Online Master’s Programs In Reading
This guide provides an overview of the best online master's in reading and literacy programs, including common course offerings and ways to finance school.

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Earn an Online Master's in Reading
Current educators who wish to advance their career in literacy education should consider earning an online master's in reading. Typically framed as a master of education or a master of science with an emphasis in reading or literacy, this degree prepares educators to teach reading in a K-12 classroom setting, tutor students who struggle with reading, create literacy curriculums, or teach English as a Second Language (ESL).
To meet the demands of rising school enrollment, the BLS projects kindergarten and elementary school teaching jobs will increase 7% from 2016-2026. Having an advanced degree will help teachers compete for these job openings. For educators who already hold a full-time job, earning a master's in reading and literacy online may serve as a flexible, affordable way to move into a higher-paying position.
This guide provides an overview of the best online master's in reading and literacy programs, including common course offerings and ways to finance school. It also delves into what students can expect after graduation, including career paths and annual earning potential.
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What Can I Learn in an Online Master’s in Reading Program?
Students who earn their master's in reading online learn how to teach reading to students of different ages, levels, backgrounds, and abilities. As part of this process, students learn how to improve students' reading habits, how to assess their learning abilities, and how to diagnose learning disabilities. Coupled with assessment and diagnosis, students also consider curriculum building and remedial instruction. Some programs may offer courses on teaching ESL learners or students with reading-specific disabilities like dyslexia. Students may also study related subjects like children's literature and linguistics.
Most literacy programs require 30-38 credit hours of coursework, meaning full-time students typically earn their degree in two years. This amount of time depends on incoming credits, course load, and program format. Accelerated courses, for instance, may allow students to complete course requirements in less time. Despite providing online courses, many online programs require an in-person practicum, project, or fieldwork experience that students can fulfill at a nearby location.
What common courses are offered in a master’s in reading program?
Although courses differ from program to program, many online master's in reading programs offer similar foundational courses critical to the discipline, such as the following:
Students explore the process of emergent literacy for students in Pre-K through second grade. The course explores the history, research, and theories surrounding early childhood reading instruction, helping students develop strategies for creating curriculums and implementing instruction.Beginning Reading and Emergent Literacy
This course focuses on reading problems in adult learners. Students consider the causes and characteristics of adult reading and writing difficulties, diagnose and treat reading disabilities in adults, and conduct interventions individually and within a group setting.Adolescent through Adult Reading
In this course, students learn about how ethnic, cultural, and social backgrounds affect learning and instruction in the American classroom. Students explore topics such as bias and stereotypes in instructional materials, bilingual education, cultural pluralism, separatism, and legal issues relating to diversity in education.Multicultural Education
This course explores the current theories and research relating to the psychology and biology of learning so that students may apply contemporary research to their teaching practice. Students explore topics like cognitive science, learning theory, and research-based teaching strategies.Theories of Teaching and Learning
This course prepares students to oversee literacy programs in schools, exploring topics like organization planning and leadership. Students assess existing literacy programs and implement changes to improve their effectiveness, all while considering the visions of educators and the school district.Management and Organization of Reading Programs
What exams or projects should I expect?
Most online master's in reading programs require that students complete some kind of internship, project, or practicum experience at a local school, community center, or clinic. This experience typically requires that students spend at least one semester working with individual students or groups of students, either tutoring, implementing remedial instruction, or testing for learning difficulties. Students typically partner with area programs or schools, allowing them to gain experience working alongside other literacy professionals and educators. Some internship or practicum experiences may require a written component in which students document and synthesize their experience. Other programs may require that students complete a separate and additional thesis or final portfolio project.
What specializations are available in a master’s in reading program?
Programs that offer specializations allow students to focus on a specific area of study within the greater field of reading and literacy, which can help them stand out in a pool of job applicants. Although specializations differ from program to program, a sample appears below.
This specialization prepares educators to teach students for whom English serves as their second or non-native language. It explores the relationship between literacy and language development. Students learn how to create and implement instructional materials and prepare for a career teaching reading and writing to ESL students.English as a Second Language
This specialization serves educators who wish to focus on the ins and outs of designing, organizing, managing, and implementing effective literacy curriculums in an educational setting. Students learn how to create literacy curriculums that take into account student diversity, technology, and ESL learners.Creating Literacy Curriculums
This specialization prepares educators to serve as literacy coaches in school settings. Literacy coaches, a type of instructional leader, assess and implement changes to improve a school's literacy programs. Students in this specialization learn how to work with other educators and school administrators to create effective training programs and implement superior reading curriculums.Literacy Coaching
What Can I Do with a Master’s in Reading Degree?
