Students earning the M.A.E with a focus on English Language Arts learn research-based classroom practices and theories of learning that support language and literacy development. They acquire an understanding of the literacy practices that define English language arts and develop facility in promoting those practices. They also consider how current issues in education intersect with literacy. Students may elect a specialization area such as Media Literacy Education (MLE courses are available online) as well as other areas of special interest. The M.A.E degree requires a thesis or project. Students confer with a faculty advisor to design a course of study focused on literacy development that supports their professional goals. The Master’s of Arts in Education with a focus on English language arts/literacy studies includes 30 hours of coursework and the completion of a 3-6 hour research or teaching project in collaboration with a faculty committee.