Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Walden University's online M.S. in Education program with a specialization in Elementary Reading and Literacy (Grades preK-6) is designed to reflect the professional guidelines set forth by the International Reading Association (IRA). You will study the use of technology as a literacy learning tool, how to create an environment that supports literacy learning, and ways to use data assessment to monitor student progress and identify areas of need. Additional topics that are covered in the curriculum include literacy development in the culturally and linguistically diverse classroom.

What Are the Prerequisites?

If you apply to Walden University's M.S. in Education program with a specialization in Elementary Reading and Literacy (Grades preK-6), you should be interested in working with children and students in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade and have strong communication and interpersonal skills. Applicants to Walden University's programs must be at least 24 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent; or be an active member of the military or a veteran; or have already earned at least 90 quarter hours of credit. Applicants may need to complete additional requirements for some programs.

What Are the Program Requirements?

The M.S. in Education program with a specialization in Elementary Reading and Literacy (Grades preK-6) requires completion of 30 semester credit hours. The degree program is made up of core courses and specialization courses. There is no capstone requirement.

Core Courses

• Teacher as Professional
• Designing Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
• Enhancing Learning Through Linguistic and Cultural Diversity
• Action Research for Educators
• Creating an Effective Classroom Learning Environment

Specialization Courses

• Foundations of Reading and Literacy
• The Beginning Reader, PreK-3
• The Developing Reader, Grades 4-6
• Literacy Development in a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Classroom
• Literacy Development in an Academically Diverse Classroom

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

Once you have completed Walden University's M.S. in Education program with a specialization in Elementary Reading and Literacy (Grades preK-6), you can pursue jobs with private schools, child care centers, and the public school system. As a job candidate, you should be able to demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills as well as a desire to help students improve their reading and writing skills. Some reading specialists choose to open their own businesses and offer clients tutoring services. Some possible jobs could include:

• Reading specialist
• Reading tutor
• Literacy coach
• Educator

Career opportunities may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.

Advanced Degrees

When you have completed Walden University's M.S. in Education program with a specialization in Elementary Reading and Literacy (Grades preK-6), you have the opportunity to pursue a doctoral program in reading and literacy or in a related field. A doctoral program requires students to engage in a research project, which results in the completion of a dissertation. However, before a student begins work on his or her dissertation, coursework must first be completed. Some of these courses may include reading development and comprehension, children's and young adult literature, and engaging struggling adolescent readers. Degrees listed are not institution-specific but constitute a sampling of continuing education options for graduates. Degrees you could pursue include:

• Doctor of Education (Literacy Development)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Literacy Education (Reading)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Reading and Literacy
• Doctor of Philosophy in Reading and Writing (Literacy)