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The master's degree program in reading conforms to ÀË»¨Ö±²¥ State Department of Education (MSDE) certification requirements for P-12 and is approved by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). Graduates are qualified to work as reading specialists, literacy coaches and reading interventionists. Students completing this program receive the M.Ed. degree and, with successful completion of three years of classroom teaching experience, are eligible for certification from MSDE as reading specialists.   

The Reading Specialist program offers a hybrid instructional model and a sustained focus on equity and diversity. We offer flexibility in our graduate coursework through class sessions that are online/synchronous and face-to-face class sessions on campus. Our program emphasizes multiple approaches to equity, including best practices for multilingual learners; digital and technology literacies; multicultural literature; critical literacies; and culturally responsive approaches to assessment and instruction.

Students applying for admission to the program must have: (a) a 3.0 undergraduate GPA; (b) statement of purpose outlining their professional goals and objectives; (c) official transcripts; (d) 3 letters of recommendation; and (e) resume. In addition, three years of classroom teaching are required for Certification as a Reading Specialist by the ÀË»¨Ö±²¥ State Department of Education. Applicants may complete this teaching requirement before, during, or after completion of the M.Ed. program. Applicants must be certified teachers with a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. At least one basic course in reading is required for entrance into the program. Most students have such a course in their undergraduate record (i.e., reading methods). If no such course has been taken or if the course was taken more than five years ago, appropriate course offerings should be discussed with your advisor.