Literacy Education, M.A. with Reading Specialist Certification
College of Applied Human Sciences
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
Dates:
Next Start: August 20, 2025 Admission Terms: Fall, Spring, Summer
Learning Format:
Online asynchronous, synchronous
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
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.
Meet the Faculty
- LE 620: Specialized Literacy Professionals, 3 credit hours
- LE 621: Knowledge of Literacy Instruction, 3 credit hours
- LE 622: Disciplinary Literacy, 3 credit hours
- LE 624: Foundations of Literacy, 3 credit hours
- LE 627: Motivation and Engagement in Literacy Learning, 3 credit hours
- LE 640: Literacy Intervention 1, 3 credit hours
- LE 682: Literacy Assessments, 3 credit hours
- LE 689: Literacy Intervention 2, 3 credit hours
- LE 726: Literacy Leadership, 3 credit hours
- Elective, 3 credit hours
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.
- WVU Online Graduate Application
- One letter of recommendation
- Request official transcripts from all institutions attended (other than WVU)
- Email to: GraduateAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu
- Mail to: WVU Hub P.O. Box 6004 Morgantown, WV 26506
Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid
- 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.
Connect with Our Team
Ann Clayton Online Admissions Coach
(304) 293-0915 Ann.Clayton@mail.wvu.edu
Explore Profile Schedule Chat
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