Graduate Programs: United States

The descriptions below are provided by the institutions themselves. To find listings of TEAC- or NCATE-accredited programs, please visit the websites of those organizations.

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Alabama

Alabama State University, Graduate School
The Master of Education degree is available in the areas of Administration and Supervision, Biology Education, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Health Education, History Education, Library Education Media, Music Education, Mathematics Education, Physical Education, School Counseling, Social Sciences and Collaborative (Special) Education.
Contact: Anette M. Allen

Auburn University, Graduate School
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Reading Education. Currently, 1000 undergraduate students and 250 graduate students are enrolled in programs that prepare teachers and leaders in eleven areas of specialization. All faculty members have earned doctorates in their respective teaching fields. All of the Department’s graduate programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Alabama State Department of Education.
Contact: Susan K. Villaume

Alaska

University of Alaska at Anchorage

Arizona

Arizona State University, College of Education
Offers advanced degrees in reading education

The University of Arizona, College of Education
Department of Language, Reading and Culture
The mission of the Department of Language, Reading and Culture is to establish and support a scholarly community for the study of the teaching and learning of literacy and biliteracy in the educational context of cultural and linguistic diversity. The department awards the M.A., Ed. Specialist, Ph.D., and Ed.D. degrees with specialization in reading available. Currently, 100 masters and 100 doctoral students are enrolled.
Contact: Patricia L. Anders

Arkansas

Arkansas State University Graduate School
The NCATE-accredited Master of Science in reading offers educators and educators-in-training a planned program of study focusing on skills and techniques of teaching reading, including diagnosis and remediation of reading problems.
Contact: Graduate School or Lina L. Owens

University of Central Arkansas
Nationally recognized master’s degree in reading with NCATE accreditation. The UCA Master’s in Reading offers outstanding coursework and professional preparation as a reading specialist within a wide range of content and activities. Faculty members have earned doctorates in reading/litracy.
Contact: Mary H. Mosley

California

California State University, Long Beach
Reading Certificate Program: 15 semester unit program intended to prepare expert teachers of reading. Courses include assessment and instruction, advanced studies in literacy, children’s literature, language study for reading teachers, and field-based practicum. Reading/Language Arts Specialist Program: 30 semester unit program (includes 15 units from Reading Certificate program) intended to prepare reading specialists to assume leadership roles in schools and districts. Courses include supervision/leadership, theoretical models of reading, the learning center/reading clinic, foundations of literacy research, and an elective. MA in Elementary/Secondary Education: Specialization in Reading: 30 units (Reading Specialist program) + 6-9 additional units
Contact: Joan Leikam Theurer

California State University, Los Angeles, Charter School of Education
The Literacy Collaboration includes the following: literacy resource lab, field work support for emergency credential and intern teachers, part-time faculty training, America Reads program, BTSA - reading master students, communications network, RICA advice and preparation, and distinguished literacy teachers in residence.
Contact: Carole Silva

San Diego State University
Offers a Master of Arts in Reading and Language Arts/Reading and Language Arts Specialist Credential and a Master of Arts Degree in Education, Elementary Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on current knowledge in Reading and Language Arts.
Contact: Sharan Gibson

University of Southern California, Rossier School of Education
The Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) program with a focus in Language & Literacy in Urban Settings. Designed as a three-year program with cohorts of students collaborating in research teams to address literacy issues in urban environments; 43-46 semester units, if admitted with Advanced Standing (Master’s Degree required).
Contact: Maria Pickens

Connecticut

University of Connecticut, NEAG School of Education
Areas of concentration within Educational Studies include: History and Philosophy of Education and Social Foundations of Education. Areas of concentration within Curriculum and Instruction include: Bi-lingual and Bi-cultural Education, Elementary Education, and Secondary Education. Degree programs provide considerable flexibility allowing students to pursue individual goals, and where appropriate, qualify for additional certification or endorsement. Graduate students are encouraged to select courses from other departments in the NEAG School of Education as well as appropriate advanced courses from departments in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Contact: Patricia Weibust

Delaware

University of Delaware - School of Education, Graduate Programs
The School of Education offers several graduate programs at both the doctoral and master’s levels. Graduate programs prepare students for careers devoted to the solution of important educational problems - either through basic or applied research. Students in the Ph.D. program work closely with leading scholars in education and gradually develop their own lines of investigation. Students in the Ed.D. programs develop knowledge and skills related to the exercise of effective leadership in areas of policy, administration, technology, and instruction. Students in the masters programs develop knowledge and skills in academic content areas, teaching and counseling, educational technology, and administration.
Contact: Dianne Carter

Delaware State University, Graduate Programs in Education
The purpose of the schools in which graduates will serve is to prepare students to successfully interact within the society they will enter upon termination of their formal schooling. Schools should serve this purpose by offering the human and physical resources required to support the opportunity to acquire a deep understanding about important facts and issues and to develop higher order thinking skills in an environment that promotes cooperation and tolerance. Schools should prepare students to enter the work force with adequate communication skills and ready to participate at a level requiring minimal training.

