Deadlines and Timelines

1. Apply online at http://apply.embark.com/GRAD/UTPA. You will need to fill out the online application and also submit some materials directly to the program coordinator. The application process takes some time, so make sure you begin early. You must be accepted by the Graduate School before enrolling for any graduate courses at UTPA. However, acceptance into the UTPA Graduate School does not ensure acceptance into the M.Ed. of Reading program.

 All application materials (including GRE scores) must be submitted by the following deadlines:

2. Once you’ve been accepted into the program meet with your advisor and fill out the degree plan. This must be signed by your advisor and the department chair. A copy of the degree plan will be kept in your file. You should also keep a copy for your own records.

3. Two semesters before your anticipated graduation date revise and update your degree plan. This degree plan must be signed by you, your advisor, the department chair and the Dean of the College of Education. Keep a copy of this for your own records. You’ll need it if you choose to pursue Reading Specialist certification.

4. Two semesters before your anticipated graduation date go to the Graduate School and fill out an Application for Graduation. (If you intend to graduate in May, apply for graduation the summer before). If your graduation date changes later on, you will need to pay a fee and inform the Graduate School of your new graduation date.

5. During your last semester of coursework you must take the written comprehensive exam. At the beginning of the semester, please contact the program coordinator to inform her of your intentions to take the exam. The written comprehensive exam must be passed in order to graduate from the program.

6. After you have passed the written comprehensive exam you are eligible to take the All Level Reading Specialist TExES. The TExES is not a requirement for graduation from the program, but it is required in order to be a certified Reading Specialist in the State of Texas.

7. Students who have passed the TExES should contact the Office of Teacher Certification and Admission Services for more information regarding certification. Their website is http://www.panam.edu/colleges/coe/studentservices/. It is the student’s job to pursue certification. Once a student has graduated from the program and is certified as a Reading Specialist they are also eligible to be certified Master Reading Teachers without taking the MRT exam.