A student looking at the books in the Louis L. Manderino Library at Cal U.A student looking at the books in the Louis L. Manderino Library at Cal U.

Reading Specialist: Admissions

To gain acceptance in the master of education: reading specialist program (RSP), you must provide an undergraduate degree transcript documenting completion of an initial certification program with a minimum GPA 0f 3.0. in addition to the following:

  • Complete the Graduate School Application,
  • Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, even if a degree was not earned from a particular institution (except Cal U transcripts)
  • Submit your $25.00 Application Fee
  • An official A copy of your state teaching license
  • Copies of Act 34, 151 and 114 clearances


    Send materials to:
    School of Graduate Studies and Research
    California University of Pennsylvania
    Eberly Hall 202B
    250 University Ave.
    California, PA 15419

gradschool@calu.edu or fax 724-938-5712

If you fail to meet this requirement, you will not be approved for RSP candidacy. You must also gain admittance to the School of Graduate Studies and Research by submitting an application, fee and official transcripts.

Conditional acceptance may be granted to students who have applied for the three clearances but have not yet received them. However, copies of the three clearances must be received by the Graduate School and the reading specialist coordinator by the end of the first semester of coursework.

Once you are accepted into the Graduate School and indicate an interest in completing either the master of reading or reading certification program, you will be assigned an adviser from the reading specialist faculty. This adviser is responsible for informing you of program requirements, administering the comprehensive examination, checking graduation requirements and endorsing certification.