Skip to main content
WVU Online
How to Apply Request Info

Literacy Education, M.A. with Reading Specialist Certification

College of Applied Human Sciences

Elementary School students listening to a presentation in a library

WVU’s nationally recognized online Master’s in Literacy Education with Reading Specialist Certification, offered through the College of Applied Human Sciences, prepares educators to become certified Reading Specialists (Pre-K through Adult) and to serve in a variety of specialized literacy roles.

Cost:

$702 / Cost per credit hour *

Courses and Credits:

10 Courses / 30 Credits

Duration:

18-months to two years / 8-week terms

Dates:

Next Start: August 20, 2025 Admission Terms: Fall, Spring, Summer

Learning Format:

Online asynchronous, synchronous

Request Info How to Apply

Program Overview

Further Your Teaching Career By Becoming a Literacy Professional

The Master of Arts in Literacy Education at West Virginia University is designed to prepare educators to become leaders in the field of literacy. This fully online program empowers you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students by helping them reach their full potential through effective reading instruction.

You’ll gain a deep understanding of the theory and research that underpin successful literacy teaching, while developing the skills needed to support diverse learners across all grade levels. The program also prepares you for Pre-K through Adult Reading Specialist certification, which can be added to your existing teaching license upon passing the Praxis Series test.

  • 100% Online Format: All courses are delivered online in 8-week sessions.
  • Flexible Scheduling: Courses are available during Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters to fit your schedule.
  • Global Perspective: Taught by internationally experienced faculty who enrich the curriculum with global insights.
  • Hands-On Experience: Complete school-based intervention practicums and novice literacy coaching in your own community, supervised remotely by WVU faculty.
  • Award-Winning Program: Recipient of the International Literacy Association’s National Recognition With Distinction Award. Read more about this accomplishment.
"Every course I have taken in the last year has had some sort of video chat, discussion board, or collaboration. It is also helpful that many of us follow the same path in the program, so many of us who started together will finish together."

Allyson Whorton Varlas

Literacy Education M.A. With Reading Specialist Certification

headshot photograph of graduate allyson whorton     

Curriculum

The nationally recognized Literacy Education M.A. degree from the College of Applied Human Sciences will prepare you to be a specialized literacy professional as outlined by the International Literacy Association's (ILA) Standards. In addition to Reading Specialist, other roles include Literacy Coach, Literacy Coordinator or Literacy Leader. You will demonstrate knowledge of the foundations of literacy and language, design curricula to meet the needs of learners, evaluate literacy instruction for learners, integrate digital technologies, and collaborate with teachers to implement effective literacy practices.

By the completion of the program, you will be able to: 

  • Make strategic leadership decisions, including the development of mission and vision driven by values and goals. 
  • Make instructional leadership decisions, including professional development plans, curriculum and instruction programs, and assessment and accountability systems. 
  • Evaluate climate and cultural leadership practices, including the establishment of a community of care for teachers and students and strategies toward equity and cultural responsiveness.
  • Employ ethical decision-making regarding policies and utilize appropriate systems to protect the rights of students and faculty. 
  • Utilize organizational leadership practices to manage facilities, human and fiscal resources, and ensure a safe environment. 
  • Practice community-engaged, collaborative leadership strategies. 
  • Evaluate place-based leadership theories and practices. 

Meet the Faculty

A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for all coursework applied towards the major.
A minimum grade of B is required for all coursework applied towards the major.

Core Courses
  • EDUC 630: Strategic Leadership, 3 credit hours
  • EDUC 631: Instructional Leadership, 3 credit hours
  • EDUC 632: Cultural Leadership, 3 credit hours
  • EDUC 633: Ethical & Policy Leadership, 3 credit hours
  • EDUC 634: Organizational & Community Leadership, 3 credit hours
  • EDUC 369: Leadership Internship I, 3 credit hours
Electives, 12 credit hours
  • EDUC 640: Leadership Internship II*, 3 credit hours
  • EDUC 641: Place-based Leadership, 3 credit hours
  • EDUC 635: Superintendent Seminar, 3 credit hours
  • Additional education-focused elective courses as approved by advisor.
Total: 30 Credit Hours

*Students enrolled in the Combined School and District Leadership Certificate must take EDUC 640 as one of their elective courses.

This information is from WVU's 2025-2026 Academic Catalog.

ILA Reading Literacy Specialist Preparation Program seal of approval
Awarded the ILA National Recognition with Distinction for the Preparation of Literacy Professionals
This designation shows that this program is aligned to the International Literacy Association (ILA) Standards for the Preparation of Literacy Professionals 2017 and is leading the way to advance excellence and equity in literacy acquisition worldwide.

Admissions Requirements and Eligibility

A bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA and valid teaching certification.

* Provisional admission is possible with faculty approval for those with less than a 3.0. Those without an undergraduate education degree may be asked to provide a writing sample and/or references.

Admissions Process and How to Apply

Individuals who wish to apply for the Master of Arts in Literacy Education graduate program, may apply at any time during a term for admission for the next term or later. Early application is recommended, however, to allow processing time and faculty review.

*GRE and GMAT scores are not required

Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid

The University provides a comprehensive approach to helping you finance your education. Learn more on the WVU Financial Aid Website.

Tuition and fees are usually not the only educational expenses you may have while pursuing a degree. You may have other costs such as books, supplies, and living expenses. Visit the Estimate Costs and Aid webpage to estimate and plan for other potential expenses.

Students are encouraged to:
  • File the application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the June deadline to determine eligibility for funding and scholarships.
  • Inquire with your employer about potential financial support for continuing your education.
Tuition per credit hour is listed on the page of your program of interest. Please note, tuition and fees are reviewed and subject to change at the start of each academic year.

Connect with Our Team

Ann Clayton Online Admissions Coach

(304) 293-0915 Ann.Clayton@mail.wvu.edu

Explore Profile Schedule Chat
Placeholder

Careers and Employment

Upon graduation, you will be prepared for careers in many areas of literacy education! These opportunities include, but are not limited to:

Career Paths

  • Elementary School Teacher
  • Middle School Teacher
  • Special Education – Preschool
  • Education Administrator - Elementary and Secondary
  • Tutor
  • Elementary School Teacher
  • Special Education Teacher
  • Instructional Coordinator
  • Education Administration – Postsecondary
  • Reading Specialist
  • Reading Interventionist
  • Literacy Coach
  • Literacy Coordinator
  • Literacy Leader

Explore Program

Get in Touch

The WVU Online team is here for you during your online learning journey. We can help you navigate the curriculum of your program of interest, understand the application process, and keep you posted on upcoming events and deadlines.

Request Information

Connect with Admissions Coach