MA Multilingual and Multicultural Literacy Education

Apply here to get your CA Reading Specialist Added Authorization, CA Reading Specialist and Literacy Leadership Credential, or MA in Multilingual and Multicultural Literacy Education! Fully online! Watch some of our program graduates describe what they learned.

The CA Reading Specialist Added Authorization is two-semesters (four courses) with a focus on TK-12th grade literacy instruction. Upon completion, you will be authorized work at schools as a literacy specialist or interventionist at the grades levels authorized by your credential. 

The CA Reading Specialist and Literacy Leadership Credential is a five-semester (including summer) program that prepares completers to be literacy specialists, coaches, or work at district and county levels in grades twelve and below, including preschool, and in classes primarily for adults. In addition to the courses above, participants take:

The CA Reading Specialist and Literacy Leadership Credential is embedded in the Multilingual and Multicultural Literacy Education (MMLE) MA, a fully online master’s program focused on culturally and linguistically sustaining literacy practices. It combines the technical aspects of literacy instruction (e.g., foundational skills) with multilingual and social justice lenses. Candidates learn to center the needs of traditionally marginalized students and build on their cultural and linguistic wealth.Completers are eligible for both the MA and the Credential upon graduation.

Questions?: contact Dr. Allison Briceno at allison.briceno@sjsu.edu

• Program Overview
• Program Learning Outcomes
• Initial Eligibility and Requirements
• Upcoming Information Sessions
• Steps to Apply
• MMLE Faculty
• Additional Student Resources

Program Overview

• Official Title: Multilingual and Multicultural Literacy, MA
• Format: Part-time, online, evening, cohort, year-round
• Units: 30
• Start date: TBD
• Program length: 2 years / 5 semesters
• Application window: TBD

Initial Eligibility and Requirements

• Completion of the CalState Apply application
• Statement of Purpose:

  In about 2 double-spaced pages, please explain: 

  1. Why you are applying to the Multilingual & Multicultural Literacy MA program and what you hope to get out of it 

  2. What literacy means to you

  3. Your experience teaching literacy, especially to underserved populations such as multilingual students and student with IEPs

  4. Whether you are seeking the Reading Specialist Added Authorization (first 12 units/4 classes) or the Reading and Literacy Leadership Credential (all 30 units) or neither

• Official transcripts, including B.A./B.S. and teaching credential if the applicant has a credential
• Resume
• 2 professional letters of recommendations 
• GPA Minimum: 2.5 
• Candidates interested in the Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist or Added Authorization are also required to meet the following requirements as specified by CTC (leaflet CL-537): 1) hold a valid teaching credential, 2) possess an English Learner Authorization, 3) verification of three years of successful full-time teaching experience, and 4) verification of Basic Skills Requirement if not previously met. Upon completion of the MMLE program and RLAA/RLLS requirements, candidates may apply for the credential through the Credential Services Office. 

Upcoming Information Sessions

Candidates interested in the MMLE Program should attend an information session to learn helpful information about program options, admission requirements, and the application process. 

• Information Session Schedule

Steps to Apply

Step 1 | Begin your Cal State Apply application

Visit calstate.edu/apply to create your SJSU application profile and pay the $70 application fee.

Step 2 | Submit your transcripts

Request one official transcript from each college/university where you studied and have them mailed directly from each college/university to the SJSU Graduate Admissions office at: 

Graduate Admissions and Program Evaluations
San Jose State University 
One Washington Square
San Jose, CA 95192-0017

If the college/university provides official electronic transcripts, the institution can email the transcripts to etranscript@sjsu.edu or graduate@sjsu.edu. Questions pertaining to transcripts, GPA calculations, and application fees should be directed to admissions@sjsu.edu.

Step 3 | Apply to our Teacher Education Department

TBD

MMLE Faculty

Allison Briceño, Ph.D.

MA Program Coordinator / Associate Professor 
allison.briceno@sjsu.edu

Jolynn Asato, Ph.D.

Professor
Sweeney Hall 341 
408 924-3638 
jolynn.asato@sjsu.edu

David Whitenack, Ph.D.

Professor 
408 924-3736 
david.whitenack@sjsu.edu

Additional Student Resources

For information about financial aid opportunities, internship and job opportunities, research opportunities, and more, visit our Student Resources web page.