| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-06-01 | - |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2024-12-01 | - |
| 2025-03-01 | - |
| 2025-06-01 | - |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
| 2025-12-01 | - |
| 2026-03-01 | - |
| 2026-06-01 | - |
| 2026-09-01 | - |
| 2026-12-01 | - |
| 2027-03-01 | - |
| 2027-06-01 | - |
| 2027-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Literacy Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) is a graduate program designed to enhance literacy knowledge and prepare individuals for career advancement or further academic study. It offers two tracks: Comprehensive Exam (PhD) Track and Inquiry Project Track, allowing students to customize their plan of study. The program emphasizes critical analysis, research skills, leadership development, and professional development opportunities, preparing graduates for diverse careers in literacy education.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Literacy Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS)
This program is designed for individuals who want to broaden their knowledge of literacy education and prepare for career advancement or further academic study. It is offered both to full-time students and working teachers. The program can be completed part-time through online and/or evening classes, allowing working professionals to apply their learnings directly in their classrooms.
Objectives:
- Foster deeper understanding of broad and specific aspects of literacy theory, research, practice, and policy.
- Equip students with critical analysis, interpretation, and application of research skills.
- Develop leadership skills and collaborative inquiry for promoting literacy.
- Prepare graduates for careers aligned with their expertise and qualifications.
Program Description:
- Offers two tracks: Comprehensive Exam (PhD) Track and Inquiry Project Track.
- Accommodates customization through a self-designed plan of study to achieve individual goals.
- Provides opportunities for professional development through teaching assistance, research projects, and scholarly presentations.
- Requires 30 graduate credits, with the option to transfer up to 21 credits in literacy subjects and 9 credits in allied courses.
Outline:
Comprehensive Exam (PhD) Track:
- Focuses on preparing students for the doctoral comprehensive exam in literacy.
- Covers topics such as literacy and society, literacy and schooling, and literacy across the lifespan.
- Includes coursework in reading, professional education, and research methodology.
- Culminates in taking the comprehensive exam (Part A).
Inquiry Project Track:
- Offers flexibility for students pursuing diverse goals in literacy education.
- Covers similar topics as the PhD track, with more options for choosing specific areas of focus.
- Emphasizes research skills and culminates in an inquiry project (3-9 credits).
Both Tracks:
- Require 21 credits in reading courses, 6 credits in professional education, and 6 credits in research methodology.
Assessment:
- The program utilizes various assessment methods, likely including:
- Exams and assignments for individual courses
- Defense of the inquiry project (for the Inquiry Project Track)
- Performance in teaching or research assistant roles
- Participation in scholarly activities and presentations
Teaching:
- The program likely employs a variety of teaching methods, potentially including:
- Lectures and discussions
- Group work and collaborative projects
- Case studies and simulations
- Independent research and analysis
- Technology-based learning tools
- Faculty are likely experienced researchers and educators in literacy education.
- The program may also offer unique teaching approaches, such as:
- Blending online and in-person instruction
- Utilizing field experiences and internships
Careers:
- Graduates are prepared for diverse careers in literacy education, with potential roles including:
- Literacy Coach
- Education Consultant
- Post-Secondary Teacher
- School Administrator
- Curriculum Developer
- Literacy Researcher
- The program provides graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in these fields and make significant contributions to the advancement of literacy education.
Other:
- The program offers a professional development certificate, which can be valuable for career advancement.
- Graduates typically earn high salaries, with median annual salaries for various roles exceeding $70,000.
Overview:
University at Albany, also known as the University at Albany - State University of New York, is a public research university located in Albany, New York. It is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system and has a long history, having been established in 1844. The university is known for its diverse academic programs, strong research focus, and commitment to public engagement.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Provides guidance and support to students in choosing courses, planning their academic careers, and navigating university resources.Libraries:
Offers access to a vast collection of books, journals, databases, and other research materials.Career Services:
Assists students in exploring career options, developing job search skills, and connecting with potential employers.Student Life:
Provides opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events.Residential Life:
Offers on-campus housing options for students, fostering a sense of community and providing support services.Dining:
Provides a variety of dining options on campus, catering to different dietary needs and preferences.Athletics:
Offers a variety of intercollegiate sports programs for students to participate in or cheer for.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at University at Albany can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events. The campus is located in a city setting, providing easy access to cultural attractions, entertainment venues, and dining options.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Diverse Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, allowing students to pursue their interests and career goals.Strong Research Focus:
The university is a leading research institution, providing students with opportunities to engage in research projects and collaborate with faculty experts.Commitment to Public Engagement:
The university is deeply committed to serving the community and addressing societal challenges through research, outreach, and public service initiatives.Faculty Access:
The university has a low student-faculty ratio, ensuring that students have ample opportunities to interact with and learn from their professors.Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
Over 50 undergraduate majors across various disciplines, including the arts, sciences, humanities, social sciences, business, education, and engineering.Graduate Programs:
A wide range of graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees, in fields such as business, education, public health, criminal justice, and the sciences.Online Learning:
Offers a variety of online courses and programs for students who prefer flexible learning options.Other:
The university has a strong alumni network, with over 195,000 alumni who support the university and its students. The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, focusing on areas such as nanotechnology, public health, and environmental science.
