Educational Studies Concentration, Literacy Education Specialization
Literacy is a core value embedded in societies and relates to academic performance, professional career and citizenship. At the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT) we support educators who strive to make a difference in their learners’ lives and future careers. Thus, we work with educators and administrators to enhance their understanding on how reading and writing develop, and on ways to support learners from the initial stages of reading, spelling, writing, and thinking acquisition to later stages of critical thinking through technology, writing, while promoting self-regulation, motivation, and a growth mindset.
The MS in Teacher Education, Educational Studies Concentration, Literacy Education Specialization is for licensed teachers who are interested in advancing their knowledge about elementary education or are preparing to teach on the post-secondary level. It does not lead to teacher licensure. It is possible to incorporate coursework leading to completion of an appropriate graduate certificate program (i.e., Literacy Specialist) into the degree.
| MS in Teacher Education, Educational Studies Concentration, Literacy Education Specialization | Credit Hours |
| Required Courses | |
| TPTE 517 | 3 |
| ETEC 586 or ETEC 587 (or other approved technology course) | 3 |
| Approved Research Course | |
| Suggested: EDPY 505, EDPY 506, EDPY 550, ESM 577, ESM 583 | 3 |
| Concentration: Literacy Education Specialist Certificate | 12 minimum |
| Additional Course Requirements | |
| For Thesis Option: | |
| TPTE 500 | 6 |
| Related Studies | 6 |
| For Course-Only with Examination Option: | |
| Related Studies | 12 |
| For Both Options: | |
| Two-thirds of total credit hours for MS degree must be 500-level or above |
Literacy education faculty host free virtual literacy series (#UTLitSeries)! Sessions occur once a Month and have a one-hour duration. Topics address literacy development and instruction (e.g., phonological awareness components with practices, oral language). Be sure to check out our social media pages for more information on topics and faculty hosts. All sessions are offered via Zoom, and are open to educators, parents, and policymakers. You may also access previous recordings at
Contact Information
If you have questions about the program or the course of study, please contact: Zoi A. Traga Philippakos at zphilipp@utk.edu
A222 Jane & David Bailey Education Complex
1126 Volunteer BoulevardKnoxville, TN 37996
Phone: 865-974-1920
