Online Master's in Literacy, Language, and Culture
Online Master’s in Literacy, Language, and Culture Program
100% Online Coursework
As Few as 10 Months
36 Credit Hours
$665 Per Credit
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Earn an Online Master’s in Literacy to Broaden Your Impact as an Educator
Meet the demand for educators who support linguistically and culturally diverse students with North Park University’s online Master of Arts in Literacy, Language, and Culture degree.
Ideal for aspiring or active teachers, the 100% online coursework and in-person practicum will also prepare you for the English as a Second Language (ESL) endorsement. If you’re fluent in a language approved by the Illinois State Board of Education and pass the relevant proficiency exam, you can also earn the bilingual endorsement.
Program Details
- No application fee
- Small class sizes
- Apply with a bachelor’s degree in any field
- 1:1 attention from experienced educators
Curriculum
Curriculum for the Online Master’s in Literacy
36 Credit Hours
12 Courses
North Park’s online MALLC curriculum is rigorous and accelerated, allowing you to prepare for the ESL and bilingual endorsements while simultaneously earning a master’s degree.
Featuring 100% online coursework and an in-person student teaching experience, the program will give you the chance to apply your elevated education expertise in a supportive ESL and/or bilingual classroom setting.
A practicum coordinator will place you in an ESL and/or bilingual classroom within the university’s extensive network of private and public partner schools. Depending on the presence of ESL and/or bilingual students in your school, you may be able to complete the practicum at your workplace.
Course Highlights
- Methods and Materials for Teaching Bilingual Students
- Assessment of ESL and Bilingual Students
- Sociolinguistics and Cross-Cultural Differences
- Culture and Literacy for ELL and Bilingual Students
Admissions Requirements
Apply for Your Literacy Master’s Today
Application Deadline 08/26/2025
Start Date 09/08/2025
If you have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, you can start the online application process for North Park’s master’s in literacy now. Multiple start dates per year allow you to pursue your graduate degree when it makes sense for you. Admission is streamlined, with no application fees or entrance exam requirements.
| Online Application Form | Apply Now |
|---|---|
| Degree and Minimum GPA |
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| Transcripts | Provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Please send transcripts to: North Park University Admissions 3225 W. Foster Ave., Box 19 Chicago, IL 60625 Electronic transcripts can be submitted to: DataEntry@northpark.edu If ordering directly from Parchment or Clearinghouse, please select North Park University. |
| Transfer Credits | Transfer credits will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. |
| Official [Test] Score(s) | No entrance exams required. |
| Additional Requirements | Two professional or academic references |
It’s Always a Good Time to Apply to North Park
With multiple start dates per year, we make it easy for you to apply to the program of your choice and begin your educational journey. Our admissions process is straightforward, and our team is always here to guide you through the process.
AdmissionsTuition & Aid
Invest in Your Future with an Online Master’s in Literacy
Calculate your cost for attending North Park
Use our tuition calculator to help you estimate your total tuition costs.
Stay within your budget at North Park University, where you’ll receive a top-tier education with competitive tuition. If you’re an employee of an Illinois school, the district may reimburse your tuition for the ESL and/or bilingual endorsement(s).
| Cost per Credit Hour | $665 |
|---|---|
| Total Number of Credit Hours | 36 |
| Total Estimated Tuition | $23,940 plus fees |
| Additional Fees |
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| Other Costs to Budget For | Your only additional costs will be for books and materials not billed to you by North Park. These costs can vary depending on what courses you need to take, how you obtain textbooks, and a variety of other factors. |
Military Students at North Park
North Park University welcomes veterans of the US Armed Forces as students. Financial benefits are available for veterans attending the university as undergraduate or graduate students. Questions about benefits for veterans should be directed to the veterans coordinator in the Office of the Registrar at (773) 244-5560 or by email.
Paying for Your North Park Degree
There are multiple options for financing your degree at North Park. Be sure to submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year and explore third-party scholarship opportunities. Investing in your education is a big decision, and we are here to help you finance your degree in a way that fits your needs. Programs are not eligible for NPU scholarships, Graduate Assistantship, or tuition discounts.
Tuition Details
Advance Your Teaching Career with a Master’s in Literacy Online
Equipped with the NPU MA in Literacy, Language, and Culture, and potentially two additional endorsements, you will be prepared to teach ESL and bilingual students in a variety of educational settings. Whether you want to continue serving students in the classroom or pursue specialist roles at the building or administrative level, this degree program will give you the advanced knowledge necessary to improve student learning outcomes and achieve your next professional milestone.
Median Annual Pay for Related Roles
ESL Teacher $60,560 per year1
Instructional Coordinator $74,620 per year2
What You’ll Learn
Did you know the students in Illinois public schools speak more than 135 languages? That’s why the MA in Literacy, Language, and Culture gives motivated teachers like you the high-level skills and knowledge needed to help English language learners succeed in the classroom.
Program Outcomes
- Incorporate appropriate teaching and learning strategies to meet the diverse needs of each learner in the delivery of instruction.
- Implement effective classroom management strategies to create a safe, respectful, and equitable classroom environment.
- Assess student learning of appropriate standards and outcomes.
- Reflect on personal effectiveness in meeting the standards of responsible and ethical professional practice.
Expert Faculty Who Are Committed to Your Success
Our instructors have professional experience in their respective fields and are ready to form meaningful relationships with you as they guide and mentor you toward success. Our faculty are committed to the achievement of every student.
Dr. Jerri A. Haynes, School of Education Dean
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Jerri A. Haynes
Haynes holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Education in Elementary Education from Florida A&M University. From Nova Southeastern University, she earned her Doctor of Education in Child and Youth Studies with a minor in curriculum development and systemic change and an Education Specialist degree in teaching English to speakers of other languages with a minor in educational leadership.
A seasoned leader, Haynes most recently served as the dean and a tenured professor at the College of Education and Human Development at Jackson State University. There, she led five departments and directed four academic centers that offered degrees in multiple modalities, from the bachelor to doctoral levels.
Previously, Haynes was the dean and a tenured professor at Tennessee State University’s College of Education, where she led a faculty and staff of 60 and managed an enrollment of 900 students. Her earlier roles included assistant dean, director of assessment and accreditation, and associate professor at Fort Hays State University; she also held various leadership positions at Bethune-Cookman University and the Madison County School District.
Haynes’ extensive experience in academic and administrative roles, combined with her commitment to educational excellence and leadership, positions her to guide the School of Education toward a future of growth and innovation.
Online Learning Experience
At North Park University, we’re here for you — even when you aren’t here. Our online programs are delivered through Canvas and taught by responsive faculty. You’ll be supported every step of the way.
Benefits:
- Hands-on, supportive faculty who have experience in online learning environments
- Flexible coursework that can be completed when and where you are
- Connections with a diverse student body from many walks of life, helping you develop a global perspective
Sources
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Adult Basic and Secondary Education and ESL Teachers.” Retrieved February 12, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/adult-literacy-and-ged-teachers.htm.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Instructional Coordinators.” Retrieved February 12, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/instructional-coordinators.htm.