The Science of Teaching Reading Certificate (Online)

www.smu.edu/reading

Program Description

The fully online, 12-credit-hour Science of Teaching Reading program provides educators and other stakeholders with the knowledge and evidence-base to effectively teach reading and writing to children and adults. These courses, for non-degree seeking students, prepare individuals to use scientific theory, assessment, instruction, and interventions to impact learning and advance literacy skills. Students elect to pursue the Early-Literacy Focus or the Late Literacy Focus.

Admission Requirements

Before enrolling in the Science of Teaching Reading Certificate program, all students must provide the following:

1. An official sealed transcript of academic work that reflects a baccalaureate degree with a minimum of 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 justification for admission.
2. For applicants from countries where the predominant language is not English, or prior coursework was not delivered in 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. A TOEFL or IELTS waiver may be granted if the student applicant 1) has lived and worked full-time in the US or another country where English is the official language for at least 3 of the past 5 years, or 2) holds an undergraduate or graduate degree from a college or university where English is the official language of instruction.
3. As evidence of financial support, international students (who are not receiving a scholarship) must provide a Certification of Finance Form/Letter of Financial Backing that testifies 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.
4. A completed application and a $40 nonrefundable application fee payable to SMU: Department of Teaching and Learning.
5. A criminal history background check must be submitted with the application.