Master of Education, M.Ed., Reading and Writing Concentration

General Information *updated* 10/30/17

www.smu.edu/MEd

The M.Ed. program is offered in four formats–an M.Ed. for which students must specialize in one or two areas, an M.Ed. with a concentration in reading and writing, an M.Ed. in educator preparation, and an M.Ed. in special education. The admission requirements are the same for all four formats and appear at the end of this M.Ed. section.

The M.Ed. with a concentration in reading and writing is designed to meet the needs of practicing teachers and to prepare teachers for leadership in the implementation of the multitiered model of reading instruction currently being put into effect in schools in Texas and across the country. The program is one of nine university teacher-training programs that have been reviewed and recognized by the International Dyslexia Association for meeting the IDA Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading.

Participants enter as members of a cohort and progress in a sequenced manner through the required 36 hours of coursework and field experiences. The program is selective and intense, offering well-qualified and motivated individuals the opportunity to develop a high level of expertise in teaching reading and writing and to prepare for leadership positions in bringing evidence-based practices in reading and writing to their campuses. The structure of the program is designed to accommodate practicing teachers. New cohorts will begin in the fall term.

Students must complete 36 hours of graduate study within six years of beginning the program. All students must take the same sequence of courses, including 12 hours of core and 24 hours of reading and writing courses.

Admission Requirements *updated* 10/30/17

Before enrolling in the M.Ed. program, all students must provide the following:

1. An official sealed transcript of academic work that reflects a baccalaureate degree with a minimum 3.000 overall GPA. Transcripts from countries outside the U.S. must be accompanied by an official evaluation of the transcript by an SMU-recognized evaluation agency. No copies will be accepted. Applicants not meeting the 3.000 GPA requirement must request an exemption in writing and provide proof of other qualifications, such as long-term experience or expertise in a related specialized field, as a justification for admission.
2. For applicants from countries where the predominant language is not English, official scores (earned within the previous five years) on the TOEFL English language proficiency test administered by the Educational Testing Service or the IELTS English competency test. The minimum TOEFL score for admission is 550 on a pencil-and-paper test or 92 on the Internet-based test. The IELTS minimum score is 6.5. The M.Ed. program is a part-time program and as such does not qualify as a suitable educational experience for an international student on a student visa. As evidence of financial support, foreign students must provide a Certification of Finance Form/Letter of Financial Backing. (This applies to students who are not awarded a scholarship.) This should represent that sufficient money will be available to the applicant to cover all expenses while at the University. This letter may be signed by a parent or sponsor but must be certified by a bank. The document must be notarized and on file before the process for visas and passport can proceed.
3. A completed application and a $35 nonrefundable application fee payable to SMU: Department of Teaching and Learning.
4. Letters of recommendation and written essays may be required for admission to particular programs of study. Visit the Teaching and Learning website at www.smu.edu/teacher for specific admission requirements.