Literacy Education: Online Master’s Degree
Application process
Application deadlines
- April 1 for fall admission (classes beginning in August)
- October 1 for spring admission (classes beginning in January)
- March 1 for summer admission (classes beginning in June).
Application process
Click on the following headings for more information. Applicants must submit the following items in order to be considered for the Master’s program:
Graduate School Application
New Applicants or Students enrolled as Post-baccalaureate
New applicants to the University of Missouri-Columbia or students who have been previously enrolled through MU Direct as post-baccalaureate must submit an Application for Graduate Admission (Online Application).
- A non-refundable application-processing fee ($45 U.S. for U.S. citizens and permanent residents; $60 U.S. for non-resident internationals) is required of all new applicants.
- Indicate the following:
- Degree: Master of Education (M Ed)
- Program: Curriculum and Instruction (C & I)
- Emphasis: Learning and Instruction
Current MU Undergraduate Students
Currently enrolled undergraduate students at MU should submit the Transfer of Division Form along with other degree program admission materials directly to the degree program in lieu of the application for admission.
Former MU Graduate Students
If you are a former MU graduate student, complete a Request to Re-enroll for Graduate Studies form available online.
International Students
International applicants should review admission options prior to submitting an application.
Official Transcripts
Official transcripts of all previous college work at institutions other than MU, undergraduate and graduate. It is recommended that the online Graduate School application be completed prior to submitting your transcripts.
The Personal Data Sheet and Statement of Purpose
This form includes pertinent biographical information, especially professional experience. In answering Statement of Purpose (No. 28), please state your professional goals, including career objectives, your motivation for graduate work and other pertinent information.
Letters of Reference
- If your GPA is 3.0 or better, letters of reference are not necessary.
- Students who do not have a 3.0 or higher on their undergraduate GPA (last 60 hours) will be required to submit three reference letters.
- International students will need to submit three letters of recommendation.
Letters should attest to your professional competence, academic preparation and potential for graduate work. Ideally, one letter should be from a college or university professor who can discuss your academic abilities and one should be from an administrator or colleague who can describe authoritatively your professional experience and potential.
Letter of Reference Form (PDF)
Application Material Check List
Submit the following items to the Graduate School:
- Graduate Online Application.
- Official Transcripts.
- TOEFL Scores: Institution code: 6875 (if applicable).
- Graduate School
- 210 Jesse Hall
- Columbia, MO 65211
- Phone: 1-800-877-6312 or 573-882-6311
Submit the following items to the Department of Learning, Teaching & Curriculum:
- Personal Data Sheet/Statement of Purpose
- Letters of Reference (if applicable)
- Director of Graduate Studies
- Department of Learning, Teaching & Curriculum
- Attn: Fran Colley
- University of Missouri-Columbia
- 303 Townsend Hall
- Columbia, MO 65211
- Phone: 573-882-6462
Upon Acceptance to the Degree Program (M-1 Form)
Once you have been accepted into the M Ed program you will receive a letter from the academic department’s graduate studies program. This letter will include your academic adviser's name. Contact your academic adviser to discuss your program of study. The Graduate School requires that the M-1 Program of Study (PDF) form be completed.
This form provides the student, the department and the Graduate School with a plan for all course work, transfer credit and research hours that will comprise a student's program of study. The Graduate School requests that the Program of Study form be filed by the end of the student's second semester of enrollment or beginning of the second year.
Course numbers and titles must match exactly to what is listed on the student’s transcripts--or the Graduate School will not approve the M-1 form. If changes must be made on a student's Program of Study form, a Program of Study Substitution form is used.
If you are not sure what course work you have taken, please contact the Department of Learning, Teaching and Curriculum to have a courtesy copy of your transcripts sent to you. M-1 forms that are incorrectly or incompletely filled out will be returned to the student and may delay graduation.
Questions should be directed to Fran Colley, graduate studies program secretary, at ColleyF@missouri.edu or 573-882-6462.
Mail or fax the completed and signed M-1 form to:
- Department of Learning, Teaching and Curriculum
- Attention: Fran Colley
- 303 Townsend Hall
- University of Missouri-Columbia
- Columbia, MO 65211
- Fax: (573) 884-2917
Please feel free to submit any other materials that you feel would provide a clearer picture of your qualifications. The Admissions Committee, which meets each semester, evaluates the credentials of each applicant. As soon as your file is complete, it will be referred to the committee for review at its next scheduled meeting.
NOTE: The department cannot assure admission to all applicants who meet minimum standards specified for the degree program. Resource constraints do not permit the admission of all qualified applicants.