Students who earn their master's in reading online can enter various career paths relating to education and literacy. In addition to teaching jobs at the kindergarten, elementary, middle, high school, and postsecondary levels, graduates can also enter positions relating to curriculum development and adult literacy. Although a graduate degree in literacy certainly makes applicants more competitive for jobs relating to reading education, it may not necessarily qualify applicants for all of the careers listed below. Some of these careers may require additional state certifications or licensures in addition to a master's degree.
Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher
Essential to early childhood education, kindergarten and elementary school teachers instruct students on foundational concepts in math, writing, reading, social studies, and science. They also teach students valuable academic skills such as how to study, communicate with others, and participate in a classroom setting. They create lesson plans, discipline students, and grade assignments. In addition to a bachelor's degree, they must hold state licensure.Middle School Teacher
Unlike elementary school teachers, middle school teachers typically specialize in one or two subject areas at the sixth-, seventh-, or eighth-grade level. In addition to grading assignments and tests, creating lesson plans, and working with students one-on-one, middle school teachers communicate with parents, host parent-teacher meetings, and alert parents to learning, social, or behavioral issues their child may be facing. Middle school teachers must hold at least a bachelor's degree and a state teaching certification.High School Teacher
High school teachers typically specialize in one subject area for students in grades nine through 12; however, some teach multiple subjects or one subject to multiple grade levels. Unlike elementary or middle school teachers, high school teachers focus more on preparing students to take standardized tests, to enter college, or to compete for jobs after graduation. Their classes may, therefore, focus on real-world applications or college-level concepts. A master's degree, particularly one related to education or a given academic subject, helps high school teachers stand out among applicants.Instructional Coordinator
Instructional coordinators oversee the development and implementation of academic curriculums. Alongside educators, principals, and administrators, they assess the effectiveness of a school's instructional materials and teaching standards. They may mentor and coach teachers, conduct trainings and workshops, and recommend teaching materials such as textbooks or technologies. Most instructional coordinators boast a master's degree in education or a related field and at least five years of relevant professional experience.Adult Literacy and High School Equivalency Diploma Teacher
Adult literacy and high school equivalency diploma teachers help adult learners with basic skills like reading, writing, and speaking English. They may work primarily with ESL students or adults who do not possess a high school diploma. Employers prefer teachers who boast advanced degrees and a teaching certifications.
Professional Organizations
Professional organizations allow recent graduates, educators, and veteran reading specialists to connect. In addition to networking opportunities like chat rooms, workshops, and conferences, members enjoy discounts on insurance, hotels, and travel. Most professional organizations also provide practical resources like job boards, awards, lesson plans, and publications.
How Much Can I Make with a Career in Reading?
The chart below illustrates the types of jobs that master's in literacy graduates typically pursue. Although a graduate degree in reading and literacy does not necessary qualify a student for these positions — individual states, schools, and organizations may require additional certifications and experiences — it can potentially lead to work in these areas. Whatever job they decide to pursue, students who hold a graduate degree often appear more competitive in job searches than their counterparts who only hold an undergraduate degree.
Job Title | Lowest 10% Earned Annually | Median Annual Salary | Highest 10% Earned Annually | Job Growth 2016-2026 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers | Less than $34,840 | $56,900 | More than $83,920 | +7% |
Middle School Teachers | Less than $38,540 | $57,720 | More than $91,670 | +8% |
High School Teachers | Less than $39,080 | $59,170 | More than $95,380 | +8% |
Instructional Coordinators | Less than $35,550 | $63,750 | More than $101,500 | +11% |
Adult Literacy and High School Equivalency Diploma Teachers | Less than $31,310 | $52,100 | More than $87,160 | -5% |
Source: BLS
To accommodate an increase in student enrollment numbers, the BLS projects that from 2016-2026, elementary, middle, and high school teaching positions in the U.S. will grow 7-8%. This rate parallels the average rate of growth for all occupations in the country, which currently hovers around 7%. In coming years, a large number of teachers will reach retirement age, presumably creating new job vacancies in the field. However, some public school districts and schools may limit or expand their hiring pool depending on budgetary restrictions or allowances.
Educators in all subjects, including literacy, tend to earn different salaries depending on their degree. Generally, educators who boast a graduate degree earn more on average than their peers with bachelor's degrees. For example, from 2009-2013, elementary school educators who held a bachelor's degree earned a median annual salary of around $42,000 while those who held a graduate degree earned around $57,000. Similarly, early childhood educators who held a bachelor's degree earned an average of $39,000 annually while those who held a graduate degree earned an average of around $53,000.