District of Columbia

Graduate Study at George Washington University

Florida

University of Florida - School of Teaching & Learning
The School offers programs leading to the Master of Education (nonthesis) and Master of Arts in Education (thesis) degrees in curriculum and instruction (with emphasis in educational media and instructional design, middle school education, or English speakers of other languages), early childhood education, elementary education, English education, foreign language education, mathematics education, reading education, science education, and social studies education. Proteach prepares secondary teachers who have completed the bachelor’s degree in the discipline they will teach and elementary teachers who have completed the Department’s undergraduate elementary education program. The standard master’s is designed for teachers who are already certified.
Contact: Mary K. Grace Kantowski

Florida International University - College of Education
Located in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, the Master of Science in Reading Education is nationally recognized by NCATE and IRA. The graduate is competent to take leadership in improving reading instruction. The program focuses on assessment and intervention.
Contact: Joyce C. Fine

Florida State University, College of Education, Graduate Studies
Contact: David Foulk

University of Miami
The University of Miami's Teaching and Learning department offers a Ph.D. in Language and Literacy Learning in Multilingual Settings. Faculty conduct research on literacy development among bilingual and monolingual learners, speakers of African-American Vernacular English, technology and communication, and teacher preparation.
Contact: Maria S. Carlo. Ph.D.

University of South Florida, College of Education
The Department of Childhood Education offers the Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Reading/Language Arts Education, an Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Reading/Language Arts Education, and a Master of Arts in Reading Education. The University of South Florida is a large, metropolitan, research university located in the city of Tampa on the West Coast of Florida.
Contact: Christine Miranda

Georgia

University of Georgia, Department of Language and Literacy Education
Advanced degree programs are designed to prepare educators to teach literacy in schools. In addition, the department develops future scholars, and engages in various service activities designed to promote literacy at the local, state, national, and international levels.
Contact: Jennifer Guyton

Hawaii

College of Education, University of Hawaii at Manoa
The College of Education offers MEd degrees in counseling and guidance, educational administration, educational foundations, educational psychology, educational technology, elementary education, secondary education, special education, and teaching. The MEd programs in elementary and secondary education are in the Department of Teacher Education and Curriculum.

Idaho

Boise State University, College of Education, Graduate Programs Contact: David Smith

Idaho State University, College of Education
Master of Education with Literacy Emphasis

Illinois

Judson University
The Master of Education in Literacy Program at Judson University provides certified teachers with the opportunity to examine as well as enhance their knowledge base and instructional repertoire with regard to effective literacy practices that are research–based and grounded in time–tested, best–practice methodology. This graduate program is designed for the practicing classroom teacher who, rather than seeking additional certification, is motivated to become a more accomplished teacher of reading and writing—a reflective practitioner and master teacher in all areas of literacy instruction.
Contact: Dr. Steven Layne

National - Louis University, National College of Education, Reading and Language
Four programs fall under the Reading and Language umbrella: (1) Reading, which has M.Ed., M.S. and C.A.S. degrees; (2) Language and Literacy which also has M.Ed., M.S. and C.A.S. degrees; the Educational Specialist Program in Reading and Language (Ed.S.); and the Doctoral Program in Reading and Language (Ed. D). These programs combine research, theory, and practice to give teachers, supervisors, administrators, and other professionals an understanding of literacy acquisition, development, and instruction along with issues in professional development and research.
Contact: Camille L.Z. Blachowicz

Northern Illinois University, Master of Science in Education in Literacy Education
The M.S.Ed. in literacy education prepares experienced teachers to be socially responsible practitioner scholars and to work and learn within multicultural and multilingual contexts to foster literacy and language development for all learners across the lifespan.
Contact: Patricia Kee

Northwestern University, School of Education & Social Policy Learning Sciences
The Learning Sciences Masters’ and Doctoral programs prepare researchers, developers, and practitioners to advance the scientific understanding and practice of teaching and learning in a variety of contexts. In regards to reading, the program emphasizes the study of literacy and reading with research examining the cognitive factors underlying text processing, cultural influences on reading instruction, the development of literacy skills, and traditional and new media comprehension. The nature of the program highlights diversity in research traditions and methods, with the goal of understanding and fostering successful learning experiences in both formal and informal settings. Contact: Jessie Blank

Indiana University / Purdue University Indianapolis, School of Education>

Indiana State University, College of Education
Contact: James Higgins

Iowa

University of Iowa, College of Education
Teacher education programs in the Division of Curriculum and Instruction prepare students to teach in early childhood, elementary and secondary schools.
Contact: Peg Shannon

University of Northern Iowa, Master of Arts in Education in Curriculum and Instruction: Literacy Education.
The Literacy Education specialty is designed to develop and extend the expertise of educators in both leadership and classroom positions who wish to specialize in the area of literacy education.

Kansas

University of Kansas
Master of Science with emphasis in reading/language arts provides a three-tiered program of study allowing options for varied reading/literacy roles professionals serve (classroom level, intervention specialist, literacy leader/supervisor) to meet student needs and district goals for professional development.
Contact: Diane Corcoran Nielsen

Wichita State University, College of Education
The program is designed to develop dynamic and reflective educational practitioners capable of monitoring and improving their own practice, and to develop informed teacher-leaders who can apply practical knowledge, educational theory, and research to the solutions of problems in curriculum and instruction. The program (a) promotes informed reflective inquiry into curriculum and instruction, (b) develops practical skills and leadership through active engagement in the study and improvement of educational practice, and (c) develops each student’s professional and subject-matter expertise through graduate courses in a focused area of expertise.

