Loyola's graduate programs in literacy education prepare educators to help children develop critical reading, writing, listening, speaking, and viewing skills and knowledge necessary to navigate their worlds both inside and outside school. Founded on principles of research, theory, and practice, our courses call on sociocultural and developmental theoretical perspectives in literacy to enhance teachers' understanding of the reading-writing-learning connections that allow students from diverse backgrounds to become confident, successful learners. True to Loyola's Jesuit roots, we focus on literacy as a social justice issue and a right for all children in public and private schools, with the knowledge that literacy is the focus of all educational endeavors. Our orientation toward literacy focuses on the many "ways" that people read and write in their lives, with specific attention to the cultural and social practices or activities that shape people's interaction with texts and contexts.

Graduate students can choose between an M.Ed. with certification as a reading specialist and an M.Ed. in Literacy Education. These programs are aligned with the national standards for the preparation of reading professionals, as established by the International Reading Association and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). The reading specialist program is based on a reflexive practitioner model that includes two capstone courses in action research and a supervised practicum, where candidates conduct full diagnostic assessments, prepare individualized instruction programs, work with students, evaluate the effects of the instruction, and write complete case studies for each student.

Here you’ll find everything you need to apply to the graduate program of your choice at Loyola University Maryland—including the application process and program requirements for the specific program you’re interested in, as well as an online application.

Interested in taking a closer look at Loyola? Here you can find the dates and times for information sessions. When you attend one of our information sessions, you can get answers to any questions you have about applying and enrolling in the graduate program of your choice within the School of Education.