Online Master’s in Reading Program Accreditation
When selecting an online master's in reading, students should make sure the school boasts regional accreditation. Accrediting agencies review programs to determine whether they meet certain standards of academic quality. Between the two types of institutional accreditation — regional and national — most consider regional accreditation more prestigious. Whereas some schools may not recognize credits earned at a nationally accredited schools, all schools, employers, and state certification programs recognize academic credits earned at a regionally accredited school.
Students should also consider whether their program boasts programmatic accreditation. Similar to institutional accreditation, programmatic accreditation means that an outside accrediting organization completed a review of a particular program and determined it met a standard of quality within that field of study. When it comes to online master's of reading programs, students should look to see if their program boasts accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation for Educator Preparation, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), or the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC).
How to Pay for a Master’s in Reading Degree
Students pursuing their master's in reading online can finance their degree through financial aid, scholarships, fellowships, and loans. The kind of financial support a students receives depends on a few factors. Some schools, for instance, offer more scholarship money than others, and eligibility for federal financial aid depends on each student's level of need. Below, you can find a sample of various funding sources.
Federal Financial Aid
All students, regardless of their background or income, should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Each year, the FAFSA qualifies millions of students to receive federal grants, loans, and work study opportunities. Students earning the master's in reading who demonstrate financial need can qualify for a variety of financial aid. Educators may also qualify for the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program.State Reading Association Scholarships
Students should check whether their state's reading association offers scholarships or awards for educators pursuing a graduate degree in reading education. For example, the Virginia State Reading Association offers the Carmelita K. Williams Graduate Scholarship, which provides $2,500 of support. The Florida Reading Association offers a similar award called the Marie Silverman Scholarship Award.Departmental Scholarships
Some schools offer departmental scholarships for students pursuing their graduate degree in reading education. For instance, California State Fullerton offers the Lewis and Deborah Hancock Scholarship in Reading Education, which awards $1,000 to single-parent graduate students. Students should ask their department about any scholarships and award opportunities.Reading Recovery Council of North America Grants and Scholarships
The Reading Recovery Council of North America offers a variety of grants and scholarships for literacy educators. For example, its Teacher Leader training Scholarship provides $15,000 to two graduate students currently pursuing their degree at an RRCNA-approved institution.
Online Master’s in Reading Programs 2021
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American College of EducationLocation
Indianapolis, IN
ACE's online master's in reading program prepares degree-seekers for careers working with preK-12 students. The 31-credit curriculum features coursework in investigating literacy fundamentals. Students also take classes in integrating literacy concepts, and linguistics and literature. Each course lasts five weeks. The program uses an asynchronous format, making ACE an optimal choice for learners who work full or part time.
The college's Office of Academic Excellence provides job-hunting resources, tutoring, and disability support services. Learners can also seek assistance at the writing center to master formatting guidelines, avoid plagiarism, and improve their scholarly writing.
Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from an accredited college. Applicants need a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA and a state teaching license. Applicants without a license must have some teaching experience. All students pay the same tuition rates, regardless of state residency. Reading degree-seekers may qualify for a $750 institutional continuing education grant.
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Arkansas Tech UniversityLocation
Russellville, AR
Students earning ATU's master's in reading online receive hands-on instruction. Learners in the program create professional development courses, participate in field experiences, and develop lesson plans. Core courses explore structured language teaching, literacy curriculum design, and literature for children. Graduates often work as reading instructors and K-12 educators.
University advisors deliver personalized, one-on-one help from university advisors. Students create a Handshake account to post their resumes and explore careers nationwide. Online learners can also access resume help and FOCUS2 self-assessments. Informative videos teach students how to develop a digital brand and attract employers' attention.
Applicants need an active teaching license. New learners who receive conditional admission must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA to remain enrolled. In-state students and those in neighboring states pay a reduced tuition rate.
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Baldwin Wallace UniversityLocation
Berea, OH
Located in Berea, BW offers an online master's in reading that attracts learners from throughout Ohio. The curriculum features a 12-credit core, which qualifies licensed educators to earn a reading endorsement.
Core courses explore diagnostic and corrective reading methods and research in literacy education. To graduate, learners complete a literacy practicum. BW offers three optional minors, including school leadership and technology integration. Distance learners can network online with alumni in various career fields. Degree-seekers can also access an online career network and internship opportunities.
