M.S. in Literacy Education

The Literacy Education program equips educators to serve as literacy leaders in the K-12 setting and offers educators an opportunity to earn endorsement credentials to become a Reading Specialist in Virginia.  Virginia requires the following for the Reading Specialist endorsement:

• Three years of teaching experience in an accredited public or private school setting;
• Master’s degree in the field of education;
• Literacy-specific course credentials; and
• Passing score on the Praxis exam for Reading Specialist (5302).

The Reading Specialist Certificate offers Reading Specialist endorsement coursework for educators who already have a graduate degree in the field of education and three years of teaching experience. For more information about the Reading Specialist Certificate, please visit the Certificates Page.

The Literacy Education degree program offers a graduate degree in literacy, along with the competency credentials required to become a Reading Specialist in the Commonwealth of Virginia. 

All candidates in both the certificate and degree program become adept at applying research-supported, data-driven, literacy instruction and intervention.  Candidates likewise develop literacy leadership skills for instructional coaching, program selection, and school-wide literacy approaches.

The program is designed for practicing educators, as classes are offered after school hours and assignments are designed to be school-, classroom- and student-centered.  Courses in the literacy education program are available on-campus, on-site within school divisions in the region, at higher education centers across Virginia, and online.

The Literacy Education program leads to professional opportunities to serve as:

• Reading Specialists (K-12)
• Literacy Coaches
• Title 1 Teachers
• Literacy Supervisors and Coordinators

Financial aid and scholarships are available.  

LITERACY EDUCATION MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS (33 credit hours) *Program is undergoing curriculum revisions to reduce credits to 10 courses for 30 hours.

For successful completion of the graduate Literacy Education Program all candidates are required to attain a passing score or higher on the Reading for Virginia Educators - Reading Specialist examination. Candidates will be allowed two opportunities to successfully pass the RVE - Reading Specialist. A Master's degree will not be awarded if a candidate fails to achieve the passing score or higher after taking the RVE a second time.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

Applications for both the degree and certificate program are accepted on a rolling admission basis.

Literacy Education degree program requirements:

• Minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.75 overall.
• Send official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate coursework including degrees conferred.
• Submit an essay (typed, double spaced, three pages in length), that includes the following:
  • What past work experiences and interests influenced your decision to apply for the reading education program?
  • Describe your short- and long-term goals and career aspirations as they relate to the reading program.
    (Essays will be evaluated by the admissions committee as part of the application).
• References should be from two individuals who can address your history of successful teaching experiences with students and your potential for academic and professional success in the field of literacy education.
• Submit a copy of your teaching license.

MEET THE PROFESSORS