This program blends literacy instruction with the TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) program, to give students highly demanded skills in the education field. The program leads to a New York State initial certification as a literacy specialist Birth to Grade 12. Candidates must hold a teacher certification in another area prior to admission, with that certification including at least 6 credit hours of coursework in literacy skills and methods, and 3 credit hours of coursework in teaching students with disabilities.