Applicants submit undergraduate transcripts, two recommendation letters, and a copy of their teaching license. Prospective students also undergo a criminal background check. All learners pay a flat per-credit tuition rate. Financial aid advisors help eligible degree-seekers research and apply for federal and private loans.
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Belhaven UniversityLocation
Jackson, MS
Licensed educators can enroll in Belhaven's master's in reading program to learn how to diagnose and remedy students' reading problems. Belhaven's professors teach from a Christian viewpoint. Coursework includes research methods, early literacy instruction, and content area literacy. Degree-seekers complete a reading practicum and a capstone course.
Students can access online job boards to search for career opportunities and network with employers. Learners can also take advantage of resume-building software, resume critiques, interview-preparation videos, and career fairs. Some services, such as Perfect Interview, require additional fees.
Prospective students outside Mississippi should research whether the program's curriculum qualifies them for a reading endorsement in their state. Applicants need a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA to qualify for unconditional admission. Degree-seekers who work in special education receive a significant tuition discount.
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Black Hills State UniversityLocation
Spearfish, SD
BHSU's online master's in reading program features a 35-credit curriculum aligning with International Reading Association standards. Coursework includes action research in schools and assessment and correction of reading difficulties. Other classes cover educational collaboration and research methods. The program meets South Dakota and Wyoming requirements for a reading specialist endorsement.
BHSU provides online learners with technological assistance and guides covering the Desire2Learn software. The university offers accommodations for students with disabilities. Degree-seekers can schedule a mock interview or request a resume critique.
Applicants submit official undergraduate transcripts, one recommendation letter, and academic writing samples. BHSU prefers applicants with at least three years of teaching experience and a minimum 3.0 GPA. South Dakota residents pay discounted tuition rates. Financial aid advisors help graduate degree-seekers research and apply for federal grants and loans.
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Bowling Green State University-Main CampusLocation
Bowling Green, OH
BGSU students can earn an online master's in reading and a preK-12 reading endorsement. The three-phase curriculum features coursework in clinical literacy assessment and statistics in education. It also offers advanced literacy and language arts coursework. Degree-seekers complete a practicum experience and supervised coaching.
Online learners can access free virtual writing consultations and an extensive library database. Students can make online appointments with an academic advisor and tutors. The university employs advisors who work exclusively with active-duty service members and veterans.
Applicants to BGSU's master's in reading program submit standardized test scores. They also submit undergraduate transcripts and an application fee. Out-of-state online students pay only slightly higher tuition rates than in-state learners. BGSU offers payment plans based on financial need. Learners may also qualify for federal grants and loans.
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Canisius CollegeLocation
Buffalo, NY
Based in Buffalo, New York, Canisius offers an online master's in reading program that is ideal for working teachers. Learners specialize in grades K-6 or 5-12 and complete practica at their job site. Coursework explores adolescent literacy, emergency literacy, and teaching reading in classrooms of diversity. More than 95% of graduates pass the New York state literacy certification exam on their first try.
New online learners take a self-assessment to determine which services they need to succeed academically. Canisius also provides resume and cover letter guides and interest inventories.
Canisius accepts new students in the spring, summer, and fall semesters. Application requirements include a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Applicants must submit standardized test scores. All learners pay the same tuition rates, regardless of state residency. Students may qualify for federal financial aid programs.
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Capella UniversityLocation
Minneapolis, MN
CU's online master's in reading program confers an MS in education and appeals to practicing K-12 educators. Core classes cover the sociocultural context of reading instruction and teaching comprehension strategies. The program meets Minnesota Board of Teaching standards.
Students customize the program to their learning style by selecting GuidedPath or FlexPath. The GuidedPath option requires learners to meet set deadlines and collaborate with peers in online discussions. FlexPath degree-seekers follow a self-paced curriculum and may graduate sooner.
Out-of-state learners should ensure the curriculum meets their state's requirements for a reading endorsement. Applicants need a minimum 2.3 undergraduate GPA and must have passed the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Exam. All learners pay the same per-credit tuition rate, regardless of residency. Incoming degree-seekers with good grades may qualify for an institutional scholarship.
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Carson-Newman UniversityLocation
Jefferson City, TN
C-N's master's in reading program confers an M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in preK-12 reading specialist. The program uses a cohort learning model, with online and hybrid options. Coursework explores educational research, foundations of leadership, and integrating research and learning. Most degree-seekers graduate in 20 months.
The university offers in-depth guides covering the Canvas learning management system, technology requirements, and student policies. Online students complete an orientation before registering for courses.
