The Master of Arts in Literacy Education prepares teachers for leadership in education through immersion in the theory, research, and best practice of literacy development across the lifespan. The first seven courses (17 credits) prepare classroom teachers for licensure as a Minnesota or Wisconsin Reading Teacher and may be taken as a stand-alone program. The reading licensure preparation courses are designed to be completed in 15 months through weekend and summer classes. Those who wish to earn a master's degree in Literacy Education continue with seven additional courses that focus on reading and writing development across the lifespan and within different cultures. Courses are offered through summer institutes, a work-based practicum, and weekend/online sessions during the school year. Candidates for the degree choose and develop a topic of interest across multiple courses, culminating in presentation of a research project.