4+1/Literacy Program

Dr. Beverly A. Paesano, Program Director
Harkins 328D
401.865.1987

The 4+1 Program in Literacy for PC Education Majors

The 4+1 Program in Literacy is available to Providence College Elementary/Special Education and Secondary majors. This program provides an opportunity for education majors to earn a graduate degree in one year, thus completing a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in 5 years (4+1). This advanced degree in literacy prepares teachers for additional certification as PK-12 reading specialists. Classroom teaching experience (3 years in R.I.) and a passing score on the PRAXIS II for Reading Professionals or other state certification tests are also required. 

With approval from their academic advisor, PC education majors may begin the graduate program in the fall or spring semester of their senior year and are eligible to apply to the 4+1 Program for the November 1 application cycle, also in their senior year. A maximum 12-credit undergraduate course load is allowed during each semester a senior enrolls in a graduate literacy course. After completing a maximum of two graduate courses, continuation in the graduate program requires formal acceptance to the program and completion of the Bachelor’s degree in education. The 4+1 timeframe includes 4 years of undergraduate studies and, for the advanced degree, two (2) summers and one (1) academic year (fall and spring).

Required Courses

Graduate Studies in Literacy: 1.0 Year Plan
The following chart outlines the one-year plan of study in Literacy, beginning in the Senior Year. Eight (8) recent graduates from ESE are following this plan at this time

After Graduation from Undergraduate Studies

Graduation: Students will participate in the graduation ceremony as a “hold MA diploma”, pending completion of EDU836: Literacy Clinic in Summers I and II & Portfolio Requirement.