Kentucky

College of Education, University of Kentucky

Morehead State University

Louisiana

University of Louisiana, College of Education
For students who have a teaching certificate, the Master of Education program will enhance pedagogical skills as well as content knowledge. Students may emphasize elementary education, secondary education, kinesiology, special education, technology, reading, gifted education, or any academic area.
Contact: Mary Jane Ford, Department Head

Maine

University of Maine, College of Education & Human Development
The University of Maine’s Literacy Education graduate programs provide the opportunity to explore vital issues of literacy research and instruction with nationally recognized faculty.

Maryland

Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, offers a Master of Science in Education with a concentration in Reading (39 credits), which leads to certification in Maryland as a rading specialist K-12. The university also offers graduate certificates in The Effective Teaching of Reading (15 credits), Teaching Reading to ESL Students (15 credits), Applied Literacy Research (15 credits) and Adult, Family and Workplace Literacy (18 credits).
Contact: M.E.B. Lewis

University of Maryland, College Park - Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Programs include the M.A., M.Ed., Ph.D., and Ed.D. degrees, as well as the Advanced Graduate Specialist Certificate. The Reading Education unit also offers support courses in reading for the Elementary unit, as well as a reading concentration for a curriculum and instruction doctoral degree. Students completing the reading education master’s degree are eligible for certification as reading specialists K-12.
Contact: Mariam Jean Dreher

Towson University (Towson, Maryland), Reading Master of Education
The M.Ed. Reading program is designed to prepare reading specialists, primarily for K-12 education, but also for community colleges, industry, adult education programs, commercial education centers, and private practice. The 33-credit hour program is highly structured with eight required courses and three electives. It is developmental in design. Students grow in both their knowledge and application as they proceed through the program.
Contact: Barbara Laster

Massachusetts

Boston University
Boston University’s School of Education offers both a Master of Education degree and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Reading Education that lead to licensure as a Reading Specialist. Also offered are a master’s, CAGS or doctorate in Literacy and Language. The experience of students in all of these programs is enriched by Boston University’s Donald Durrell Reading and Writing Clinic, which provides diagnostic assessment and instructional services for elementary and middle school students from the Boston area who are experiencing difficulty learning to read or write.
Contact: Jeanne R. Paratore

Bridgewater State College
Located in southeastern Massachusetts between Boston and Cape Cod, Bridgewater State College has two graduate programs in reading and literacy education. Both programs lead to certification as a reading specialist with the Massachusetts State Department of Education and are fully accredited by the National Council of Accreditation of Teacher Education (N.C.A.T.E.), having met the Standards for Reading Professionals developed by the Professional Standards and Ethics Committee of the International Reading Association. The 37-credit program leading to the Master of Education (M.Ed.) prepares educators for the role of Reading Specialist (I.R.A. Role 6); the 34-credit program leading to the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (C.A.G.S.) prepares educators for the role of Reading Coordinator or Consultant (I.R.A. Role 7).
Contact: Ruth Farrar

Framingham State College
The oldest public teacher training college in the country, offers a Master of Education with a concentration in literacy and language, leading to a Massachusetts certificate as a consulting teacher of reading.
Contact: Diane L. Lowe

Harvard University Graduate School of Education
Harvard Graduate School of Education in Cambridge, Massachusetts, offers masters and doctoral programs in Language and Literacy as well as state licensure as a Reading Specialist Teacher. Faculty research includes (but is not limited to) language development, reading, children’s literature, bilingualism, literacy assessment, and reading difficulties. The Reading Specialist Teacher program includes 150+ practicum hours in addition to 34 credit hours.
Contact: Cecilia Minden-Cupp

Lesley University, Graduate School of Education
Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Lesley University offers a Master of Education degree (M.Ed.) as well as a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (C.A.G.S.) in Reading/Literacy. Lesley has programs leading to licensure as well as non-licensure options. All of Lesley’s reading programs have strong field-based experiences.
Contact: Suzanne Ronkin Leone

Simmons College
The Simmons College graduate program in Language and Literacy is a research-based program designed to provide advanced training to educators wishing to specialize in meeting the needs of learners with language-based challenges. The program incorporates methodologies, strategies, and techniques developed using multisensory structured language principles. Wilson Language Level I training is included in this model teacher training program. Two degree options: M.S.Ed. or Ed.S.
Contact: Abby J. Machamer

University of Massachusetts, Amherst, School of Education
The master’s level Reading and Writing Practitioner area prepares experienced educators for leadership roles in literacy education through programs of study leading to the M.Ed. degree, including the option of Massachusetts certification as a teacher of reading. The doctoral program in language, literacy, and culture includes study of native and non-native language education, literacy education, and multicultural education. Our focus is to create a synergy among these areas in order to better address the needs of all learners in a diverse society.
Contact: Judith Solsken

Michigan

Calvin College
Master of Education Program. Offers a concentration in Literacy & Reading. Classroom teachers who wish to be knowledgeable concerning current issues in reading, writing, speaking, and listening may select a literacy concentration in the Curriculum and Instruction M.Ed. Applicants must possess an elementary or secondary teaching certificate and have completed course work in elementary and secondary reading requirements. Meets Michigan requirements for reading support service teachers. A specific course plan is designed in consultation with the program advisor.
Contact: James Rooks

Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids
The M.Ed. in Reading/Language Arts program provides the certified classroom teacher with the appreciation, theory, and practical skills to teach and lead in a variety of settings. Coursework can also be used toward a K–8 Elementary Reading Teacher (BT) endorsement, a 7–12 Secondary Reading Teacher (BT) endorsement, or a K–12 Reading Specialist (BR) endorsement. NCATE accredited.
Contact: Nancy Patterson

Madonna University
The Master of Arts in Teaching: Literacy Education is designed to enable certified classroom teachers to develop exemplary practices in literacy instruction in their current teaching positions and to assume leadership roles as reading specialists. Coursework is combined with clinical application and school-based experience. This course of study meets the standards of the Michigan Department of Education, and leads to state endorsement in Reading (BR), K–12.
Contact: Ruth H. Freeman

Oakland University
The Department of Reading and Language Arts offers programs leading to a Master of Arts in Teaching Reading and Language Arts, Reading Recovery® Teacher and Teacher-Leader certification, post-Masters certificates in reading and instructional systems technology, and a Ph.D. in Reading Education. Doctoral studies support work in multiple methodologies, with specializations that include writing, early literacy, digital literacies, children’s literature, assessment, and socio-cognitive and cultural approaches to literacy.
Contact: John E. McEneaney

University of Michigan School of Education
The doctoral program in literacy, language, and culture offers diverse perspectives on scholarship from disciplines such as psychology, linguistics, anthropology, and sociology. Research foci include acquisition and development of oral language, reading, and writing in children and adolescents; accountability, curriculum benchmarks, and assessment; multiliteracies and multilanguages; the development of inclusive classrooms as learning communities; and technologies that promote multiple ways of knowing.
Contact: Elizabeth Moje

Western Michigan University
Offers a Master of Arts in Educational and Professional Development in Reading (NCATE and Michigan State Review accredited) based on principles of constructivism. The program prepares reflective practitioners as teacher-scholars, leaders, learners, researchers, and agents for change. The university houses a reading center and clinic, offers a Reading Recovery site, and is the home of Reading Horizons.
Contact: Karen F. Thomas

Minnesota

College of St. Scholastica
The Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program, through the College of St. Scholastica, challenges students to analytically and reflectively examine their practice in order to encourage critical and creative thinking. Offered in a distance format, our rigorous program allows education professionals to maintain their current employment status while enhancing their knowledge and skills.
Contact: Kay Lutz

Hamline University, Graduate School of Education
Hamline’s Masters in Education (MAEd) is a proven pathway for teachers to increase their qualifications, continue professional development, and gain knowledge in a specialty field. You can begin your MAEd program with a focus on literacy and learning on Hamline’s St. Paul campus.

University of Minnesota
Offers a a M.A. and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in literacy education.

University of St. Thomas, Minneapolis, MN
Master of Arts in Reading programs develop reading teachers with research-based knowledge of child development, learning and reading processes, clinical testing and diagnostic tools, and methodology for reading instruction. Students may choose concentrations in elementary or secondary remedial reading or secondary developmental reading.
Contact: education@stthomas.edu

Walden University
Partnering with Canter, offers a MS in Education with a focus on Elementary Reading and Literacy. Walden’s distance learning degree program has been developed to provide teachers with proven strategies to help their students succeed in the vital areas of reading and literacy. The curriculum is directly related to the nationally accepted standards for teaching reading for the classroom professional as set forth by IRA.
Contact: walden.recruiter@educate.com

Mississippi

Alcorn State University
Master of Science in Education - Reading

Mississippi State University, Office of Graduate Studies

Mississippi University for Women
Master of Education in Reading Literacy. This program is designed for licensed teachers who wish to enhance their professional preparation in the field of literacy or prepare for other responsibilities in education, such as school reading coordinator. The conceptual framework is based on National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and IRA Standards.
Contact: Monica Riley

University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi offers the Master of Education: Reading Specialist/Literacy Coach degree. This fast-track program includes two 8-week summer sessions on the Hattiesburg campus and two practicum experiences conducted in the candidates' classrooms or other school settings. Candidates work collaboratively with the literacy faculty in a cohort model. Specialist and Doctoral Degrees in Elementary or Secondary Education with emphasis in reading instruction are also offered.
Contact:Dr. Marge Crowe, Graduate Advisor at 601-266-6005.

Missouri

Avila University, School of Education
The Master of Arts in Education degree is available with concentrations in Literacy, Teaching English to Second Language Learners, and Teaching and Learning. Advanced teaching certificates in Special Reading and ESOL can be completed in one year of continuous enrollment. The School of Education at Avila University is committed to educating innovative, adaptable, and involved professionals who will provide service to a diverse and ever-changing population.

University of Missouri, St. Louis - Division of Teaching and Learning
In its master’s degree programs, the Division of Teaching and Learning strives to develop and refine the concept of the "teacher as researcher" or the "teacher as reflective decision-maker or problem-solver." The degree is based on the premise that as professionals, teachers must understand both the products or findings of research and the underlying processes that influence their professional practice. Even more, to ensure career long improvement in practice and to maintain pride and self-esteem, teachers must feel that the conduct of action research and the sharing of findings is a valid and empowering component of their professional practice.

