Application Process and Requirements for the Literacy and Language Certificate of Advanced Study Program

The MGH Institute offers two options to obtain a Certificate of Advanced Study in Literacy and Language. Both will help you acquire expertise in reading and writing to support a range of learners.

• 20-credit option is for those holding an initial teaching license in Massachusetts who wish to become licensed as a reading specialist.
• 17-credit option is fully-online and offers the same course work as the 20-credit program without the practicum requirements. 

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Application and Fee

All applicants are required to submit a completed online application form along with the non-refundable $100.00 application fee.

Our professional staff provide information and answer questions you have during the admission and financial aid process, and offer ongoing information on tuition and fees.

GRE

The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
 

TOEFL/ IELTS

The language of instruction at MGH IHP is English and a high level of proficiency in both written and spoken English is required.  If English is not your first language, or you have graduated from an undergraduate program in a non-English speaking country, or with instruction in a language other than English, you must demonstrate English language proficiency as part of your application to IHP.  In some circumstances, demonstrating English language proficiency may be required even if you are a citizen of a country whose primary language is English.

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide test scores from either the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). The test must have been taken within two years of the application deadline and official score reports are required. 

Minimum TOEFL (internet-based) requirement is 80 and the minimum IELTS requirement is 6.5.

TOEFL and IELTS test requirements are automatically waived for students for whom English is a first language from the following countries: United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada (except Quebec).

For TOEFL, score reports can be obtained by contacting Educational Testing Service (ETS).  MGH Institute of Health Professions code is 3513.

For IELTS, a Test Report Form may be mailed to MGH Institute of Health Professions and score information will be verified by IHP directly. You may designate up to 5 schools to receive Test Report Forms at the time you register for the test.  To request additional Test Report Forms, contact your test center.

Statement of Intent

All applicants are required to compose an essay that addresses the following:

Discuss your personal and professional experiences, your academic interests and objectives, and your career aspirations. Address how and why you feel the Literacy and Language Certificate program at the MGH Institute of Health Professions can help you to achieve your academic and professional goals. Include any other information you believe is relevant.

Answers should be typed, double-spaced, and no more than three pages in total. Margins should be no more than one inch, and type size should be no smaller than 10-point, with 12-point type preferred. Please make sure your full legal name is included on each page. The statement of intent should be uploaded directly to your online application.

Recommendation Letters

Applicants are required to provide three recommendation letters. All recommendations are processed electronically through our online application. Please provide contact information for each recommender within the online application.

Recommendation letters should come from individuals who are able to address your academic ability, character and integrity, as well as your potential for graduate professional study. No more than three recommendation letters will be reviewed as part of your application.

Resume or CV

Applicants are required to submit a current resume or CV.