Literacy Studies (Birth-Grade 6 or Grades 5-12), MSEd
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 MSED program in Literacy Studies is designed to guide certified teachers in becoming literacy specialists who deliver high-quality literacy instruction, and who offer literacy and curriculum leadership to schools and school districts. Our program reflects advances in literacy research and policies that are consistent with the 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 childhood to grade 12 classrooms, children's and 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 online 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. Graduate students in the Literacy Studies program meet the educational requirements for certification as literacy teachers in early childhood and childhood education, birth through grade 6, or middle childhood and adolescence, grade 5 through grade 12.
Intakes
- Jan
- Aug
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.
- Course Type: Full Time
- Course Level: Masters/PG Degree
- Duration: 02 Year
-
Total Tuition Fee:
116672 USD
Average Cost of Living: 14000 USD /year
Application Fee: 75 USD
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