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M.A. in Reading

Apply to the Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential (RLLSC) or the Reading and Literacy Added Authorization (RLAA) program

Upon successful completion of the RLLSC or RLAA candidates will have the option of adding the MA in Reading to their degree objective.


Application Deadline - Fall 2024

October 1, 2023 - June 1, 2024

RLA Program

How to Apply

Apply at www.calstate.edu/apply.

  • Select the term, and click "apply"
  • Sign in, or if a new applicant, create an account
  • From the dashboard, select "Add Program"
  • In the search box, type "Fresno"
  • Scroll down and select "Education -Reading/Language Arts" by clicking on the "+"
  • Select "My application" from the dashboard
  • Compete all four quadrants "Personal Information, Academic History, Supporting Information, and Program Materials"

The following describes in detail the program application requirements in the "Program Materials" section of the Cal State Apply application.  This section must be completed in order to be eligible for consideration for program admission. 

The supplemental program application is located in the "Program Materials" section in Cal State Apply.

In the "Program Materials" section, please upload copies of your unofficial transcripts.  This is for the program application only.

Please note:  For the university application, Graduate Admissions requires official transcripts from ALL colleges attended after high school, including transcripts with your most recently completed courses, are required for admission. 

Fresno State graduates are not required to submit Fresno State transcripts to the Admissions Office.

How do I submit official transcripts? 
Electronic- transcripts sent electronically or as a PDF attachment MUST come directly from the issuing institution. Transcripts emailed by the applicant will not be accepted for admission review. 

Have your institution email transcripts to:
Fresno State Admissions OR Fresno State Division of Graduate Studies
imaging@csufresno.edu*

Hardcopy- transcripts must remain in their original, sealed envelope. 

Transcripts should be mailed to:
Graduate Admissions Office
California State University, Fresno
5150 N. Maple Ave M/S JA57
Fresno, CA 93740-8026

*This is a secure email for transcript submission ONLY. Email any questions regarding your application or transcripts to graduateadmissions@csufresno.edu.

Graduate program applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.75 in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted and a minimum of 2.75 on any Post Baccalaureate work at Fresno State

This is a 1-2 page typed statement of your purpose for applying to the program. Focus on your present situation and your short- and long-term professional goals. The form is included in the program application packet.

The General Program Recommendation with Letter Upload is required to be submitted by your recommender.  Request letters of reference from instructors, supervisors, or other individuals who are in a position to evaluate you in terms of your potential for graduate study in the program.  Three recommendations are required. 

In the "Recommenations" section, you will provide your recommender contact information.  Once you have saved an electronic recommendation, an email request will automatically be sent to the recommender on your behalf.  Please advise your recommender to look for this email in their inbox, as well as their spam or junk-mail folder, as emails do occasionally get filtered out.  

You must meet this requirement by ONE of the following:

  • Obtaining a minimum of a 41+ on the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST) writing portion, or pass all sections of the entire test (provide copy).
  • Passing all 3 sections of the CSET Multiple Subject test and the Writing Skills test (provide copy).
  • Obtaining a minimum passing score on the Upper Division Writing Examination (UDWE).
  • Earning a grade of "B" or better in any "W" course taken at Fresno State. (Note: This course cannot be counted toward your graduate degree.)
  • Substitution request approved by the Graduate Programs Coordinator (Dr. Susana Hernandez) for a course taken at another institution.

To have courses that you have taken at another institution reviewed for substitution, please complete the Writing Competency Substitution Request form.

Please email the form, along with the required docuements to the Renee Petch, the Graduate Admissions Analyst at rpetch@csufresno.edu

Forms may also be submitted in person to the Center for Advising and Student Services, Kremen Building room 100, or they may be mailed to:

Kremen School of Education and Human Development
Center for Advising and Student Services
Attn:  Renee Petch
5005 N. Maple Ave, M/S 301
Fresno, CA 93740

If you are an International Student, the TOEFL is a requirement for admission to Fresno State. Verification of the TOEFL score is provided to the program by the International Admissions Office.

English Language Requirements
All graduate and postbaccalaureate applicants, regardless of citizenship, whose preparatory education was principally in a language other than English, must demonstrate competence in English. Those who do not possess a bachelor's degree from a postsecondary institution where English is the principal language of instruction must receive a minimum score of 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). (Some campuses require a higher score.) Applicants taking the computer-based TOEFL must present a score of 213 or above. (Some campuses or programs require a higher score.) In the case of graduate admissions, the CSU minimum for the internet (TOEFL iBT) version of the TOEFL is 80.

For questions, please contact Graduate Admissions at 559/278-4073 or graduateadmissions@csufresno.edu

Reading/Language Arts Specialist Credential Requirements

In addition to the above requirements, credential applicants must provide:

  • Evidence of passing the CBEST.
  • Copy of valid California Multiple Subject, Single Subject, Education Specialist, or Pupil Personnel Services Credential.
Verify with the Program Coordinator your three years of successful classroom teaching experience working under a California credential at the time the specialist credential is bestowed.


Questions?

For Reading/Literacy Graduate Program Questions

CONTACT:

Dr. Lisa Bennett, Advanced Literacy Credential Coordinator
lbennett@csufresno.edu

Dr. Imelda Basurto
ibasurto@csufresno.edu

For Gradaute Admissions Questions

CONTACT:

           Graduate Admissions Analyst: Renee Petch

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions? Visit our FAQ page for additional information.

Student Resources

Fresno State offers many avenues to receive assistance. Visit our Resources page.