Applicants submit the cohort registration form, FAFSA results, and official transcripts. They also submit standardized test scores. Students must work as a K-12 teacher while earning the degree. The university waived its application fee in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Financial aid opportunities include the TEACH Grant and a tuition payment plan.
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Central Washington UniversityLocation
Ellensburg, WA
CWU delivers an online master's in reading program. Coursework includes teaching diverse learners and understanding research methods. Learners also study literacy coaching and leadership. Students hone program organization and teaching skills during practica. Enrollees complete either a master's thesis or an independent study project in their final semester.
Resources for online degree-seekers include virtual advising sessions, Canvas troubleshooting guides, and library databases. Learners can sign up for a free tutoring session.
Prospective students outside of Washington state should research their state's licensure reciprocity agreements before applying. Application requirements include an active teaching license. CWU prefers applicants with at least one year of teaching experience. In-state students pay significantly discounted tuition rates. The university offers more than 300 institutional scholarships.
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City University of SeattleLocation
Seattle, WA
Washington state educators can enroll in CityU's online master's in reading program. Graduates earn a master's in education with an emphasis in reading and literacy. Degree-seekers can also specialize in special education or curriculum and instruction. The program features professionalism rubrics and weekly check-ins with professors. Learners can contact library support staff directly. The curriculum follows the state's criteria for effective teaching.
CityU's career services include webinars covering job-hunting strategies. Other video resources prepare degree-seekers to use social media and make a positive first impression. Learners can access the university's extensive alumni network.
CityU accepts transfer credit that applicants earned within the past six years with a minimum 3.0 GPA. All master's in education students pay the same tuition rate. CityU maintains 10 institutional scholarship programs.
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Concordia University-ChicagoLocation
River Forest, IL
CUC offers a master's in reading online program with a 30-credit curriculum. Most students graduate in 24 months. Foundational courses include studies in literacy and multiliteracies and content reading in middle and secondary schools. Students also take assessment of reading with remedial materials and resources. The program requires a 20-hour reading practicum, which learners complete at their job site.
Career advisors connect students with career exploration and internship planning guides. They also provide learners with resume and cover letter critiques and virtual events. Learners may network with Chicago-area companies to access exclusive job opportunities. Students can access links to free job boards, interest inventories, and networking websites.
The reading program accepts U.S. and international applicants. Prospective students submit undergraduate transcripts and proof of teacher licensure. The university grants probationary admission to some applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0. Degree-seekers may qualify for federal financial aid.
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Gannon UniversityLocation
Erie, PA
Aspiring reading specialists can enroll in Gannon's online master's in reading program. Learners analyze the foundations of elementary and secondary literacy. They also study diverse learner competencies for reading specialists and curriculum design. Students select two electives.
Gannon's online engagement coordinator works with degree-seekers and develops success programs and resources. Learners can access a writing guide and join Handshake to network with alumni and potential employers.
Gannon offers monthly virtual information sessions for prospective students. Admission materials include three recommendation letters and undergraduate transcripts. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Learners submit FAFSA results to qualify for institutional aid programs. Students receiving federal student aid must meet with a financial aid advisor before registering for courses.
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Georgetown CollegeLocation
Georgetown, KY
GC's master's in reading program features an online curriculum and a cohort learning model. Students in the asynchronous program collaborate using online discussion boards. The 33-credit curriculum features courses in research-based practices in literacy instruction. Students also learn educational leadership and teaching composition. Most learners graduate in 20 months.
The school's career center helps degree-seekers practice interviewing skills, develop a professional portfolio, and hone job-hunting strategies. Learners create a Vault account to network with alumni.
Applicants provide official transcripts, a curriculum contract, and a copy of their teaching certificate. They also write an essay. Prospective students submit an admissions portfolio detailing their proficiencies with classroom instruction and education best practices. GC offers a deferred payment plan for students with financial need.
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Grand Canyon UniversityLocation
Phoenix, AZ
GCU's online master's in reading program helps elementary school teachers advance professionally. The program emphasizes instruction in the foundations of language and literacy. Learners complete a survey of reading assessments and explore professional learning and leadership in literacy. The final-semester practicum requires a 75-hour field experience and a detailed work sample.
Degree-seekers can access mock interviews, resume and cover letter templates, and networking opportunities. The university provides online services that help learners research jobs and network with employers.
Applicants submit undergraduate transcripts and FAFSA results. An admissions counselor may request additional materials, if necessary. All learners pay the same affordable tuition rate. Students may qualify for a tuition reduction. GCU awards $500 to incoming students who begin their education during the summer semester.
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