Master of Education: Reading Specialist
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that those who specialize in the development of reading curricula will see a projected employment increase of 22% through 2016. This jump in the number of reading specialists jobs reflects the need to meet new high standards in education.
There are four options in our reading specialist graduate program, all accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
- A master's degree and certification with thesis (40 credits)
- A master's degree and certification with project (38 credits)
- Master's degree courses only (36 credits)
- Reading specialist certification only (30 credits)
Master's Degree and Certification with Thesis or Project
If you choose the master's degree and certification, you will be writing a master's thesis or project. The thesis is worth 4 credits and the project is worth 2 credits. We recommend that you complete the thesis or project if you are interested in research, administration or higher education and if you are a good writer. It is an excellent experience for you and will prepare you for post-graduate research.
Master's Degree with Certification (courses only)
If these are not your interests, the master's degree will prepare you very well for your work in the classroom by strengthening your instructional skills and theoretical orientation. It will prepare you for the many roles of a reading specialist.
Reading Specialist Certification only
If you are seeking certification only, the reading specialist certification is the appropriate option. Note that students in the certification program must also apply for candidacy, take the comprehensive exam administered by our department, and take the Praxis Reading Specialist exam.
Regardless of which option you choose, to complete the program, you must successfully complete all coursework and the reading specialist comprehensive exam.
If you wish to add reading specialist certification to your teaching certificate, you must pass the PRAXIS Reading Specialist test.
For more information, read the Reading Specialist Handbook (.pdf)
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Success Stories
"At Cal U, I was a fundraiser for the Athletic Department. I expanded into alumni relations with former athletes, organizing alumni gatherings for various sports. I moved into student leadership training and promoting clubs and organizations to students. Most recently, an opportunity to develop the wellness program for staff and faculty came about. My advice for students is to get involved. Take advantage of the out of classroom opportunities that Cal U has to offer. It really will make a difference!"
-Brenda Fetsko, Director of Wellness Program, Student Association, Inc., Cal U, (B.A. in English/Theatre, '89; Masters in Secondary Education-Communication; M.S. in Communication Studies, ‘04)