Montana

Montana State University, College of Graduate Studies
Contact: Gloria A. Gregg

University of Montana, School of Education

Nebraska

Chadron State College, School of Education & Graduate Studies
Contact: Clark Gardener

Nevada

University of Nevada, Las Vegas
The Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in literacy is intended for educators who desire to extend and advance knowledge in the theory and practice of education as researchers and members of university faculties or leaders in school districts and community agencies. The program structure includes study in an area of emphasis in literacy, a cognate area of study, educational research, an internship, and a dissertation. Graduate assistantships are available.
Contact: Graduate Secretary

The University of Nevada, Reno
The Literacy Studies Program offers Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Literacy Studies. The faculty provides leadership in a number of research projects and a literacy center related to literature-based instruction, word study, vocabulary and spelling, developmental literacy, historical/social foundations in literacy, literacy and diversity, literacy assessment, and metacognitive strategies.
Contact: Betty Ebbs

New Hampshire

Graduate School of the University of New Hampshire
The graduate program in reading prepares reading specialists and teachers to provide instruction and leadership in literacy in a variety of educational contexts. The instructional sequence integrates theory, research, and instructional practice, and incorporates field-based and clinical components. Particular emphasis is placed on the interrelationship of reading and writing. Graduates of the program provide direct instruction in literacy and offer leadership in organizing, managing, and evaluating literacy programs.
Contact: Grant Cioffi

Plymouth State University
The Reading and Writing Specialist program at Plymouth State University offers a broad range of courses and experiences that are K-12 in their instructional focus. It is designed to provide educators the opportunity to study the effective teaching of English/Language Arts, the diagnosis and assessment of reading and writing difficulties, reading and writing across the curriculum, literature-based teaching, Reading Recovery and special education strategies, the role of the specialist across grade levels, and investigation of current research and best practice in literacy.
Contact: Dennise Bartelo

New Jersey

Kean University, Nathan Weiss School of Graduate Studies
Offers NCATE- and NASDTEC-accredited reading specialist, basic skills specialist, and adult literacy programs, and a teacher of reading certificate.
Contact: Albert J. Mazurkiewicz

Monmouth University
The Reading Specialist (M.S.Ed.) program offers a comprehensive state-of-the-art curriculum combining both traditional classroom learning as well as online courses. Graduate students will gain an in-depth knowledge of the reading process, students, and conducting teacher research. The program is approved by the State of NJ Department of Education and the School of Education has applied to NCATE to become a candidate for accreditation.
Contact: Lynn Romeo

Rutgers University Graduate School of Education
Strong technology facilities allow for interactive distance learning and individual course websites. The Ph.D. in literacy education program is intended for students seeking university and or research careers, while the Ed.D. is for students seeking careers in school district supervision and administration. The M.A. in language arts extends the knowledge of certified teachers; the M.A. for reading specialist certification prepares students for supervisory positions in reading.
Contact: Lesley Mandel Morrow

New Mexico

Eastern New Mexico University, School of Education
Reading Education
Contact: Mellinee Lesley

New York

Adelphi University, School of Education
The master’s in literacy emphasizes an integrated, theoretically grounded view that addresses the needs of diverse students and teachers. The program aims to facilitate rigorous scholarship and research; contextualize learning and service in school, home, and community; integrate technology; and provide opportunities for critical reflection on the role of literacy in society and our responsibilities as educators.
Contact: Carole S. Rhodes

University at Albany, State University of New York
The Reading Department offers masters degrees, a certificate of advanced study, and a Ph.D. in Reading. The masters program is 30 hours and leads currently to New York certification as a reading or classroom teacher. Starting fall, 2002, masters programs in Literacy (Birth-6th grade, 5-12 and Birth-12th grade), Early Childhood and Childhood, and Literacy/Special Education (one joint program, one dual program) will meet new NY teacher certification requirements. (The Early Childhood and Childhood MS can be obtained entirely online, other MS programs can be obtained either on campus or in combination with online study. Advanced programs (CAS, Ph.D.) prepare students for research and university positions, as well as literacy-related careers (e.g., state education departments, college teaching, publishing industry).
Contact: Sean Walmsley or reading@csc.albany.edu

Canisius College
The Literacy Education Master of Science Degree Program prepares students to meet New York State requirements for certification as a literacy specialist. Course sequences in the program (33 credit hours) provide for certification in one of two areas: pre-K through grade 6 or grade 5 through grade 12. Additional coursework (9 hours) qualifies candidates for certification in both areas. Each concentration has a component that involves working with children in a clinical setting, specifically testing and tutoring in the area of literacy skills (reading and writing).
Contact: Dr. Mary Shea, Director, or call (716) 888-2811.

Fordham University
The Graduate School of Education offers a 36 credit Master of Science in Education degree, which is NCATE accredited. The program builds on initial teacher certification and leads to certification as a Literacy Specialist: Birth – Grade 6 or Grades 5 – 12. There is a strong emphasis on integrating theory and practice including two supervised practica. In addition, the program addresses first and second language learners, reading-writing connections, and promotes literacy leaders who are reflective practitioners. Complete program is offered at Lincoln Center in Manhattan and Tarrytown in Westchester. A Ph.D. program in Language, Literacy, and Learning is also available.
Contact: Rita S. Brause

Queens College of the City University of New York
Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education offers a 39-credit Literacy Teacher MSEd with B-6 literacy certification. Program themes are emergent literacy, diversity, and research. Applicants must have a 3.0 undergraduate average and certification as an elementary classroom teacher.
Contact: Evelyn O’Connor

