Literacy Education, M.A. with Reading Specialist Certification
College of Applied Human Sciences
The nationally recognized WVU College of Applied Human Sciences Literacy Education online master's program prepares teachers to become certified as Reading Specialists (Pre-K-Adult) and to fulfill other roles of specialized literacy professionals.
Cost:
$702 / Cost per credit hour *
Courses and Credits:
10 Courses / 30 Credits
Duration:
18 months to two years
Dates:
Next Start: May 19, 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 is designed to prepare you to be a leader in the field of literacy education and to positively affect the lives of today’s youth, helping them to reach their full potential.
- You will gain a deep understanding of the theory and research that is fundamental to successful teaching of reading
- All classes are offered 100% online and consist of 8-week courses, totaling 30 credit hours.
- Scheduling of courses is flexible, with multiple courses offered in the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters.
- The courses are taught by a diverse faculty who bring an international perspective to the curriculum.
- Program faculty frequently travel internationally, which enriches the program by broadening its scope to encompass the global dimensions of literacy education.
- School-based intervention practicum and novice literary coaching experiences may be completed in your home community, supervised remotely by WVU faculty.
- This includes intervention work with students and working with peers and experienced colleagues.
- WVU's Literacy Education program is the recipient of the International Literacy Association's National Recognition With Distinction Award.
- This professional graduate program leads to pre-K through adult reading specialist certification. Upon graduation you may attach Reading Specialist certification to your current teaching certificate by passing the PRAXIS Series test.
"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