10 Online Reading Specialist Masters Programs

Reading specialists are educators who are licensed to teach in K-12 schools and assist students in all areas of literacy.

They help students develop reading and writing skills that can help them succeed in school and throughout their lives.

To become a reading specialist, it's common for educators to complete a master's degree program in education with a focus on reading or literacy.

Find out which schools are offering online master's degree programs for individuals interested in becoming reading specialists.

List of Online Reading Specialist Master's Degrees

Review this list of schools offering online reading specialist master's degree programs.

1. Liberty University

Liberty University delivers the 100% online Master of Education (M.Ed.) with a Reading Specialist Endorsement.

Enrollees learn the latest education and literacy techniques to guide students to successful reading comprehension.

This 36-credit advanced licensure program consists of short eight-week courses and offers the ability to transfer up to 50% of the degree total so students can graduate in just one and a half years.

To enroll, students must have initial teaching licensure and some full-time contractual teaching experience.

2. University of New England

At the University of New England, students can enroll in the Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) program, which can be completed in less than two years.

This 100% online, 36-credit program equips teachers with foundational knowledge to properly assess students and offer targeted instruction for literacy.

Enrollees are also trained for leadership roles in their educational institutions and are taught how to work with other educators to strengthen student literacy.

Graduates are prepared for Literacy Specialist Certification (092) in Maine.

3. University of Kansas

University of Kansas students who want careers in reading and literacy can enroll in the online Master of Science in Education (M.S.E.) program, which offers two reading degree tracks.

The 33-credit Reading Specialist Licensure Track prepares students to become reading specialists and secure licensure via online coursework, practicum experience, and a case study.

The 30-credit Reading Non-Licensure Track helps students who already have their teaching or reading specialist license build on their knowledge and earn a master's degree.

4. St. Joseph's University

St. Joseph's University's two-year online Master of Science in Education program offers various avenues for individuals interested in working as reading specialists.

The M.S. program is designed for teaching candidates who want Level 1 instructional certification.

Candidates who don't have an educational background can simultaneously pursue their master's degree and complete Pennsylvania reading specialist certification.

Certified teachers who want additional certification can enroll in the 24-credit-hour Reading Specialist Certificate option.

5. Pennsylvania Western University

Pennsylvania Western University offers the Reading Specialist Master's Degree to students interested in a flexible online graduate program.

The goal of this 100% online degree is to prepare students to support learners from diverse backgrounds by designing evidence-based literary instructional practices.

The 30-credit program offers two concentration options: Dyslexia Interventionist and Literary Specialist.

Students who complete this program will be ready for careers as reading coaches, literary coaches, reading intervention specialists, and more.

6. Texas A&M University

Students attending Texas A&M University can enroll in the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction degree program with an emphasis in Reading and Literacy.

This M.Ed. program is available online or on campus and allows students to pursue a 21-credit Reading Specialist Certification, which features both asynchronous and synchronous online courses.

M.Ed. courses include Curriculum Development, Reading Diagnosis, Literacy and Language, Foundations of Reading Instruction, and Analysis of Teaching Behavior.

7. Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University is home to the online M.S.Ed. in Reading Education - Reading Specialist degree.

Program enrollees develop the skills they need to teach students to read, serve as literacy coaches, design reading curricula, and assess students' strengths and weaknesses as readers.

The goal of this degree is to prepare licensed educators in the state of Virginia for reading specialist endorsement.

In addition to online courses, students take part in a local field-based reading specialist/literacy practicum.

8. Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University delivers the fully online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Literacy Instruction degree with Reading Specialist Certification.

This 36-hour program is designed for teacher practitioners who want to strengthen their ability to teach literacy in classroom settings by obtaining a Texas Reading Specialist Certification.

Certification candidates must have valid Texas teaching certification at the elementary or secondary level and two years of teaching experience.

Along with online coursework, students must complete 160 hours of field experience.

9. York College of Pennsylvania

At York College of Pennsylvania, teachers can enroll in the fully online M.Ed. Reading Specialist program and learn new ways to promote literacy development in the classroom.

The curriculum explores multicultural and diverse literacy, reading assessment and intervention strategies, reading curriculum development, and research methods in literacy education.

Upon completion, students will be ready to sit for the Praxis exam and apply for the Pennsylvania Department of Education's Reading Specialist Certification.

10. Regis University

Regis University's Master of Education in Reading with Reading Specialist Endorsement is a fully online program for licensed teachers in Colorado.

The program helps teachers increase their literacy knowledge to secure literacy-focused teaching positions and help students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and other challenges.

Courses include Emergent Literacy, Reading and Writing Connections, Teaching Reading and Writing, and Literacy for Students with Special Needs.

Students can expect to complete this program in 18 to 22 months.

Is a Reading Specialist Master's Degree Right for Me?

Whether you're a current teacher or a student with no background in education, if you're interested in earning a reading specialist master's degree, it's important to first decide if the role is right for you.

A great way to find out is by understanding the responsibilities of reading specialists, which include:

• teaching alongside general education teachers.
• practicing word skills and reading comprehension with students individually.
• giving group lessons to students with similar needs.
• conducting individual and small group lessons to support Response to Intervention (RTI) needs.
• taking part in Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings.
• ensuring curricula meets students' literacy needs.

If taking on these duties sounds exciting, earning a master's degree to become a reading specialist might be the right choice for you.

How Much Does an Online Reading Specialist Master's Degree Cost?

The cost of earning an online reading specialist master's degree depends largely on the school you attend. Programs are available that cost as little as $415 per credit hour.

When searching for online reading specialist master's programs, your goal should be to find one that suits your academic and financial needs.

If you find a desired program that falls outside of your budget, consider ways to reduce your tuition costs like graduate fellowships, assistantships, scholarships, and grants.

Military veterans and active servicemembers could consider the GI Bill as well as military scholarships, grants, and school tuition reduction programs.

If you work as a teacher or are employed by a private business, find out if you can take advantage of a tuition reimbursement program that covers some or all of your school costs.

How Long Is an Online Reading Specialist Master's Program?

Many people who enter reading specialist master's degree programs are licensed teachers who already have experience under their belts before enrolling.

However, some students have a bachelor's degree and want to earn initial teacher licensure and then secure an additional reading specialist endorsement or certification.

In both cases, it seems that students can complete their programs and begin working as reading specialists in as little as two years. Some programs can be completed in just 18 months.

For specific details on the timeframe needed to complete your chosen online reading specialist master's degree program, contact your college or university.

What Can I Do With a Reading Specialist Master's Degree?

After earning an online reading specialist master's degree, it's common for program graduates to take roles in academic settings as reading specialists.

But these are not the only roles available to individuals who earn these degrees. Other positions for online reading specialist master's degree holders could include:

• reading interventionists
• reading teachers
• literacy coaches
• literacy specialists
• literacy coordinators
• staff developers

Educators with this degree can also become consultants and even private teachers.

Earn an Online Reading Specialist Masters Degree

Becoming a reading specialist starts with securing the master's degree and certification or endorsement that meets your state's requirements. Choose a top online reading specialist master's program and start your career on the right track today.