The Sage Colleges — Sage Graduate School
The graduate program offers an NCATE accredited Masters in Literacy Education degree. Depending upon their initial certification, teachers may choose the Childhood (K-6) or Middle Childhood and Adolescence (6-12) certificate program. The Sage masters program emphasizes teaching in urban and culturally diverse classrooms with several required practica in those settings.
Contact: Dr. Peter McDermott

St. Bonaventure University — School of Education
St. Bonaventure University offers two Master’s of Science in Education degrees in literacy in beautiful Southwestern New York. The MSED Childhood Literacy Program prepares teachers for New York State Childhood Literacy Certification (Birth-Grade 6). The MSED Adolescent Literacy Program prepares teachers for New York State Adolescent Literacy Certification.
Contact: Joseph Zimmer

Teachers College, Columbia University
The Reading Specialist MA Program is an NCATE approved course of study which prepares students for two certifications in Literacy: birth to 6, and grades 5 to 12. The program emphasizes the development of typical developing and delayed literacy development from the vantage point of cognitive processes and their relation to race, ethnicity, language proficiency, and socioeconomic status. Students learn assessment and evidenced based intervention techniques for use with struggling readers and writers from the emergent literacy level to adulthood, including adolescent literacy, and participate in supervised practica. The program also has a professional development component for working with classroom teachers and other professionals in school settings. Contact: Dolores Perin, Ph.D. Program Coordinator

North Carolina

Appalachian State University, Reich College of Education
The Master’s degree in Reading Education provides a well-balanced program of academic and practicum experiences in two tracks: classroom/clinical for K-12 literacy instruction, and adult literacy for working with under-prepared adults. ASU, located in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains, has long been recognized as an outstanding teacher education institution.
Contact: Woody Trathen

Fayetteville State University, Department of Elementary Education
The Department of Elementary Education in the School of Education offers a Master of Education in Reading Education. The 36 hour program is designed to prepare facilitators of learning as reading specialists, leading to a M-level teaching license in reading grades K-12. Teachers develop expertise in areas of assessment and instruction of reading problems through an on campus reading clinic; in addition, there are opportunities to conduct action research, foster leadership skills and work with diverse learners. FSU has a chapter of the Alpha Upsilon Alpha Honor Society.
Contact: Dr. Priscilla Manarino-Leggett, Reading Coordinator

University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Department of Reading and Elementary Education
The NCATE-accredited master’s program in reading education leads to a K-12 instructional degree and an M-level teaching license in reading. Special features include convenient schedules for inservice teachers; opportunities for classroom-based research, conference presentations, and publications; support for National Board Certification; and graduate assistantships with stipend.
Contact: Karen Wood

University of North Carolina at Greensboro
The Department of Curriculum and Instruction offers a Master of Education with a Reading Concentration which can be completed full time or part time in 39 hours. The program is designed for students who have an undergraduate degree and license in teaching. The program is oriented toward improving results in teaching practice, as well as gaining critical knowledge, skills, and dispositions in action research, professional development, leadership, and working successfully with diverse learners in P-12 schools.
Contact: Francine Johnston

University of North Carolina at Pembroke
The Master of Arts in Reading Education, an NCATE accredited K-12 program, is designed to prepare teachers as leaders in the field of literacy instruction as reading specialists. This evening program builds on the knowledge base and experience of the practitioner. Teachers develop expertise in design, delivery, diagnosis, and assessment of reading domains. Opportunities to develop leadership competency include involvement in local councils and the NC Reading Association.
Contact: Betty Wells Brown

North Dakota

University of North Dakota - Graduate Programs in Education
The M.Ed. degree in Reading Education requires course work in the theoretical and practical aspects of teaching and learning language and literacy. It is designed to enable elementary, middle, and secondary teachers to implement strong integrated language arts programs and to evaluate and improve pupil performance in reading/language arts. The program culminates in an independent study. With careful planning students can meet the course requirements for the North Dakota Reading Credential and be certified as reading teachers.

Ohio

Bowling Green State University
The graduate programs at Bowling Green State University include an endorsement program, an M.Ed. program, and an Ed.S. program. Most courses in the endorsement program are online. Assistantships in the Martha Gesling Weber Reading Center are awarded in February for the following year, with a June start date. The M.Ed. in Reading program is a Nationally Recognized program. Contact: Cindy Hendricks

University of Cincinnati
The Graduate Program in Literacy offers M.Ed. and Ed.D. programs with specializations in K-12 Literacy Instruction and Teaching English as a Second Language as well as state endorsement as a Reading Specialist.
Contact: Cheri Williams

Oklahoma

Oklahoma State University - College of Education
Professional Education at Oklahoma State University is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). The School of Teaching and Curriculum Leadership offers graduate degree programs at the master’s and doctoral levels, with a specialization in Reading/Literacy.
Contact: Wayne Lanning

Oregon

Portland State University - Graduate School of Education
The Department of Curriculum and Instruction’s literacy program works to develop classroom teachers, reading specialists, and district reading personnel whose practice grows out of a solid grounding in current theory and research.
Contact: Emily de la Cruz

University of Portland (Oregon) - School of Education
The Master of Education degree programs offer the opportunity for initial and continuing teacher licensure at one of four levels: early childhood (age 3 through grade 4); elementary (grades 3 through 8), associated with the degree in elementary education; middle n(grades 5 through 10); and high school (grades 7 through 12), associated with the degree in secondary education. The curriculum is based on a well-researched knowledge base including effective teaching practice, reflective teaching, and leadership of the teacher in the classroom, in the school, and in the community.

