Reading and Literacy, M.Ed. Deadlines and Timelines
It is the student’s responsibility to keep track of program deadlines.
Apply online at http://apply.embark.com/GRAD/UTPA. 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 Reading and Literacy M.Ed. program.
If you choose Option Two and plan to do a thesis, talk with your advisor soon after your first semester in the program. Refer to the Reading Thesis Manual and the Graduate School thesis website for specific deadlines and procedures.
Two semesters before your anticipated graduation date go to the Graduate School and fill out an Application for Graduation. (E.g.: 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.
During your last semester of coursework you must complete the culminating activity (thesis or portfolio, depending on your option). This must be successfully completed in order to graduate from the program.
Students in Option Three: During your last semester of coursework, complete six hours of test preparation. As soon as you have passed the culminating activity and completed the test preparation, you will be eligible to register for the All-Level Reading Specialist TExES. You must pass this to be a certified Reading Specialist in the State of Texas.
Students who have passed the TExES and met all other program requirements should contact the Office of Teacher Certification and Admission Services for more information regarding certification. 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.
All requirements for the master’s degree must be completed within one seven-year period. Work more than seven years old will not meet graduation requirements.
