Reading and Language, M.A.

Program Director: Tara Warmerdam, Ed.D.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Candidates develop a strong, coherent vision of a culture of literacy at school and community levels which acknowledges that language and literacy experiences are individual and that cultural contexts impact instruction and learning.
2. Candidates articulate the reciprocal nature of language, reading and writing processes in the development of effective literacy practices and demonstrate an understanding of the power of language and literacy competency in shaping their students' academic identities and social capital.
3. Candidates will demonstrate an understanding of contrasting theories of learning and literacy from several perspectives—sociological, psychological, linguistic—and how these contrasting theories of learning are a reflection of the broader debates in literacy education.
4. Based on an analysis of current, high quality literacy research, candidates will create effective literacy learning environments strongly rooted in a theoretical base, that engage all students including English Language Learners, and design and carry out appropriate literacy instruction based on the needs of individual students, including struggling readers/writers
5. Candidates develop a repertoire of assessment and evaluation strategies to analyze learners' strengths and next learning steps as readers and writers and create strategic interventions and approaches to support individual literacy development.
6. Candidates will understand 21st Century literacies including a semiotic perspective that embraces a variety of sign systems to enhance the meaning-making process and will be able to articulate how critical pedagogy and critical literacy create a framework for them to enact work in diverse, urban, and multicultural settings.
7. Candidates will articulate understanding of current standards in the field and will demonstrate how to engagingly embed these standards in pedagogical practice.

Admissions Process and Requirements

Admission to the Fresno Pacific University M.A. in Reading and Language program is based on a review of each applicant's academic achievements, work experience, and personal statement by the admission committee.

Application Process

To be considered for admission to the M.A. in Reading and Language program, please submit the following items:

• Completed Application for Admission and $45 non-refundable application fee.
  • Fpu.edu/applygrad
• Official college/university transcript(s) verifying receipt of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and any post-baccalaureate work.
  • If you are currently finishing up your degree, please submit current transcript.
  • A final transcript will need to be submitted before you may enroll in classes.
  • Transcripts can be sent electronically by your institution to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu or via mail in an enveloped sealed by your institution to:

Fresno Pacific University

Office of the Registrar

1717 S. Chestnut Ave

Fresno, CA 93702

• If your cumulative GPA for your bachelor's degree is below a 3.0 (4.0 scale), a letter of explanation is required.
• Reference Form – One reference is required for the MA in Reading and Language program. The reference should attest to your professional qualities and academic qualifications, noting your ability to complete graduate-level work.
  • Form can be found at fpu.edu/graduate-reference
• Statement of Intent – Provide a written statement explaining your interest in the program, long-term goals, and your experience in the field.
• International applicants must submit additional documentation including English Proficiency Score (TOEFL=minimum of 550 PBT or 79 iBT, IELTS=6.5), copy of passport, visa information, and a statement of financial support.

Notification of acceptance will be sent as soon as all necessary documents are on file and have been reviewed by the admissions committee.

Locations Offered

Main Campus Fresno