Pennsylvania

Clarion University
The Master’s Degree Program in Reading is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the International Reading Association. This program encourages students to view themselves as researchers of teaching and learning and as professionals whose continued growth can best be met through inquiry, reflection, and sustained dialogues with peers. It affords practitioners the opportunity to share effective classroom practice while reading, interpreting, and analyzing current research and professional literature. Reading Specialist certification is also offered without the degree.
Contact: Donna Poljanec

Holy Family University
We prepare 30–45 reading specialists each year from the Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware, and Chester counties in PA and various counties in NJ. The cornerstones of our program include our philosophy of reading, the connection between theory and practice, assessment and instruction, collaboration, and classroom research. Many of our students have obtained reading specialist and administrative postions and several have completed or are in doctoral programs. We have a small faculty-student ratio (15–1), have graduate assistantships available, and recently started a chapter of IRA’s Alpha Upsilon Alpha Honor Society.
Contact: Kathleen Quinn

Kutztown University
The Masters of Education/Reading Specialist Certification program is designed to lead to a M.Ed degree and/or a Reading Specialist Certification. Students are prepared to plan, implement, and maintain instructional programs in literacy, and to recognize and work effectively with learners having varying degrees of reading expertise. The program focuses on both theoretical and practical experiences, addressing preventative and corrective approaches. 36 credits.
Contact: Beth Herbine

Shippensburg University
The Department of Teacher Education offers a M.Ed. program in Reading. To complete the degree a minimum of 33 semester hours must be completed. Coursework includes nine credits of core courses with the remaining 24 credits being offered in reading/literacy. Shippensburg University is also the Reading Recovery training site for the state of Pennsylvania.
Contact: Janet Bufalino

West Chester University
The Department of Literacy offers NCATE accredited graduate programs leading to an M.Ed. in Reading and Pennsylvania Reading Specialist certification. Students learn to construct and convey understanding about language and literacy development, literacy instruction and assessment.Appreciation of cultural, linguistic and ethnic diversity is a strong component of our program.
Contact: Sharon Kletzien

Widener University, Center for Education
Offers both master’s and doctoral programs in reading and related areas. Faculty are committed to demonstrating excellence in teaching and to pursuing scholarship that advances knowledge in the discipline. In keeping with the university’s pledge to take students’ education personally and to view learning as a cooperative enterprise, faculty and administrators are readily available to students outside of class.
Contact: Rita Serotkin

Rhode Island

Providence College
The master’s in literacy program, developmental and constructivist in nature, prepares students for Rhode Island K-12 reading specialist certification. A summer practicum (popularly known as “Literacy Camp”) is held at a local, urban school.

South Carolina

Clemson University, College of Health, Education, and Human Development
Offers an NCATE-accredited Master of Education in reading with related reading teacher, reading consultant, and reading coordinator/director certification. Students may choose one of four plans of study for the completion of course requirements; one plan incorporates Reading Recovery. Also offered is a Ph.D. program in curriculum and instruction with a cognate area in reading.
Contact: Kathy N. Headley

South Dakota

University of South Dakota
Contact: Division of Curriculum and Instruction.

Tennessee

Tennessee Technological University, College of Education
Offers a Ph.D. in exceptional learning with a literacy concentration, and Ed.S. and master’s degrees in curriculum and instruction with a reading concentration.
Contact: Betty Roe (for the doctoral program) or Elinor P. Ross

Texas

Sam Houston State University
Two graduate degrees are offered: (1) Master of Education in Reading and (2) a Doctorate in Reading. The nationally accredited (NCATE) 36-hour Master of Education in Reading degree is offered both face-to-face and online. Our program’s mission is to develop reflective practitioners who are also proactive instructional leaders and literacy advocates at all levels of literacy development. Two strands are offered for pursuing a Master of Education in Reading Degree: (1) Reading Specialist or Literacy coach—the candidate intends to take the Texas Reading Certification exam to become a Reading Specialist in the State of Texas. (2) Masters for Classroom Practitioners—the candidate does NOT intend to take the Texas Reading Certification exam. The Reading Doctoral Degree is a 60-hour face-to-face program.
Contact: Joyce K. McCauley

Stephen F. Austin State University
The NCATE accredited Master of Education: Professional Reading Certification is a 36 semester unit program which includes 24 semester units in Reading. The Master Reading Teacher Certification Program (MRT) consists of 12 semester units. The MRT courses are also in the Reading Specialist sequence. Both certifications may be earned entirely through distance education via the Internet.
Contact: Vi Alexander or Mary Nelle Brunson

Texas Woman’s University, Department of Reading
Offers Master of Education and Master of Arts degrees in reading, teaching, and reading teacher; also offers Ph.D. and Ed.D. degrees through a federation program.
Contact: Lettie Albright

University of Houston - Victoria
Offers a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction leading to all-levels reading specialist certification. Students who complete the program and pass the state reading specialist certification test are eligible for the Texas Master Reading Teacher certification without taking an additional certification test. We have included all MRT standards in the the program, which is built around a constructivist paradigm.
Contact: Steve Trowbridge

