MA in Literacy, Language, and Culture
Earn a Master of Arts in Literacy, Language, and Culture
North Park's School of Education is leading the way in Illinois with this new, multifaceted graduate degree program to prepare educators for increasingly diverse learning communities. Nationwide, English Language Learners (ELLs) represent 10 percent of total public school enrollment. Illinois public schools serve students speaking 139 distinct languages. These classroom trends are increasing the focus on literacy education and best practices in teaching non-native English-speaking students. More school districts are requiring teachers to obtain ESL/ELL and bilingual endorsements.
The Master of Arts in Literacy, Language, and Culture (MALLC) will help you broaden your skill set and critical knowledge to be successful in a range of educational settings.This program offers you the opportunity to:
- Examine the social, political, and cultural dimensions of diversity in school settings
- Analyze the current research and theories surrounding bilingual education
- Study basic principles of linguistics and literacy education, including how children acquire language
- Develop theoretical foundations and a personal framework for teaching a second language
- Understand second-language teaching methods, best clinical practices, and assessment techniques
- Explore the use of technology and multimedia tools for dynamic language learning
Program
The MALLC is designed for current elementary and secondary teachers who work with linguistically and culturally diverse learners in multiple educational contexts. Certified teachers will have an opportunity to obtain the English as a Second Language (ESL) endorsement as well as the bilingual endorsements (if fluent in a language recognized by the ISBE).
The coursework for this program consists of 11 core courses and a capstone course, for a total of 34 semester hours. The MALLC can generally be completed in two years. Classes are held at North Park's Chicago campus and offered evenings, Saturdays, and during the summer. Each course is eight weeks long.
Admission Requirements
North Park's rolling admission process allows us to accept applications right up until classes begin. Along with meeting all the admission requirements for graduate teaching programs at North Park University, candidates for the MALLC must also submit proof of a valid teaching certificate.
Apply Today
Start the admissions process today, which includes an online application.
To learn more, contact Linda Pastorello, assistant director of admissions, via email or at (773) 244-5613.