in national and state education agendas requires that our elementary, middle and high schools employ highly qualified literacy teachers and specialists.

Yes. An initial certification from New York State or an equivalent certification from another state is required.

More than just how to teach students to read. You’ll learn about the background and foundations of literacy, practices for emergent literacy, English language learners, and teaching students with disabilities, as well as child and adolescent literature, content area reading and writing, literacy assessment, and research techniques.

Program Details & Curriculum

Total Credits: 30 credits
Literacy and TESOL courses: 

  • EDUC 505 Teaching English as a Second Language (Offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer)  EDUC 522 Language Development and Literacy Acquisition (Offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer) 
  • EDUC 561 Literacy Instruction for Students with Special Needs  
  • EDUC 504 Cultural Perspectives and Teaching with Literature (Offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer) 
  • EDUC 590 Approaches and Theories of Teaching Writing  
  • EDUC 659* Practicum in Literacy Assessment, All Grades (in the second semester or after 9 credits) 
  • EDUC 643 Literacy in Content Areas  
  • EDUC 629 Modern English Structure and Teaching English as a Second Language 
  • EDUC 636 Methods and Materials of Teaching English as a Second Language 
  • EDUC 707** Mentoring Seminar in TESOL (in the last semester) 

Bilingual Education Extension Courses: 

  • EUDC 508 Theory and Practices of Bilingual Education 
  • EDUC 509 Linguistics and Language Development 
  • EDUC 604 Mathematics and Science in Bilingual Education Field Experience  

 

By the end of the program, teacher candidates will be able to: 

1. Integrate theoretical knowledge and practical application to facilitate literacy development and language acquisition, and to create effective learning environments. 

2. Provide targeted instruction for students at different levels, employing diverse methods in teaching literacy, native language arts, and catering to the needs of diverse learners, including English Language Learners. 

3. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding and application of approaches in second language teaching, recognizing the significance and impact of culture and cultural identity on student learning. 

4. Use technology and assessment data to make informed instructional decisions for students, and effectively communicate student learning and growth to parents, caregivers, and school personnel. 

5. Exhibit professional dispositions to evolve into reflective teachers and leaders in the field of literacy and language education, contributing to both the school and the broader community.

Students must submit an Effective Educator Statement to complete their application. You can download requirements here. 

Please submit the completed statement to your . 

Full-Time Faculty

Part-Time Faculty

For curriculum & program information, contact Dr. Mi-Hyun Chung at mchung@mercy.edu

Mercy School of Education has been nationally accredited with CAEP.