University of Texas at Arlington, Center for Distance Education
The (nonthesis) Master’s of Education in curriculum and instruction with Texas Reading Specialist and Master Reading Teacher certifications and either an ESL or bilingual endorsement may be earned entirely through distance education via the Internet.
Contact: Nancy Hadaway

West Texas A&M University—Canyon, Texas
MEd. in Reading Education—a 36-hour non-thesis graduate program that includes both online and campus courses. The core courses in Reading include: Foundations, Emergent Literacy, Content Area Reading, Multicultural Children’s Literature, Language & Literacy in Classroom, Diagnosis and Remediation, Organization and Administration of Reading Programs.
Contact: Suzanne Monroe

Utah

Brigham Young University, McKay School of Education, Department of Teacher Education
Offers NCATE-accredited programs leading to an Ed.D. in reading or M.A. or M.Ed. in teaching and learning. Partnership with local public schools provides many opportunities for graduate students to study literacy-related issues within the classroom context. The strong faculty has contributed to the national and international literacy dialogue through refereed publications, editorship of national publications, and presentations at numerous professional conferences. Limited graduate assistantships are available.
Contact: Karen Eddington

Vermont

University of Vermont, College of Education and Social Services
Master of Ed. - Reading and Language Arts
The College of Education and Social Services (CESS) is one of eight undergraduate colleges and schools at the University of Vermont. The undergraduates in CESS have chosen to work as teachers, social workers, athletic trainers, or as other professionals in the human services. All the CESS undergraduate programs expect students to have a sound liberal education and to have the professional preparation so they can leave the college and prepared to teach and work in today’s schools, agencies and organizations.
Contact: Beth Ann Mohler

Virginia

The College of William & Mary
The School of Education at the College of William and Mary offers a 36-hour non-thesis M.A.Ed. program in Curriculum and Instruction (NCATE and IRA accredited) with an emphasis in reading and state licensure as a reading specialist. All courses include integrated internship experiences. The Eastern Virginia Writing Project (EVWP) is also an option (via an application process) for those interested in writing. The nationally and internationally recognized faculty has refereed publications, books, and presentations at numerous professional conferences. Limited graduate assistantships are available.
Contact: Denise Johnson

Longwood University
Masters of Science in Education with a concentration in Literacy and Culture and a Reading Specialist endorsement. Students inquire into learning theories that impact literacy, reading and writing processes, the impact of culture on literacy development, the various professional responsibilities of a reading specialist, and linking theory to practice.
Contact: Barbara Chesler

University of Virginia, Curry School of Education
The Curry School offers masters and doctoral degrees in reading as well as state licensure as a reading specialist. Curry programs are evidence-based, and faculty research includes word study, spelling, assessment, language development, children’s literature, adolescent literacy, and affective factors. Graduate students study at the McGuffey Reading Clinic, long dedicated to serving children at risk through assessment-driven instruction. Contact: Victoria Beamer

Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Education
The university’s M.Ed. in reading education and post-master’s Certificate in Reading are approved reading specialist certification programs that include cooperative learning experiences, diverse assessment measures, and an integrated internship experience to fulfill their mission. The faculty is committed to preparing teachers who can provide expert instruction, assessment, and leadership.
Contact: Rachel Karchmer

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Offers M.A., Ph.D., and Ed.D. programs (NCATE accredited) in curriculum and instruction, with an emphasis in reading. The majority of M.A. degrees are earned through off-campus programs in which inservice teachers progress as a learning community (cohort).
Contact: Rosary Lalik

Washington

College of Education, University of Washington

Washington State University

West Virginia

West Virginia University
The primary purpose of the Master’s Degree in Reading is to increase the competencies of teachers and others working in the field of reading. Offerings and competencies are concerned with the areas of developmental, diagnostic, prescriptive, and clinical reading. Opportunities are provided to prepare for assignments in such diverse areas as: all levels of public and private education, clinical work, and related positions in industry and business.

Wisconsin

University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse
Reading education at UW-La Crosse is built on a firm foundation of best practice and current research in literacy. This multifaceted program is designed to meet the needs of educators who are interested in ongoing professional development in reading education as well as those who are interested in pursuing a master’s degree in education. There are three different options for the master’s degree: classroom teacher, reading teacher, or reading specialist. Graduate students may also pursue Wisconsin 316 or 17 licensure as a Reading Teacher or Reading Specialist.
Contact: Delores Heiden

University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, School of Education
Offers a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with a reading focus. Students in the program can also design coursework to meet requirements for state reading teacher and reading specialist licenses.
Contact: Mary Jett

University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh, Department of Reading Education
NCATE-accredited master’s degree in reading education and a graduate achievement program in reading include Wisconsin 316 and 317 reading teacher and reading specialist certification. Courses are offered in the evenings and during summers, with some distance learning experiences available.
Contact: Judy C. Lambert

University of Wisconsin - Stout, School of Education
Reading teacher certification course requirements may be completed as a concentration area in the online Master of Science in Education degree. No travel to campus is required. Participate with a network of colleagues from around the world in this distance learning experience, and complete the Wisconsin reading teacher certification 316 course work in five semesters.
Contact: Amy Gullixson

University of Wisconsin - Whitewater, College of Education
The Master of Science in Education degree is offered in reading to prepare teachers to provide special services in reading at the elementary and secondary level, and to license students as reading teachers or as reading specialists.
Contact: Susan Toms-Bronowski

Wyoming

University of Wyoming, Graduate School