Literacy Education, M.A. with Reading Specialist Certification

College of Applied Human Sciences

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.

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.

Learning Outcomes

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

• Demonstrate knowledge of major theoretical, conceptual, historical, and evidence-based foundations of literacy and language, the ways in which they interrelate, and the role of the reading/literacy specialist in schools.
• Use foundational knowledge to design literacy curricula to meet needs of learners, especially those who experience difficulty with literacy; design, implement, and evaluate small-group and individual evidence-based literacy instruction for learners; collaborate with teachers to implement effective literacy practices.
• Understand, select, and use valid, reliable, fair, and appropriate assessment tools to screen, diagnose, and measure student literacy achievement; inform instruction and evaluate interventions; assist teachers in their understanding and use of assessment results; advocate for appropriate literacy practices to relevant stakeholders.
• Demonstrate knowledge of research, relevant theories, pedagogies, and essential concepts of diversity and equity; demonstrate an understanding of themselves and others as cultural beings; create classrooms and schools that are inclusive and affirming; advocate for equity at school, district, and community levels.
• Demonstrate the ability to meet the developmental needs of all learners and collaborate with school personnel to use a variety of print and digital materials to engage and motivate all learners; integrate digital technologies in appropriate, safe, and effective ways; foster a positive climate that supports a literacy-rich learning environment.
• Demonstrate the ability to be reflective literacy professionals, who apply their knowledge of adult learning to work collaboratively with colleagues; demonstrate their leadership and facilitation skills; advocate on behalf of teachers, students, families, and communities.
• Complete supervised, integrated, extended practica/clinical experiences that include intervention work with students and working with their peers and experienced colleagues; practica include ongoing experiences in school-based setting(s); supervision includes observation and ongoing feedback by qualified supervisors.
  
  

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.

• Review the requirements for the program and learn what materials are needed to apply.
• Create an account, start your application and follow the instructions.
• Pay the application fee.
• Submit your application.

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