Reading & Literacy Graduate Programs

A master's degree in reading and literacy prepares the student to teach reading comprehension at various educational levels. It also trains the student to recognize, diagnose, and offer support for reading difficulties. Depending upon the school granting the degree, graduate programs in reading and literacy can exist under a number of different designations, including: Master of education in reading, Master of Science in reading, or Master of Arts in reading. Generally speaking, the degree refers to the department in which the program is housed rather than being indicative of any major differences among the programs.

Search our directory of campus reading and literacy graduate degree programs.

Search our directory of online reading and literacy graduate degree programs.

Those considering applying to a master's program in reading and literacy ideally possess the following qualities:

Enjoy teaching younger populations
Enjoy reading children's literature.
Interested in learning difficulties and how to work with them
Desire to learn theory and its practical applications

Students who are interested in teaching other subjects in addition to reading might want to consider pursuing a more generalist degree, such as a Master of Education.

Master's programs in reading exist for both the veteran teacher seeking to refine their skills and the undergraduate student wishing to earn a specialized degree. Some schools may require a current teaching license and at least one year of experience, so be sure to check with the admissions department at your school of choice for specific application information.

Reading and Literacy Graduate Programs and Curriculum

Master's programs in reading focus on literacy development and reading instruction using a combination of theory and practice. Courses tend to focus on current research findings and best practices, these programs address factors influencing the development of literacy skills. Possible courses may include:

Techniques in teaching reading
Curriculum design
Reading foundations
Early intervention
Literature
Working with diverse populations
Literacy assessment
Language acquisition

A thesis or final project is also often required in order to graduate, and some programs offer supervised practicums. Master's programs in reading generally last from one to two years.

Masters in Reading and Literacy Career Path

Individuals who earn a graduate degree in reading often pursue a career in education. A career in education may require the individual to pass the PRAXIS Test for teachers. According to the ETS PRAXIS Series homepage, “PRAXIS Series tests are taken by individuals entering the teaching profession as part of the certification process required by many states and professional licensing organizations.” Additional career options may include tutoring or working in a private practice or clinic.

Master in Reading and Literacy Salary and Job Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides salary and job outlook information for special education teachers who have obtained a bachelor’s degree, the actual salary and job outlook information may vary for those individuals who have earned a master’s degree. The median salary for special education teachers in 2010 was $53,220 and the rate of job growth is 17% which is about equal to the national average.

The median salaries of special education teachers varies slightly depending on the population served see the chart below for specific salary comparisons.

Median Salaries for Special Education Teachers

Data according to

The Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook

Type: Online
Level: Masters
Saint Joseph's University
Master's in Special Education with Wilson Reading Certification
Individuals enrolled in the Master of Science in Special Education program have the opportunity to examine methods for
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Type: Online
Level: Masters
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University of New England
Master of Science in Education - Literacy (K-12)
University of New England's Master of Science in Education (MSEd) - Literacy (K-12) is designed for K-12 educators with an in...
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Type: Campus
Level:
Doctorate
Masters
Seattle,WA
Argosy University
Instructional Leadership
At Argosy University, Seattle Campus, we believe the classroom is the launching point for success.
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Type: Online
Level: Masters
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Concordia University, Portland
Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction: Adolescent Literacy
Concordia University's one-year, fully-online Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction: Adolescent Literacy prepares y...
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Type: Campus
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Certificate
Masters
Albany,NY
College Of Saint Rose
Literacy
Designed for teachers who have provisional teaching certification in elementary education, secondary education or special
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Type: Online
Level: Masters
University of San Diego
M.Ed. Online in 21st Century Literacies
This specialization explores the use of technology to support reading, writing, and language development.
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Type: Online
Level: Certificate
Kansas State University
Reading Specialist Endorsement Program
.
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
Tampa,FL
University of Tampa
Master of Education
Master of Education (M.Ed.)
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
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Shippensburg,PA
Shippensburg University
Special Education
Concentrations in Behavior Disorders, Certification, Learning Disabilities, and Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
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Dobbs Ferry,NY
Mercy College
Teaching Literacy, Birth to Grade 12
The Master of Science Degree in Teaching Literacy is designed for students seeking professional certification
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Type: Online
Level: Masters
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Walden University
Master of Science (M.S.) in Education - Elementary Reading and Mathematics (Grades K-6)
Reading and math have long been regarded as the two areas of the PreK-6 curriculum that serve as critical foundations to futu...
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Type: Campus
Level:
Certificate
Masters
Edinboro,PA
Edinboro University Of Pennsylvania
Master of Education in Reading
One of the best online graduate education programs in the country, according to the 2013 U.S. News and World Report survey.
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Level: Masters
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Greenville,IL
Greenville College
Reading, M.A.E.
Our MAE-Reading program leads to the completion of the Master of Arts in education and Reading Specialist certification.
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
New York,NY
Bank Street College
Reading and Literacy Education
Bank Street College of Education has master’s programs that lead to certification in both education and literacy.
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Type: Campus
Level:
Certificate
Masters
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Slippery Rock,PA
Slippery Rock University
Elementary Education - Reading
Designed to promote the development of reading professionals who are able to play a variety of roles...
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