CAGS in Developmental Studies

Literacy & Language Education

The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) is designed for professionals who hold a master’s degree in education or a related field and who wish to increase their knowledge of research, theory, and practice in literacy and language.

A program of 32 credits comprises study of literacy and language acquisition and at least one research course. A final project that affords the candidate the opportunity to apply research and theory to practice completes the course of study.

About the Literacy & Language Specialization

The Literacy & Language Education specialization is designed for graduate students interested in research and practice in literacy and language in public and nonpublic education settings. The course of study addresses research and theory that informs the acquisition, development, and use of language and literacy in home, school, and community settings.

Most of the students who enroll in the Literacy & Language Education specialization are interested in practice, research, or policymaking in public or private educational settings. Those who enter the program are diverse in background experience: some are licensed educators with experience in public school settings; others hold undergraduate or graduate degrees in fields other than education and have had experiences in various educational settings, including private or community education settings or organizations such as Peace Corps and Teach for America. Many are international students whose experiences are in public or private school settings in their own countries.

The Literacy & Language Education specialization does not offer students the opportunity to meet state licensure requirements. Therefore, students in Literacy & Language Education are not required to complete the field experiences required to meet licensure requirements. Students who wish to earn a state teaching licensure should explore the EdM in TESOL (licensure) or the EdM in Reading Education.

Program Requirements

Core Coursework (28 cr)

In consultation with your academic advisor, students design a course of study.

Research Coursework (4 cr)

All graduate students in the Wheelock College of Education & Human Development are required to take one research course. Students choose from the following:

• SED RS 600 Introduction to Research (4 cr)
• SED RS 652 Qualitative Research Methods (4 cr)
• SED RS 653 Quantitative Research Methods (4 cr)

Comprehensive Examination

CAGS candidates must complete a comprehensive task as a capstone experience. The task is intended to advance the candidate’s application of theory and research in a school or community-based setting. It is designed collaboratively with the candidate’s advisor, and may take the form of a thesis, an action research project, a comprehensive plan for a professional development series, or a curriculum-related project.