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Literacy Studies (Grades 5-12), Adv. Cert.

At its September 2022 meeting, the New York State Board of Regents voted to establish the Literacy (All Grades) certification, effective September 28, 2022. The new certification will permit individuals to teach literacy in pre-Kindergarten through grade 12 in New York State public schools. The following Literacy Studies Programs at Hofstra University will be discontinued by September 1, 2026, the MSED Birth-Grade 6, the MSED Grades 5-12, the Advanced Certification B-Grade 6, the Advanced Certification Grades 5-12, and the DUAL SPED/LYST MSED program. Students will only be admitted into the current B-Grade 6 and Grades 5-12 Literacy Studies MSED and AC programs through Spring 2025 and must complete the program of study by August 2026. Students who register after Spring 2025, must apply to the new Literacy Studies (All Grades) programs. Students currently enrolled in the Literacy Studies B-Grade 6 & Grades 5-12 MSED & AC Programs who do not graduate by August 2026 will be required to transition into the new Literacy Studies (All Grades) program. This may lead to additional coursework.

The advanced certificate in literacy studies (Grades 5-12) is designed for certified middle school and high school teachers with a master's degree who want certification in literacy. This program introduces students to contemporary theory and practice in literacy studies, so that they become effective scholar-practitioners who understand and deliver high quality literacy instruction and offer proactive literacy leadership to schools and community agencies. Our program reflects advances in literacy research and policies that are consistent with New York State Board of Regents requirements. The program provides graduate students with the most current understandings of literacy learning theories, pedagogical practices for use with students in early adolescence to grade 12 classrooms, adolescent literature, assessment practices, and literacy support for culturally and linguistically diverse learners, and for students with special needs.

Through face-to-face, hybrid and on-line courses, as well as a depth of field projects and clinical work, our program prepares literacy specialists and classroom teachers to provide support and nurturing of readers and writers, and to facilitate assessment driven instructional planning and professional learning within a school. This program, leading to professional certification for teaching of literacy, prepares students to meet the educational requirements for certification as literacy specialists in early adolescence and adolescent education, grades 5-12. Students are prepared for the following teaching positions:

Classroom teachers with advanced preparation in literacy instruction.
Literacy specialists with advanced preparation in one-on-one and small group instruction in literacy processes.
Literacy specialists prepared to work collaboratively with classroom teachers in designing and implementing effective literacy instruction in inclusive environments.

Intakes

Application Processing Time in Days: 30

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description	IELTS (1.0 -9.0)	TOEFL IBT (0-120)	TOEFL CBT (0-300)	PTE (10-90)
Expert	9	120	297-300	86-90
Very Good	8.5	115-119	280-293	83-86
Very Good	8	110-114	270-280	79-83
Good	7.5	102-109	253-267	73-79
Good	7	94-101	240-253	65-73
Competent	6.5	79-93	213-233	58-65
Competent	6	60-78	170-210	50-58
Modest	5.5	46-59	133-210	43-50
Modest	5	35-45	107-133	36-43
Limited	4	32-34	97-103	30-36
Extremely Limited	< 4	< 31	< 93	< 30

Job Opportunity Potential

Hofstra University students enjoy excellent career prospects, largely due to its proximity to New York City, one of the world’s major business and cultural centers. This location gives students easy access to internships and entry-level positions in finance, technology, media, healthcare, and law. The university’s Career Center supports students with resume reviews, interview preparation, networking events, and career fairs. Strong relationships with local and national employers create opportunities for internships that frequently transition into permanent roles. Students in business, communications, and STEM fields benefit from programs aligned with in-demand industries. International students can take advantage of Curricular Practical Training (CPT) during their studies and Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation, with STEM students eligible for extended OPT. On-campus jobs and research assistantships provide additional practical experience. The university’s alumni network offers mentorship and guidance, helping graduates navigate job markets effectively. Hofstra alumni have secured positions with major corporations, startups, and leading organizations in New York and beyond. Overall, Hofstra equips students with both the skills and opportunities needed for successful careers.

PSW Opportunity

Post-Study Work visa or permit, allowing international students on F-1 visas to work in the US after completing their studies, typically through Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Eligibility:
To be eligible for OPT, students must have been enrolled full-time in a US educational institution for at least one academic year and be seeking work related to their major.

Duration:
Students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT, either before they finish their studies (pre-completion) or after graduation (post-completion).

STEM OPT:
Students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields can apply for an extended OPT period of up to 24 months.

Contact our PSA counselor for more information

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

International students are invited to apply to Hofstra using the appropriate application system for their program of interest (more details are available on our application page). In addition to required applicant materials (which vary by program), international students must provide proof of English Language proficiency. Permanent residents who have been living in the US for a minimum of 3 years are exempt from this requirement. Acceptable means of proficiency include:

TOEFL Exam, minimum 80*
IELTS Exam, minimum 6.5*
PTEA Exam, minimum 53*
ITEP Exam, minimum 4*
ELS 112 Certificate
Bachelor’s or graduate degree from a regionally accredited US Institution
Bachelor’s or graduate degree from an institution whose language of instruction is English
Bachelor’s or graduate degree from English Speaking Countries (Australia, Canada [except Quebec/Montreal], Irish Republic, New Zealand and United Kingdom)
Bachelor’s or graduate degree from Africa Anglophone countries (Botswana, Cameroon, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Melawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe)
Bachelor’s or graduate degree from Commonwealth Caribbean Anglophone countries (Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, and Turks and Caicos).

*Some graduate programs require a higher level of proficiency.

We are also accepting the following exams and proof of English proficiency for applicants who are unable to meet one of the above requirements:

TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition
IELTS Indicator
Duolingo score of 120 or higher

If you do not meet the criteria above, please contact our office at graduateinternational@hofstra.edu or explore opportunities for pathway program admission through INTO Hofstra.

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Hofstra University

Long Island, New York, United States